Terence Crawford has announced his retirement from boxing, stating he has “nothing else left to prove” following a tumultuous period marked by the stripping of one of his titles. The 38-year-old fighter, who boasts an unblemished record of 42-0, made history in September 2023 by defeating Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez to become the first male fighter in the modern era to hold undisputed titles across three weight divisions.
In a heartfelt five-and-a-half-minute video posted on his YouTube channel, Crawford reflected on his journey in the sport, expressing that every fighter anticipates this moment but never knows when it will arrive. He said, “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.”
Crawford’s illustrious career includes titles in four weight classes: lightweight, super lightweight, welterweight, and super welterweight. He made the decision to move up two additional weight divisions for his bout against Alvarez, solidifying his status as one of boxing’s elite.
Despite his achievements, Crawford faced controversy when the World Boxing Council (WBC) stripped him of his super middleweight title due to unpaid sanctioning fees. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman publicly announced this decision earlier this month, citing that Crawford had failed to pay $300,000 in fees, which he described as a “slap in the face.”
In response, Crawford delivered an explosive rant during an Instagram Live session. He criticized Sulaiman and the WBC, stating, “Who the f*** do you think I am? I ain’t paying your a**** s***.” He expressed his frustration at the perception that the WBC holds superiority over other sanctioning bodies, declaring, “You have the green belt, which don’t mean f******* s***.”
Crawford continued by emphasizing the sacrifices fighters make while questioning the fairness of the sanctioning fee system. “We are paying for you to come out here and have the time of your life,” he remarked, highlighting the financial burden placed on athletes.
As Crawford steps away from the ring, he leaves behind a legacy defined by resilience and dedication. He remarked, “This sport gave me everything… I fought for my family, I fought for my city, I fought for the kid I used to be.” His retirement marks the end of an era for a fighter who has made significant contributions to the world of boxing.
With his retirement, the boxing community reflects on Crawford’s unparalleled achievements and the impact he has had on the sport. His decision to leave, coupled with the recent controversies, raises questions about the future landscape of boxing and the ongoing challenges faced by athletes within the industry.
