One of boxing’s modern greats has called time on his career, as Terence Crawford announces retirement with a flawless 42-0 record. The 38-year-old revealed his decision Tuesday through a social media video, three months after his September triumph over Canelo Álvarez.
Crawford’s final appearance in the ring against Álvarez in Las Vegas was a masterpiece of boxing skill, as he controlled every round to win the undisputed super middleweight championship by unanimous decision. The victory over one of the sport’s biggest stars provided the perfect final chapter to a career defined by excellence and dominance.
In his retirement message, Crawford spoke about the personal significance of leaving on his own terms, having won what he called “a different type of battle.” He opened up about the motivations that drove him throughout his career—not championship belts or recognition, but the need to prove doubters wrong while honoring his family, his city, and his younger self who dared to dream.
Crawford began his professional career in 2008 and captured his first world title in 2014 with a victory over Ricky Burns for the WBO lightweight championship. His technical prowess and southpaw stance proved too much for opponents across five weight divisions, as he systematically collected championships and built an unprecedented legacy of success.
The final numbers tell the story of complete dominance: 42 consecutive victories, 31 knockouts, 18 world titles in five different weight classes, never knocked down, and holding three current super middleweight championships (WBA, IBF, WBO). Crawford’s perfect record includes the remarkable fact that every win came by stoppage or unanimous decision, with no judge ever scoring against him in any fight throughout his entire professional career.