Has Terence Crawford really done it all? Inside the Career of the undefeated boxing icon retiring at 38 after historic Canelo win 

Terence Crawford has officially retired from professional boxing, walking away undefeated and widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of the modern era.

The five-division world champion made the announcement on December 16, 2025, just three months after delivering a career-defining victory over Canelo Álvarez to become the undisputed super middleweight champion.

At 38, Crawford exits the sport with nothing left to prove, a phrase he used himself, closing the curtain on a rare, historic career that spanned nearly two decades and redefined pound-for-pound greatness.

Terence Crawford Announces Retirement: “Nothing Else Left to Prove”

Terence Crawford revealed his decision through social media and his YouTube channel, emphasizing that the retirement was voluntary and deeply personal.

“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 said.

The announcement stunned the boxing world, especially given speculation that Crawford could pursue a fourth undisputed title or even a blockbuster crossover bout. Instead, he chose legacy over longevity.

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A Perfect Record: 42-0 with 31 Knockouts

Crawford retires with an immaculate 42-0 professional record, including 31 knockout victories, a rare blend of power, precision, and ring IQ.

Even more remarkably:

• He was never officially knocked down
• He never lost a single scorecard
• Every win came by unanimous decision or stoppage

Such dominance across multiple eras places Crawford in elite historical company.

The Only Three-Division Undisputed Champion of the Four-Belt Era

Crawford’s legacy is cemented by an unmatched achievement:
He is the only boxer in the four-belt era to become undisputed champion in three weight classes.

Those divisions include:

• Junior Welterweight (140 lbs) – 2017
• Welterweight (147 lbs) – 2023 (vs. Errol Spence Jr.)
• Super Middleweight (168 lbs) – 2025 (vs. Canelo Álvarez)

The September 2025 victory over Canelo, a larger, more experienced opponent, is widely regarded as one of the greatest performances in modern boxing history.

From Omaha to the Top of the Boxing World

Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Crawford turned professional in 2008 after narrowly missing the U.S. Olympic team. Unlike many stars, his rise was quiet.

His breakthrough came in 2013 on short notice against Breidis Prescott, followed by his first world title in 2014 when he defeated Ricky Burns for the WBO lightweight belt.

Despite early struggles to secure marquee fights, Crawford’s patience paid off.

The Errol Spence Jr. Fight That Changed Everything

In July 2023, Crawford delivered a career-altering performance against Errol Spence Jr., dominating and stopping the unified welterweight champion.

That night:

• Made Crawford undisputed at 147 lbs
• Cemented his pound-for-pound status
• Elevated him into all-time great conversations

Many consider it the most complete performance of his career.

Canelo Victory: The Ultimate Statement

Facing Canelo Álvarez three weight classes above his natural division, Crawford entered the September 2025 bout as the underdog.

What followed was a masterclass in boxing:

• Superior footwork
• Tactical brilliance
• Unanimous decision victory

The win made Crawford undisputed at super middleweight and eliminated any remaining doubts about his place among boxing immortals.

World Titles, Rankings, and Final Honors

Over his career, Crawford:

• Held 18 major world titles
• Won championships in five weight classes
• Retired as ESPN’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter
• Topped ESPN’s Top 100 Fighters of 2025

Few fighters have ever exited the sport at such a peak.

What’s Next for Terence Crawford?

While retired from competition, Crawford hinted that this is “the beginning of another fight”, suggesting future involvement in mentorship, promotion, or boxing advocacy.

For now, the gloves are off, by choice.

FAQ

Did Terence Crawford officially retire from boxing?

Yes. Terence Crawford announced his retirement on December 16, 2025, confirming he is stepping away from professional competition.

What is Terence Crawford’s final boxing record?

Crawford retires undefeated with a 42-0 record, including 31 knockouts.

How old is Terence Crawford at retirement?

He retired at 38 years old.

Did Terence Crawford beat Canelo Álvarez?

Yes. In September 2025, Crawford defeated Canelo Álvarez by unanimous decision to become undisputed super middleweight champion.

How many weight classes did Terence Crawford win titles in?

Crawford won world titles in five weight classes: lightweight, junior welterweight, welterweight, junior middleweight, and super middleweight.

What makes Terence Crawford’s career historic?

He is the only boxer in the four-belt era to become undisputed champion in three divisions, a feat unmatched in boxing history.

Was Terence Crawford ever knocked down or defeated?

No. He was never officially knocked down and never lost a fight or scorecard.

Will Terence Crawford return to boxing?

Crawford has not announced any plans to return and emphasized that his retirement was on his own terms.