Boxing says goodbye to one of its world-class champions as Terence Crawford announces retirement at age 38 with a perfect 42-0 professional record. The announcement arrived Tuesday via social media video, three months after his September triumph over Canelo Álvarez in Las Vegas.
Crawford’s final fight against Álvarez showcased his complete skill set, as he delivered a masterful performance to win the undisputed super middleweight championship by unanimous decision. The victory over such a high-profile opponent provided the ideal finale to a career built on excellence and competitive greatness.
In announcing his retirement, Crawford emphasized the importance of leaving on his own terms, describing it as winning a personal battle for control and dignity. He reflected on a career motivated by the need to silence critics repeatedly, while fighting for his family, his Nebraska hometown, and the dreams of the ambitious boy he once was.
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 technical brilliance made him a nightmare matchup for opponents across five weight divisions, as he systematically collected championships and built an unprecedented legacy.
The career numbers are exceptional: 42 victories without defeat, 31 by knockout, 18 world titles spanning five weight classes, never knocked down, and holding three super middleweight belts (WBA, IBF, WBO). Crawford’s perfect record includes the remarkable 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.