Daijiworld Media Network – Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Dec 17: Undefeated world super middleweight champion Terence Crawford on Tuesday announced his retirement from professional boxing, bringing the curtain down on a glittering career just three months after his career-defining victory over Mexican superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

The 38-year-old Nebraska native made the announcement through an emotional video message shared on social media, stating that he was stepping away from the sport on his own terms.

“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,” Crawford said.

Crawford retires with a flawless professional record of 42 wins from 42 bouts, including 31 knockouts. He is the reigning WBA, IBF and WBO super middleweight champion, having outclassed Alvarez by unanimous decision in Las Vegas in September to claim the undisputed crown. He was earlier stripped of the WBC title this month following a dispute over sanctioning fees.

Reflecting on his journey, Crawford said his career was driven by a constant desire to prove his critics wrong.

“Every fighter knows this moment will come, we just never know when,” he said. “I spent my whole life chasing something — not belts, not money, not headlines — but that feeling when the world doubts you and you keep showing up and proving everyone wrong.”

“I fought for my family, for my city, and for the kid I used to be — the one who had nothing but a dream and a pair of gloves. I gave this sport every breath I had,” he added.

Crawford’s illustrious career spanned three decades, beginning with his professional debut in 2008. He announced himself on the world stage by winning the WBO lightweight title against Scotland’s Ricky Burns in 2014.

Over the years, Crawford captured 18 world titles across five weight divisions, cementing his status as one of boxing’s all-time greats. Remarkably, he retires without ever being officially knocked down, with all 42 of his victories coming via stoppage or unanimous decision — and without a single judge scoring a fight in favour of his opponent.

His retirement marks the end of an era for modern boxing, with Crawford widely regarded as one of the most complete and dominant fighters of his generation.