Boxing loses one of its most masterful champions as Terence Crawford announces retirement at age 38 with an immaculate 42-0 professional record. The announcement arrived Tuesday via social media video, bringing closure to a career that saw him master five different weight divisions.
Crawford’s September performance against Canelo Álvarez in Las Vegas will stand as a testament to his masterful abilities. The unanimous decision victory secured the undisputed super middleweight championship and showcased the technical brilliance that defined his entire career, providing the perfect conclusion to his time in the ring.
In his retirement message, Crawford stressed the importance of leaving by choice. He reflected on a career motivated by the need to prove himself repeatedly, while fighting for his family, his Nebraska community, and the dreams of the boy who started with nothing but ambition and determination.
Crawford began his professional career in 2008 and claimed his first world title in 2014 with a victory over Ricky Burns for the WBO lightweight championship. His southpaw stance and masterful technique allowed him to dominate five different weight divisions, adapting his approach to overcome every challenge.
The career statistics are extraordinary: 42 consecutive victories, 31 knockouts, 18 world titles across five weight classes, never knocked down, and holding three super middleweight championships (WBA, IBF, WBO). Crawford’s perfect record includes the distinction that every victory came by stoppage or unanimous decision, with not a single judge ever ruling in favor of any opponent he faced throughout his entire professional career.