Terence “Bud” Crawford announced his retirement from boxing right after achieving the biggest victory of his career against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.
At 38, Crawford steps away as one of the sport’s rare multi-division champions. The five-division champion leaves behind a résumé defined by precision, patience, and dominance.
“I’ve done everything I wanted to do in this sport,” Crawford said. “I walked away healthy, fulfilled, and proud of the work.”
Crawford’s rise began quietly. After turning professional with limited attention, he broke through six years later by traveling to Scotland and defeating Ricky Burns for the WBO lightweight title.
“That fight showed me I belonged anywhere,” Crawford said. “Once I knew that, there were no limits.”
Success followed quickly. He survived a punishing battle with Yuriorkis Gamboa, then dismantled Raymundo Beltran. Those wins propelled him to junior welterweight, where Crawford’s technical brilliance sharpened.
At 140 pounds, Crawford overwhelmed Thomas Dulorme for another WBO belt. He then dominated Viktor Postol to add the WBC title.
Terence “Bud” Crawford Announces Retirement After Unifying The Titles
“That was when I felt unstoppable,” Crawford said. “Everything slowed down in the ring.”
His defining moment arrived against Julius Indongo. Entering as an undefeated champion, Indongo lasted fewer than nine minutes. Crawford became undisputed, separating himself from his peers with clinical efficiency.
Afterward, Crawford moved to welterweight and claimed the WBO title from Jeff Horn. Over five years, he defeated Amir Khan, Egidijus Kavaliauskas, Kell Brook, and Shawn Porter. Each bout showcased adaptability rather than repetition.
The era culminated against Errol Spence Jr. Crawford dominated, unified the division, and ended years of debate. “That fight meant everything,” he said. “I proved it to myself.”
Still restless, Crawford climbed to 154 pounds, handing Israil Madrimov his first loss. Then he jumped two divisions to face Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Crawford outboxed the face of boxing over twelve rounds.
“People said it was impossible,” he said. “I never did.”
Despite showing no decline, Crawford chose departure over erosion. “I wanted to leave on my terms,” he said. “That matters.”
If he never returns, Crawford exits as a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Boxing moves forward. Terence Crawford’s benchmark remains.
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