Undisputed and Undefeated: Terence Crawford retires from boxing

Terence Crawford has announced his retirement from boxing with immediate effect, just three months after becoming the undisputed super middleweight world champion, and weeks after being stripped of the WBC title.

Through the years, we've seen so many fighters give everything they had to the ring, sometimes, perhaps, a little too much - in a sport centered around calculated, potentially life-altering, decisions, it's rare that we see a fighter leave on their own terms.

'Bud' is one of those rare few, cementing his position in boxing history as one of the greats. He makes his exit with an undefeated 42-0 record - aligning with, not only retired fighters who hung up the gloves undefeated, but as unbeaten champions.

From the Heartland to the world

Terence grew up in Omaha. Nebraska, where he started boxing as a young child to stay out of trouble. With a strong amateur career, he turned pro in 2008 and rose through the ranks with a reputation of toughness. 

Known for his switch-hitting style, work ethic, and adaptability, Crawford built his career out of the small boxing markets to become one of the sport's most respected champions. Rising through multiple weight classes, and becoming a multi-division champion, he’s earned recognition as one of the pound-for-pound greats.

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This decision matches his fighting style: calculated and precise. Laying his name amongst boxing royalty such as Rocky Marciano, Floyd Mayweather, Joe Calzaghe, and Andre Ward.

Over his 18 year career span, he held world titles in five different weight divisions - and he’s the first male boxer in the modern era to become undisputed champion in three of those - super-lightweight, welterweight, and super-middleweight. 

The last dance

His last bout against Canelo Alverez was the perfect punctuation - a tactical, highly skillful demonstration of his ring IQ while neutralizing Canelo with his slick head movement, razor sharp counterpunching, distance / pace control all lead to his unanimous decision win.

Regardless of all the talk on him being too small or being out of his class, he became the undisputed super-middleweight champion.

Not goodbye, not yet

In his own words, Crawford is “Walking away as a great with nothing else left to prove,” walking away on his own terms, not because he can’t compete but because he’s accomplished all of his goals in the sport.

Describing his career as “A journey fueled by passion, sacrifice, and belief,” emphasizing that his retirement is only the start of a new chapter, not a final goodbye.