Boxing legend Crawford reveals why he suddenly retired from boxing
Terence Crawford (photo: instagram.com/tbudcrawford)
American boxer Terence Crawford, former pound-for-pound leader and three-weight world champion, has for the first time revealed the reasons behind his unexpected retirement from professional boxing, according to The Ring.
Retired at the peak
The 38-year-old athlete decided at the end of last year, right after the biggest achievement of his career — defeating Mexican superstar Saul Canelo Alvarez.
Crawford retired with a perfect record — 42 wins in 42 fights, including 31 by knockout.
In his last match, the American moved up two weight classes at once and defeated Canelo, an achievement many considered nearly impossible. This victory solidified his position as one of the best boxers in the world, regardless of weight.
That is why his decision to leave the ring came as a surprise to fans and experts alike.
'Hell for 30 years'
According to the boxer, the main factor was taking care of his body after decades in the sport.
“I've been doing this sport since I was seven years old. I retired at 38. Ask yourself: if you've been taking your body through hell for 30 years, would you retire? That's why I retired. There is nothing else left for me to accomplish in the sport of boxing. I gave my all to boxing, but I'm not going to give my health to boxing,” Crawford explained.
No motivation to return
The American also emphasized that he currently sees no challenges worth coming back for.
“If I were to come back, who would I fight? I have nobody to fight and nothing to accomplish. That would mean I am just coming back for the sport and the money. I never fought for money. I fought for legacy,” he added.
Terence and his trophies (photo: instagram.com/tbudcrawford)
Who is Terence Crawford
American professional boxer Terence Crawford was born on September 28, 1987, in Omaha, Nebraska. He is considered one of the strongest fighters of his generation and has long held the top spot in the pound-for-pound world boxing rankings.
Even as an amateur, Crawford earned numerous prestigious awards, including becoming the Pan American Games champion in 2007.
He turned professional in 2008. Over the course of his career, he competed in five weight classes, from lightweight to super middleweight.
Crawford became the undisputed world champion in three divisions: light welterweight (2017), welterweight (2023), and super welterweight (2025).
He made history as the first boxer of the four-belt era (WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO) to hold all four titles simultaneously in two divisions, and as the first undisputed champion in three weight classes.
