TLDR
- Terence Crawford has rejected rumors of a boxing comeback, saying his retirement is permanent
- Crawford retired at 38 with a perfect 42-0 record after defeating Canelo Alvarez in 2025
- The champion cited 30 years of physical punishment since starting boxing at age seven
- Crawford fears long-term brain damage similar to what Muhammad Ali suffered from Parkinson’s
- He stated he fought for legacy, not money, and has nothing left to accomplish in boxing
Sources: Bloody Elbow | RBC Ukraine | EssentiallySports | The Ring
Terence Crawford has issued a defiant response to recent rumors about a potential return to boxing. The retired champion made it clear his decision to stay out of the ring is final.
The 38-year-old boxing legend retired at the end of 2025 after defeating Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in what many considered an impossible victory. Crawford finished his career with a perfect 42-0 record, including 31 knockouts.
Crawford moved up two weight classes to face Canelo in his final fight. The victory cemented his status as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
Three Decades of Punishment
In his first detailed explanation of his retirement, Crawford pointed to the physical toll of boxing since childhood. “I’ve been doing this sport since I was seven years old. I retired at 38,” Crawford said.
“Ask yourself: if you’ve been taking your body through hell for 30 years, would you retire? That’s why I retired,” he explained.
Crawford emphasized he has nothing left to prove in boxing. “I gave my all to boxing, but I’m not going to give my health to boxing,” he stated.
The Omaha native also addressed speculation about potential opponents for a comeback. “If I were to come back, who would I fight? I have nobody to fight and nothing to accomplish,” Crawford said.
He made clear that money would not tempt him back to the ring. “That would mean I am just coming back for the sport and the money. I never fought for money. I fought for legacy,” he added.
Fear of Long-Term Damage
Crawford revealed on the Pivot Podcast that concerns about brain damage influenced his decision. He specifically mentioned his idol Muhammad Ali’s decline from Parkinson’s disease as a cautionary tale.
The boxer discussed how fighters often ignore damage that appears later in life. Crawford said he wants to care for himself in old age rather than suffer the consequences of continued fighting.
Crawford became a professional boxer in 2008 after winning the Pan American Games championship in 2007. Over his career, he competed in five weight classes from lightweight to super middleweight.
He made history as the undisputed world champion in three divisions. Crawford won all four major titles in light welterweight (2017), welterweight (2023), and super welterweight (2025).
Crawford was the first boxer in the four-belt era to hold all four titles simultaneously in two divisions. He also became the first undisputed champion in three weight classes.
Born on September 28, 1987, Crawford held the top spot in pound-for-pound world boxing rankings for years. He is considered one of the strongest fighters of his generation.
Crawford’s statements come as speculation about his return has grown in recent weeks. The champion has now made clear that his retirement is permanent and health concerns will keep him out of the ring.
