English RM News —
Terence “Bud” Crawford, a name synonymous with boxing excellence, has officially hung up his gloves, marking the end of a storied career that cemented his status as one of the sport’s elite pound-for-pound talents. His decision comes after a monumental victory earlier this year, where he defeated Canelo Alvarez via unanimous decision in Las Vegas, Nevada, to claim the undisputed Super Middleweight championship.
Crawford’s announcement, delivered via an emotional farewell video on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, sent shockwaves through the boxing community. The video served as a poignant retrospective, tracing his arduous journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of the sport. Throughout the narrative, Crawford expressed profound gratitude to the individuals who played pivotal roles in his ascent, including early trainers, sparring partners, promoters, his family, and even his formidable opponents.
“Every fighter knows this moment will come. You just never know when,” Crawford reflected in his video. “I spent my whole life chasing something. Not belts, not money, not headlines. But that feeling, the one you get when the world doubts you, but you keep showing up and you keep proving everyone wrong.”
He continued to articulate the deep connection he shared with the sport: “This sport gave me everything. I fought for my family, I fought for my city. I fought for the kid I used to be, the one who had nothing but a dream and a pair of gloves. And I did it all my way. I gave this sport every breath I had.”
Crawford clarified that his retirement from competition was not a sign of defeat, but rather a conscious choice to conclude his professional fighting career on his own terms. “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. This isn’t goodbye, it’s just the end of one fight and the beginning of another.”
A Legacy Forged in Dominance
Terence Crawford’s professional boxing career began in March 2008 with a decisive first-round knockout. From that initial victory, “Bud” consistently delivered electrifying performances, often culminating in spectacular knockouts. His trajectory towards world championship status was undeniable, culminating in his first world title fight in June 2013, where he secured the NABO Lightweight belt by defeating Alejandro Sanabria via sixth-round TKO.
Crawford’s career is distinguished by an unprecedented achievement: becoming the first male boxer to hold undisputed championship status across three separate weight divisions. He first accomplished this feat in the Light Welterweight division, unifying all major belts (WBO, WBC, IBF, WBA). He then replicated this historic accomplishment in the Welterweight division, holding all four major titles (WBO, WBC, IBF, WBA). His latest triumph, the undisputed Super Middleweight championship, against Canelo Alvarez this past summer in Las Vegas, further solidified his place in boxing history.
Navigating the Final Chapters
In the more recent stages of his career, Crawford found himself in a public dispute with the WBC. He was stripped of the WBC Super Middleweight title he won from Alvarez due to his failure to pay the mandated sanctioning fees. This led to a heated exchange with WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman, whom Crawford publicly criticized for what he perceived as the misuse of collected fees for personal gain. Crawford maintained that he saw no obligation to pay the fees, expressing his disdain for Sulaiman’s leadership.
An Unblemished Record
Terence Crawford retires from the sport with a perfect professional record of 42 wins and 0 losses, boasting an impressive 31 knockouts. His championship reign, marked by unparalleled dominance and historical achievements, is a testament to his extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication. It is a legacy that is unlikely to be replicated in the modern era of boxing.