Keep Up With Global Black News

Sign up to our newsletter to get the latest updates and events from the leading Afro-Diaspora publisher straight to your inbox.

BY Dollita Okine, 5:59am December 18, 2025,

Terence Crawford says there’s ‘nothing else left to prove’ as he announces retirement from boxing

by Dollita Okine, 5:59am December 18, 2025,
Photo credit: Instagram, Terence Crawford

The undefeated world super-middleweight champion and five-division titleholder, Terence Crawford, announced his retirement from boxing at 38 years old. 

The Nebraska native revealed his decision in a video on YouTube. His decision comes months after his win over Canelo Alvarez in September.

With his victory over Alvarez, Crawford became the first male fighter in the modern era to unify titles in three different weight divisions, as reported by Sky Sports.

READ ALSO: Terence Crawford held at gunpoint by cop after his victory parade, investigations launched

In a post on X, he said he was “walking away as a great with nothing else left to prove”.

Crawford stated, “I’m stepping away from competition, not because I’m done fighting, but because I’ve won a different type of battle.” “The one where you walk away on your own terms,” he added.

Crawford—who has wins over Great Britain’s Kell Brook, Amir Khan, and Ricky Burns—expressed his gratitude to his opponents, family, fans, and team members.

“This isn’t goodbye, it’s just the end of one fight and the beginning of another,” he added.

In the YouTube video description, Crawford, a champion at lightweight, light-welterweight, welterweight, light-middleweight and super-middleweight, said: “I’ve been blessed to live out a dream that started long before the lights, the fans, or the world titles.”

“From Omaha to the biggest stages in boxing, every step of this journey was earned through sacrifice, discipline, and faith.

“I gave this sport everything I had. I faced the best, moved through weight classes, and made history on my own terms. 42-0. 3x Undisputed. Five division world champion. No shortcuts. No excuses.

“This isn’t goodbye to boxing…it’s a thank you. Thank you to my family, my team, my city, and the fans who rode with me through every chapter. Thank you to the sport for shaping the man I am today.

“The gloves may have come off but legacy is forever. History is never retired.”

The retirement was announced shortly after he was stripped of the WBC super middleweight title this month for failing to pay a required sanctioning fee.

READ ALSO: Police share crucial update after Terence Crawford is held at gunpoint

According to the Guardian, Crawford’s boxing career lasted three decades. 

The southpaw fighter started his professional career in 2008 and quickly became a star. His flawless 42-0 professional career (with 31 knockouts) began with a win over Brian Cummings.

His first world title was the WBO lightweight crown, which he won in 2014 by defeating Scotland’s Ricky Burns. Crawford won a total of 18 world titles across five weight classes, with his final victory coming against Álvarez. 

His flawless retirement record includes never having been officially knocked down, and every one of his 42 wins came by unanimous decision or stoppage, ensuring that no judge ever scored a fight in favor of his opponents.

READ ALSO: How George Foreman built a massive $300M business empire after retiring from boxing

Last Edited by:Francis Akhalbey Updated: December 18, 2025

Conversations

Must Read

Connect with us

Join our Mailing List to Receive Updates

Face2face Africa | Afrobeatz+ | BlackStars

Keep Up With Global Black News and Events

Sign up to our newsletter to get the latest updates and events from the leading Afro-Diaspora publisher straight to your inbox, plus our curated weekly brief with top stories across our platforms.

No, Thank You