Terence Crawford retires with a perfect record and one last jab at the WBC

Terence Crawford shocked the boxing world by retiring with a flawless 42-0 record. The fighter, known as “Bud,” chose to end a journey that began in 2008 and saw him capture titles in five different divisions.

His last fight came in September 2025 against Canelo Alvarez, where he won by unanimous decision. With that victory, Terence Crawford added the WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring belts, cementing his status as one of the greatest ever.

The clash with the WBC

Terence Crawford left his mark inside the ring but also stirred controversy outside it. In early December, the WBC stripped him of the super middleweight title for failing to pay mandatory fees. The champion’s response was fiery. In a video, he blasted the organization and defended his stance against the financial demands.

That episode highlighted Crawford’s direct personality, a fighter who never held back his words. According to Sportingnews, his retirement announcement came shortly after the dispute, reinforcing the idea that he had nothing left to prove.

Walking away as a great with nothing else left to prove. #CrawfordERA #1P4P #3xUndisputed #5DivisionChampion #4xLinealChampion #BWAAFighterOfTheYear #2xEspyAwardWinnerhttps://t.co/GwK3TYnIz6 pic.twitter.com/4DElhAJXIg

— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) December 16, 2025

A spotless career

Terence Crawford closes his path with 31 knockouts and 11 decision wins. His resume includes big names like Errol Spence Jr., Amir Khan, and Yuriorkis Gamboa. He also became undisputed champion in three weight classes, a rare achievement in boxing history.

The American debuted with a knockout in just 26 seconds and built a career defined by discipline and skill. Every step brought Terence Crawford closer to the top, until he became a mandatory reference in the sport.

The legacy of “Bud”

Terence Crawford used his official X account to say goodbye with a clear message: “Walking away as a great with nothing else left to prove.” That statement sums up the spirit of a boxer who always chased perfection and now leaves the ring satisfied.

Although boxing retirements often prove temporary, Terence Crawford seems determined to close the competitive chapter. He exits as one of the most dominant fighters of the modern era, a champion who never tasted defeat and leaves through the front door.