American boxing great Terence “Bud” Crawford has reaffirmed that retirement was the right call for him, even as he continues to receive top honours for his remarkable career.
The Omaha, Nebraska native officially announced his retirement on December 16, but returned briefly to the spotlight on Friday night in New York, where he was crowned The Ring Magazine’s Fighter of the Year for 2025 at the publication’s second annual awards gala held at Cipriani.
Crawford only stepped into the ring once in 2025, but it proved more than enough. The 38-year-old made history by jumping two weight divisions—from junior middleweight to super middleweight – to outclass Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez over 12 rounds in Las Vegas. His clear points victory at a packed Allegiant Stadium on September 13 sealed the prestigious award.
Judge Steve Weisfeld scored the bout 116-112 in Crawford’s favour, giving him eight rounds, while Tim Cheatham and Max De Luca both had it 115-113 after awarding Crawford seven rounds each.
That victory etched Crawford’s name deeper into boxing folklore, making him the only male boxer in the four-belt era to become undisputed champion in three different weight divisions. He had previously unified all the belts at junior welterweight and welterweight.
Despite the historic feat, Crawford admitted his body had had enough.
“I’m 38,” he told popular online streamer Adin Ross last month. “Thirty-eight is old in boxing. I’ve been boxing since I was seven.”
Unbeaten in his career with a record of 42 wins, including 31 knockouts, Crawford won world titles across divisions separated by 33 pounds—from lightweight all the way to super middleweight.
“I have nothing else to prove,” he said. “I have nothing else to accomplish. What more can I do? They’re not going to give me the credit anyway, so it really doesn’t even matter.”
Speaking in New York on Thursday to DAZN’s Todd Grisham and Sergio Mora, as well as The Ring’s Mike Coppinger, Crawford revealed he is enjoying life away from the ring.
“I’m enjoying it,” he said. “I’m enjoying the fruits of my labour. I’ve been putting more time into my kids and their wrestling careers, and just being able to relax and not focus on things outside of my family.”
Crawford beat stiff competition to claim the Fighter of the Year award, edging out other nominees including Dmitry Bivol, Naoya Inoue, Jesse Rodriguez and Fabio Wardley.
For many boxing fans – including those following closely from Ghana – Crawford’s career will be remembered as one defined by excellence, adaptability and quiet dominance, even if he chose to walk away at the very top.
