Terence Crawford reveals ‘1,000 percent’ he planned to retire after fighting Canelo Alvarez

Crawford’s illustrious career reached its zenith in July 2023 when he delivered a boxing masterclass against Errol Spence Jr., a dominant performance that saw him become the undisputed welterweight champion. This historic victory, achieved via a ninth-round technical knockout, made him the first male boxer in the four-belt era to become undisputed in two different weight classes, having previously unified all major titles at super lightweight. Following this landmark achievement, speculation mounted about his next move, with a potential super welterweight or even super middleweight challenge against Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez frequently discussed as a fitting culmination to his unparalleled run.

It was this aspirational challenge against Alvarez that Crawford mentally earmarked as his "final boss," a narrative he crafted for himself to ensure he concluded his career on his own terms, at the absolute pinnacle of the sport. "Won or lost, 1,000 percent [I was going to retire]," Crawford openly stated during an interview on The Pivot. This emphatic declaration underscores the premeditated nature of his exit, emphasizing that his decision was not contingent on the outcome of any future fight, but rather a deeply considered personal choice.

The rationale behind Crawford’s resolute decision stems from a profound understanding of the physical and mental demands of professional boxing, coupled with a desire to preserve his health and enjoy life beyond the squared circle. He elaborated on the cumulative toll of the sport, stating, "Just everything that I went through in camp. I wanted to retire after [Errol] Spence. I always told myself I wanted to retire from boxing, I don’t want boxing to retire me." This sentiment reflects a common aspiration among elite athletes to dictate the terms of their departure, rather than being forced out by declining performance, injuries, or the relentless grind of competition.

Crawford detailed the unseen struggles inherent in preparing for high-stakes bouts, referring to "all the aches and pains and the things that’s not talked about." The relentless cycles of training camps, weight cutting, and the physical punishment endured in sparring and fights accumulate over years, leading many fighters to prolong their careers beyond their optimal years. For Crawford, the question became stark: "It’s just like how many more of these do you want to go through? Canelo is that last fighter at the end of the game. I reached [the heights], where is there to go after that?" While a fight with Alvarez never materialized, the notion of challenging such an elite, globally recognized opponent represented the ultimate competitive benchmark for Crawford, signifying the completion of his professional quest.

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The decision to retire while at the zenith of his powers, holding an unblemished record of 42-0 (with 33 KOs), places Crawford in an elite category of combat sports athletes. Such a feat is remarkably rare, as the allure of further accolades, financial incentives, and the sheer competitive drive often compels champions to continue fighting past their prime. By choosing to walk away after securing undisputed status at welterweight and having set his sights on another legendary opponent as a final challenge, Crawford exemplified the rare discipline of a fighter prioritizing long-term well-being and legacy over immediate gains.

Following his December retirement announcement, Crawford found himself inundated with reactions from fans and pundits alike. Many expressed disbelief or attempted to persuade him otherwise, citing his apparent peak performance and the potential for more lucrative engagements. "A lot of people ask me ‘oh you’re not retired’ or ‘why are you retiring? You’ve got a lot more fight in you!’" Crawford recounted. However, his response revealed a deeper philosophical approach to his career and future. He articulated a desire to retain his faculties and energy for personal pursuits, rather than expending it entirely within the confines of professional boxing. "Why would I give it all to you though? Why not take some more with me and use it for something else. When I put all that energy into my kids or into something outside of boxing. I want to have a life outside of boxing."

This perspective highlights a critical aspect of athlete well-being often overlooked in the high-stakes world of professional sports. Crawford explicitly referenced the cautionary tales of fighters who prolonged their careers excessively, suffering physical and cognitive decline that severely impacted their post-fighting lives. "I don’t want to be like those fighters that stayed in too long. They can’t enjoy the fruits of their labor. They can’t enjoy playing with their family. They can’t enjoy being able to have a decent conversation. That played a part, too," he explained. This foresight demonstrates a maturity and self-awareness that enabled him to make a difficult but ultimately self-preserving decision.

Terence "Bud" Crawford’s professional career, spanning from 2008 to 2023, is marked by an extraordinary list of accomplishments that secure his place among boxing’s modern greats. Beyond his undefeated record and two undisputed championships, he also held the WBO lightweight title from 2014 to 2015 and was recognized as a lineal champion at both super lightweight and welterweight. His consistent ability to adapt his style, seamlessly switching between orthodox and southpaw stances, combined with his formidable power and defensive acumen, made him one of the most feared and respected fighters of his generation. His Ring magazine P4P (pound-for-pound) rankings consistently placed him at or near the top, a testament to his exceptional skill and dominance across multiple weight classes.

Despite the inevitable entreaties and the allure of significant paydays that often tempt retired champions back into the ring, Crawford remains steadfast in his decision. His current state of mind is one of profound contentment and resolution. "I’m at peace," Crawford affirmed, emphasizing that he achieved every goal he set for himself in the sport. "I did everything I set my sights out to do. I done it my way. I don’t got nothing left to prove. Of course, it’s a great feeling. It’s a bittersweet feeling but at the same time, I accomplished that kind of feeling. I did that. So I’m cool with where I’m at." This declaration suggests a finality to his retirement, underscoring his satisfaction with a career impeccably executed and concluded on his own terms. His legacy, as an undefeated, multi-division undisputed champion, stands as a testament to strategic planning, unparalleled skill, and the rare discipline to walk away at the zenith.

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