Terence “Bud” Crawford, boxing’s most dominant fighter of the modern era, announced his retirement Tuesday, closing his career undefeated and at the peak of his powers. At 38, Crawford confirmed he was stepping away from the sport after a remarkable run that redefined generational greatness.
In a video posted to social media and his YouTube channel, Crawford said he was “walking away as a great with nothing else left to prove.” The message marked the end of a career that spanned five weight classes and produced an unblemished 42-0 professional record.
Historic Career and Legacy
Crawford’s achievements read like a boxing history book. He became the first male fighter in the four-belt era to claim undisputed titles in three different divisions — light welterweight, welterweight, and super middleweight.
His most recent triumph came in September, when he outboxed Mexican superstar Saul “Canelo” Álvarez to capture the undisputed super middleweight championship, a fight streamed to millions worldwide.
“I’m stepping away from competition, not because I’m done fighting, but because I’ve won a different kind of battle,” Crawford said in the farewell video. “This isn’t goodbye, this is the end of one fight and the beginning of another.”
Crawford added: “I gave this sport every breath I had. Every scar, every triumph, every ounce of my heart.”
Throughout his career, Crawford’s power and precision made him one of boxing’s most feared punchers, with 31 knockouts among his 42 wins.
Fans and analysts immediately hailed the announcement as the conclusion of a rare era in boxing. Crawford’s versatility allowed him to dominate smaller, faster opponents early in his career and then outmaneuver bigger challengers later on.
He also held a total of 18 major world titles across five weight classes, placing him among the sport’s most decorated champions.
“I fought for my family,” he said in the video. “I fought for my city. I fought for the kid I used to be, with nothing but a dream and a pair of gloves.”
Crawford’s decision also follows recent disputes with sanctioning bodies, including being stripped of the World Boxing Council’s super middleweight title earlier this month amid a fee dispute.
Yet despite the controversy, his standing atop the sport scarcely wavered. He retired as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world, according to several rankings.
Crawford did not rule out future involvement in boxing in other capacities. “I’ve made peace with what’s next,” he said. “And now, it’s time.”
For now, the boxing world pauses to reflect on a career seldom matched for excellence. Fans and fellow fighters alike praised Crawford’s competitive spirit, work ethic, and unforgettable performances.