Boxing legend Terence “Bud” Crawford is facing a new legal battle just days after announcing his retirement from the sport. A New York jeweler has filed a civil lawsuit seeking at least $1.5 million in damages, accusing Crawford of failing to follow through on a promotional deal tied to luxury goods.
Disputed Promotion Deal
The lawsuit was filed Thursday in Manhattan Civil Court by Mazza New York, a retailer that specializes in high-end jewelry and custom pieces. Court documents allege Crawford visited the store in February 2024 and expressed interest in a $139,000 Patek Philippe Aquanaut watch. The complaint says Crawford proposed paying $35,000 upfront and covering the remainder by promoting the Mazza brand on his fight trunks.
Mazza claims it agreed to the arrangement, provided the watch, and expected the boxer’s team to display the store’s logo during his bouts. But the jeweler says the first effort went awry during Crawford’s August 2024 fight against Israil Madrimov. According to the suit, the logo “had completely fallen off” by the fourth round.
The complaint alleges Crawford’s representatives acknowledged the mistake and promised to fix the issue for his next major fight. But when Crawford squared off against Canelo Alvarez in September, the jeweler says the logo never appeared — despite months of coordination and delivery of both physical and digital branding materials.
Mazza estimates the lost exposure from the Alvarez fight was worth roughly $1.5 million, comparing the missed visibility to premium advertising during marquee sporting events. The lawsuit claims breach of contract, conversion and unjust enrichment.
Crawford’s Retirement and Reaction
Crawford, 38, retired this week with a perfect 42-0 record. In a social media video announcing his decision, he said he was “walking away as a great with nothing else left to prove.”
A representative for Crawford did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday. It was not clear whether Crawford plans to contest the allegations or reach a settlement.
Attorneys for Mazza New York argue that the deal provided valuable material consideration — including a discounted watch and promotional opportunity tied to one of boxing’s biggest names. They say the company met its commitments, even flying staff to Las Vegas ahead of the Alvarez bout.
The lawsuit seeks repayment of the watch, currently valued at more than $155,000, as well as compensation for lost promotional value.
The legal action adds an unexpected twist to Crawford’s post-career plans. The retired champion is widely regarded as one of boxing’s greatest fighters, and his final years in the sport drew international attention. Yet the lawsuit shines a spotlight on the industry’s commercial side, where promotional deals and contract terms can carry hefty financial stakes.