Boxing loses one of its most prestigious champions as Terence Crawford announces retirement at age 38 with an unblemished 42-0 professional record. The news arrived Tuesday via social media video, bringing closure to a prestigious career that redefined excellence across five weight divisions.
Crawford’s September triumph over Canelo Álvarez in Las Vegas stands as the crowning achievement of his prestigious career. The unanimous decision victory secured the undisputed super middleweight championship and demonstrated why Crawford earned his prestigious status in boxing.
In his retirement message, Crawford stressed the importance of leaving on his own terms. He spoke candidly about what made his career prestigious—proving doubters wrong with every performance, supporting his family, representing Nebraska proudly, and achieving the dreams of his younger self.
Crawford made his professional debut 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 prestigious achievements allowed him to dominate five different weight divisions, establishing a legacy that few fighters can match.
The final numbers are exceptional: 42 victories without loss, 31 by knockout, 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 extraordinary achievement that every win came by stoppage or unanimous decision, with no judge ever scoring against him in any round of any fight throughout his entire professional career.