Undisputed pound-for-pound king of boxing, Terrence Crawford, has announced his retirement at age 38. This brings to a close a flawless career with a 42-0 record, including 31 knockouts.
The Nebraska native shocked the sport back in September after his historic unanimous decision victory over Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, claiming the super middleweight titles and becoming the first male boxer in the four-belt era to go undisputed in three divisions.
Turning pro in 2008 after a stellar amateur career that included a win over Brian Cummings, Crawford captured his first major title in 2013 via TKO against Alejandro Sanabria, then dominated light welterweight by dismantling Viktor Postol and Julius Indongo for undisputed glory.
He moved to welterweight, where his masterclass stoppage of Jeff Horn in 2018 and finishing of Egidijus Kavaliauskas strengthened his career, before a pair of wins over Errol Spence Jr., the first unifying all four belts in 2023, then a rematch that only catapulted him to more glory.
The switch to light middleweight brought another undisputed reign against Israil Madrimov, showing his knowledge of the sport, and leaving opponents guessing with southpaw-orthodox switches.
His last great feat was the Canelo fight in Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, which drew 70,482 fans. The fight was a culmination of all Crawford had embodied all these years.
He neutralized the Mexican star via unanimous decision, keeping him unbeaten and further cementing his place among the all time greats.
Crawford revealed the decision Tuesday via social media and a YouTube video: “I’ve been blessed to live out a dream that started long before the lights, the fans, or the world titles.
“From Omaha to the biggest stages in boxing, every step of this journey was earned through sacrifice, discipline, and faith.
“I gave this sport everything I had. I faced the best, moved through weight classes, and made history on my own terms. 42-0. 3x Undisputed. Five-division world champion. No shortcuts. No excuses.”
As a five-division champion and three-time undisputed king, Crawford retires at the absolute pinnacle, with his technical ability, chin, and adaptability unmatched in modern boxing.
The sport will, without a doubt, feel the absence of a once-in-a-generation talent who silenced critics, bedazzled fans, and stunned opponents.
