Terence Crawford visits Ukraine and surprises Zelenskyy with symbolic present
Terence Crawford and Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: screenshot from Zelenskyy)
Legendary American boxer Terence Crawford was in Ukraine on August 25. The former undisputed world champion met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and, as a sign of support for the country, presented him with an American Pit Bull Terrier puppy, according to the Ukrainian president.
Crawford gave Zelenskyy a puppy
Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on his meeting with the legendary boxer. The president thanked Crawford for supporting Ukraine and Ukrainians since the beginning of the full-scale war.
An unexpected moment of the meeting was a gift from the American athlete — an American Pit Bull Terrier puppy named Freya. Her grandfather, Atos, survived the Russian occupation of Bucha.
Freya was named after the future Ukrainian FREYJA air defense system. Thus, the dog became a symbol of Ukraine's defense and the American athlete's support for Ukraine.
"We greatly appreciate having such people by the side of Ukrainians," Zelenskyy said.
The president also thanked Crawford for the meeting, the gift, his support, and his respect for the Ukrainian people.
Сьогодні в Україні легендарний американський боксер Теренс Кроуфорд. Він із перших днів війни підтримує нашу країну, наш народ. Дуже цінуємо те, що такі люди поруч з українцями та українками.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 25, 2026
На знак солідарності Теренс подарував цуценя американського пітбультер’єра – дівчинку… pic.twitter.com/suc5Rf6t9m
What is known about Terence Crawford
Terence Crawford is a 38-year-old American boxer from Omaha, Nebraska. He ended his professional career undefeated, with a record of 42 wins in 42 fights, 31 of them by knockout.
Crawford became the first boxer in the history of the four-belt era to become undisputed world champion in three weight divisions.
The American became undisputed champion at light welterweight, welterweight, and super middleweight. Among Crawford's best-known victories are his fights against Ukrainian Viktor Postol, Errol Spence, and Saul "Canelo" Alvarez.
His victory over Canelo in September 2025 was the final fight of the American's career. Crawford defeated the Mexican by unanimous decision and became the undisputed super middleweight world champion.
Crawford retired after defeating Canelo
In December 2025, Crawford announced his retirement from professional boxing. He left the sport undefeated after one of the biggest fights of his career — his victory over Canelo Alvarez.
However, the American later explained his decision in greater detail. According to him, after the situation involving Kazakh boxer Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, who was unable to fight Erislandy Lara as scheduled because of a positive doping test, he lost the motivation to continue competing.
Crawford also said that he did not want to prolong his career and risk his health, citing the fate of legendary Muhammad Ali as an example.
"I'm about making history," the American said, explaining his attitude toward his career and retirement. Now one of the greatest boxers of his generation is in Ukraine, personally demonstrating his support for the country.
