The boxing world bids farewell to elite champion Terence Crawford, who announced his retirement Tuesday at age 38 with an unblemished 42-0 professional record. The news came via social media video, three months after his September triumph over Canelo Álvarez in Las Vegas.
Crawford’s final fight against Álvarez showcased his elite championship qualities, as he controlled every round to win the undisputed super middleweight championship by unanimous decision. The performance against such high-level opposition provided the ideal bookend to a career built on technical mastery and consistent excellence.
Crawford’s retirement statement revealed the personal philosophy behind his decision. He spoke about leaving on his own terms as a victory in itself, and reflected on a career driven by the need to silence critics while fighting for his family, his Nebraska hometown, and his childhood dreams.
After making his professional debut in 2008, Crawford established himself as an elite talent. His first world championship came in 2014 with a victory over Ricky Burns for the WBO lightweight title, launching a historic run that saw him conquer five different weight divisions with systematic precision and skill.
Crawford retires with historic credentials: 42 consecutive victories, 31 knockouts, 18 world titles spanning five weight classes, never being knocked down, and currently holding three super middleweight belts (WBA, IBF, WBO). His perfect record includes the distinction that every single victory came via stoppage or unanimous decision, with not a single judge ever ruling in favor of any opponent he faced throughout his entire professional career.
