Five-weight world champion Terence Crawford has officially announced his retirement from professional boxing, declaring that he is “walking away as a great with nothing else left to prove.” The 38-year-old American exits the sport unbeaten, ending his career with a flawless 42-0 record and a legacy that places him among the finest fighters of the modern era.

Crawford confirmed the decision through a heartfelt video and social media post, bringing the curtain down on a career that reached its historic peak earlier this year with a landmark victory over Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

A Historic Final Fight Against Canelo

Crawford’s final bout will be remembered as one of boxing’s most extraordinary achievements. In September, he defeated Canelo Alvarez to become the first male boxer in the modern era to hold undisputed world titles in three different weight divisions.

The victory capped an unprecedented run across multiple weight classes and solidified Crawford’s reputation as a generational talent. Judges scored the contest in his favour after a tactical and disciplined performance, adding another defining moment to an already glittering career.

Following that win, speculation immediately surrounded Crawford’s future. Many questioned whether there was anything left for him to accomplish—and the fighter himself has now confirmed that conclusion.

“Nothing Else Left to Prove”

In announcing his retirement, Crawford reflected on the journey that began when he turned professional in 2008, winning his debut bout against Brian Cummings.

“Every fighter knows this moment will come,” Crawford said. “You just never know when.”

He emphasised that his motivation was never solely about titles or money, but about proving himself through perseverance and belief.

“I spent my whole life chasing something—not belts, not money, not headlines—but that feeling you get when the world doubts you and you keep proving them wrong,” he said. “This sport gave me everything. I gave it everything back.”

The Omaha-born fighter described making peace with the next chapter of his life, thanking fans and the sport that shaped him.

A Career Defined by Excellence

Crawford retires as one of the most complete fighters of his generation. Over 17 years, he collected world titles at lightweight, light-welterweight, welterweight, light-middleweight, and super-middleweight, an achievement unmatched in the modern era.

Of his 42 professional victories, 31 came by knockout, highlighting not only his technical brilliance but also his finishing ability. Among his most notable wins were world title victories over British fighters Amir Khan and Kell Brook, further underlining his dominance on the global stage.

Renowned for his adaptability, ring intelligence, and calm control under pressure, Crawford built a reputation as a fighter capable of solving any challenge placed in front of him.

Will Crawford Stay Retired?

Despite the announcement, some within the boxing world remain sceptical that Crawford’s retirement will be permanent. Fighters have often struggled to walk away after reaching such extraordinary heights, particularly when their final performance was so emphatic.

Boxing analysts have noted that returning after such success can be difficult to justify, both competitively and financially. Crawford’s final bout brought him global acclaim and a career-defining payday, making any future comeback hard to match in scale or significance.

Still, if Crawford does remain retired, many believe his exit will rank among the greatest retirements in boxing history—unbeaten, undisputed across divisions, and leaving the sport at the very top.

A Legacy Secured

Regardless of what the future holds, Terence Crawford’s legacy is already secure. He leaves boxing as a fighter who conquered multiple weight classes, defeated elite opposition, and redefined what was considered possible in the modern era.

For now, Crawford steps away not as a fading champion, but as a fully realised great—on his own terms.