Three-Decade Career Ends as Crawford Retires Unbeaten

Terence Crawford’s illustrious boxing career has reached its end, with the 38-year-old announcing retirement while maintaining an impeccable 42-0 record. The announcement arrived Tuesday via social media, three months after his decisive victory over Canelo Álvarez in Las Vegas.
The September bout with Álvarez represented the pinnacle of Crawford’s career, as he thoroughly dominated the Mexican superstar to capture the undisputed super middleweight championship. The unanimous decision victory demonstrated that Crawford remained at the top of his game even in his late 30s, providing a fitting finale to his time in the ring.
Crawford’s retirement video revealed the personal philosophy that guided his career. He spoke about leaving on his own terms, having won the battle to control his own narrative and destiny. His motivation throughout his career came not from external validation but from an internal drive to prove skeptics wrong while honoring his family and his Nebraska roots.
Beginning his professional career in 2008, Crawford quickly established himself as an exceptional talent. His first world championship came in 2014 with a victory over Ricky Burns for the WBO lightweight title, launching a period of dominance that saw him conquer five weight divisions and defeat every opponent placed in front of him.
Crawford retires with historic numbers: 42 victories without loss, 31 by knockout, 18 world titles in five weight classes, never knocked down, and currently holding the WBA, IBF, and WBO super middleweight championships. His perfect record includes the distinction that every win came via stoppage or unanimous decision, with no judge ever scoring in favor of any opponent throughout his entire career—an unprecedented level of excellence.