Five-division champion Terence Crawford officially announced his retirement from boxing, effective Tuesday, December 16, 2025. This significant announcement comes just three months after he etched his name in boxing history, becoming the only boxer in the four-belt era to achieve undisputed champion status in three different weight classes. His final crowning achievement was a victory over Canelo Alvarez for the undisputed super middleweight championship in September.

Crawford, often known as 'Bud', shared his decision on social media and his YouTube channel, stating, "I'm stepping away from competition, not because I'm done fighting but because I've won a different kind of battle. The one where you walk away on your own terms." He further elaborated, "This isn't goodbye, this is the end of one fight and the beginning of another. I gave this sport every breath I had. Every scar, every triumph, every ounce of my heart. I've made peace with what's next. And now, it's time. Thank you." He retires with an impeccable 42-0 professional record, which includes 31 victories by knockout, and as ESPN's No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the sport.

Crawford's legendary career is marked by unprecedented accomplishments. In addition to his undisputed super middleweight title, he also achieved undisputed status in the welterweight division by defeating Errol Spence Jr. via knockout in July 2023. Prior to that, he became the undisputed champion of the junior welterweight division when he stopped Julius Indongo in August 2017. Throughout his career, Crawford held an impressive 18 major world championships across five distinct weight classes: lightweight, junior welterweight, welterweight, junior middleweight, and super middleweight. He topped ESPN's Top 100 fighters of 2025.

Hailing from Omaha, Nebraska, Crawford embarked on his professional boxing journey in 2008, following an unsuccessful bid to join the U.S. Olympic team. His early career lacked the fanfare of some peers, and he largely flew under the radar until a pivotal moment in 2013. Stepping in on just three days' notice, he faced Breidis Prescott in his first televised fight, part of the co-main event on the Brandon Rios-Mike Alvarado 2 card on HBO. He skillfully outpointed Prescott, a performance that began to turn heads.

His ascent continued in 2014 when he secured his first major world title, defeating Ricky Burns for the WBO lightweight title. Despite his talent, Crawford initially faced challenges in securing fights against some of boxing's biggest names. This led to his decision to split from Top Rank Promotions after his 2021 stoppage win over Shawn Porter. This strategic move proved beneficial, as he subsequently signed a deal to face unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. In a breakout performance, Crawford dominated Spence, firmly cementing his place among the best fighters of his generation.

However, Crawford's ambition did not stop there. He pursued a challenging fight with Canelo Alvarez, who competed three weight classes above him at 168 pounds. After a sole fight at 154 pounds in 2024, defeating Israil Madrimov, Crawford secured the highly anticipated September bout with Alvarez. Despite a noticeable size disadvantage, Crawford showcased his brilliant boxing skills, outboxing Alvarez to secure a unanimous decision victory. While speculation arose about him potentially seeking a fourth undisputed title at 160 pounds or facing YouTuber-turned-prizefighter Jake Paul, Crawford ultimately chose to retire, walking away "as a great with nothing else left to prove."