Terence Crawford has made the decision to hang up his boxing gloves.
Crawford’s next move had been heavily debated ever since he became undisputed super-middleweight champion with a victory over Canelo Alvarez in September.
It was the latest major victory in his career, having already achieved huge success in the sport, with undisputed wins at welterweight and super-lightweight and further world title triumphs at lightweight and super-welterweight.
Many fans expected that ‘Bud’ could drop down to middleweight in search of becoming a six-division world champion, but that is no longer the case after the American made his shock announcement on Tuesday.
Walking away as a great with nothing else left to prove. #CrawfordERA#1P4P#3xUndisputed#5DivisionChampion#4xLinealChampion#BWAAFighterOfTheYear#2xEspyAwardWinnerhttps://t.co/GwK3TYnIz6pic.twitter.com/4DElhAJXIg
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) December 16, 2025
Posting on his YouTube channel, Crawford revealed why he has made the decision to retire, bringing to an end his remarkable career.
“Every fighter knows this moment will come. We just never know when. 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.
“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 that had nothing but a dream and a pair of gloves, and I did it all my way. I gave this sport every breath I have, every spar, every triumph, every ounce of my heart. I’ve made peace with what’s next. Now, it’s time. Thank you.
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.”
The switch-hitter from Omaha, Nebraska also posted a message explaining further on the announcement.
“I’ve been blessed to live out a dream that started long before the lights, the fans, or the world titles. From Omaha to the biggest stages in boxing, every step of this journey was earned through sacrifice, discipline, and faith.
“I gave this sport everything I had. I faced the best, moved through weight classes, and made history on my own terms. 42-0. 3x Undisputed. 5 Division World Champion. No shortcuts. No excuses.
“This isn’t goodbye to boxing…it’s a thank you. Thank you to my family, my team, my city, and the fans who rode with me through every chapter. Thank you to the sport for shaping the man I am today.”
Crawford ends his career with a record of 42-0, and will go down as one of the greatest boxers in recent memory. For many, he will be considered one of the best of all time.
