Terence Crawford’s journey reads like a modern legend. He climbed through weight classes, unified belts, and silenced critics. With every fight he cements his place among the all-time greats. In this article, you will see how Terence Crawford became an undisputed champion, what controversies followed, and what lies ahead.
Radical 185‑lb Transformation (Pre‑Fight Conditioning)
In mid‑2025, Terence Crawford was seen in training clips and photos walking around at 185 lbs while preparing for his super middleweight fight. S
Some critics speculated about performance enhancement, but his team and nutritionists denied the claims, calling it part of his muscle‑gain strategy before cutting weight. (Source: World Boxing News article) This transformation hints at a new era in his conditioning — his body adapting to heavier classes more naturally.
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Departure from the Super Welterweight Division
Crawford’s stay at 154 lbs (junior middleweight, or “super welterweight”) proved brief. He officially announced he would not return to that division, relinquishing interim belts and vacating mandatory obligations.
This move shows he’s fully committed to staying in higher weight classes and won’t chase previous belts.
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The boxing world never rests. While Terence Crawford captures the spotlight, adjacent stories shape the landscape. You’ll find in-depth pieces on Janibek Alimkhanuly, rising clashes in the middleweight division, and how fighters call out each other across weight classes. These articles help you see Crawford’s place in today’s boxing ecosystem.
Terence Crawford stripped of world title after beating Canelo as new champion crowned
In September 2025, Terence Crawford moved up and defeated Canelo Alvarez by unanimous decision to become the undisputed super middleweight champion.
That triumph should have been the peak. Instead, days later, the WBA stripped him of his previous title. The sanctioning body cited his refusal to return to his old weight class of 154 lbs (junior middleweight) as the reason.
Fans and analysts erupted in debate. Was it fair or political? In boxing’s four-belt era, such moves happen more than fans like. This episode shows how power in boxing isn’t just fists—it’s belts, politics, and prestige.
Crawords’s Title Wins by Division
| Division | Year Won | Titles at Win | Remark |
| Lightweight / Jr Light | 2014 | WBO | Early unified run |
| Welterweight | 2023 | WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO | 4‑belt undisputed |
| Junior Middle / 154 lbs | 2024 | WBA, WBO (interim) | Brief stay |
| Super Middle / 168 lbs | 2025 | WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO | Undisputed in new class |
Terence Crawford’s coach doesn’t hesitate on position in all-time pound-for-pound rankings
His trainer Brian “BoMac” McIntyre speaks with conviction. After Crawford’s win over Canelo, McIntyre asserted his fighter belongs among the greatest ever.
He compares Terence Crawford to legends like Floyd Mayweather, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Manny Pacquiao. Consider this: outside observers now argue Crawford is a true pound-for-pound king.
He dominated across divisions—from lightweight to super middleweight. Through his career he became a unified champion multiple times, a rare feat in the four-belt era. Those comparisons are not flattery—they are grounded in records, belts held, and fights won.
Crawford vs Recent Top Challengers
| Opponent | Weight Division | Result / Notes |
| Canelo Alvarez | 168 lbs | Crawford won undisputed in 2025 |
| Israil Madrimov | 154 lbs | Unanimous decision before Canelo |
| Errol Spence Jr | 147 lbs | TKO in 9th to unify welterweight |
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Some stories trend not because they’re weighty, but because they provoke. Right now, boxing fans read about rivalries, upsets, and career-defining matchups. Headlines like “Can Benavidez dethrone a champ?” or “Has Conor Benn’s call-out been answered?” top social feeds.
These stories matter because they push Terence Crawford’s narrative: who he fights, who he avoids, and how he shapes the public eye. In the world of boxing, the most read topics often guide what fights get made next.
Joseph Parker names only opponent he ever disliked: ‘Wanted to smash his face in’
Joseph Parker once said there was just one opponent he truly disliked—someone he wished to “smash.” That comment gives a glimpse into boxing’s emotional side. Fighters often smile on press tours, but tension bubbles underneath. Parker’s remark shows how rivalries form long before a bell rings.
For Crawford, such dislikes are rare. He usually projects calm professionalism. So when someone expresses genuine disdain, it contrasts with Crawford’s composed, measured demeanor in the ring.
I’m a heavyweight who won same title as Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, this is my breakout
A heavyweight recently declared that he had captured a title held by both Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. That’s a bold claim. Fighters who look upward to legends want to align their breakout with history.
In boxing, legacy is measured by names in the same sentence. Crawford’s path also intertwines with big names—Errol Spence Jr., Canelo Alvarez—and his success helps illuminate what it takes to become a divisional king.
This heavyweight’s breakout is another thread in the tapestry of fights and respect across divisions.
He deserves it’ – Crawford told the one fight he needs to take before boxing retirement
Even after capturing the undisputed title, Terence Crawford hasn’t ruled out another bout. Many fans and experts believe he deserves a final showdown—maybe a rematch with Canelo or a new challenge in middleweight (160 lbs).
Rumors swirl: “He deserves it.” Some say he should fight before walking away. Others argue he should go out on top. That tension itself is part of Crawford’s legacy now.
Zuffa Boxing’s Inaugural Event & Promotion Shift
The Canelo vs Crawford fight in 2025 became the first event under the newly launched Zuffa Boxing promotion (a partnership among Dana White, Turki Al‑Sheikh, and TKO).
This marks a shift: Terence Crawford now fights under a UFC‑style promotional model, blending MMA and boxing business elements.
Ricky Hatton’s funeral plans announced by family as fans set to line the streets
When a legend passes, boxing stops to remember. Ricky Hatton’s funeral plans drew thousands, as fans queued through streets to pay respects. In such moments, fighters like Terence Crawford become part of a tradition—not just competition.
Crawford, who often speaks respectfully of past champions, is linked to that history. The sport’s continuity matters: today’s champions stand on the shoulders of yesterday’s heroes.
What is next for Terence Crawford?
With his record now 42–0 and unified all titles at 168 lbs, the big question is: what next? Some think he’ll rematch Canelo or move into middleweight (160 lbs). Others mention rising stars like Jaron “Boots” Ennis, David Benavidez, or Chris Eubank Jr.
He’s also hinted at retirement. Boxing retirement looms as an option if there’s no fight worthy of his legacy. If he stays active, he might chase a three‑weight undisputed champion status. That path would redefine history.
Potential Future Opponents & Challenges
| Fighter | Reasonable Weight | Obstacles / Notes |
| Boots Ennis | 154 / 160 lbs | Crawford has ruled out returning to 154 |
| David Benavidez | 168 lbs | Big puncher, high risk |
| Chris Eubank Jr | 168 lbs | Shares coach, complicated politics |
| Conor Benn | 160 lbs | Appeal as fight, less proven at high level |
Attendance at WBC Convention in Bangkok
Crawford confirmed he would attend the WBC Annual Convention in Bangkok (Nov 30 – Dec 5, 2025) as super middleweight champion.
This gives him exposure in governing body politics and positions him as a figure beyond just “fighter.”
Final Thoughts
Terence Crawford: Unstoppable Force, True Champion is not just a phrase—it’s a reality he’s forging. From lightweight to super middleweight, he’s held the WBO champion, IBF champion, unified divisions, and turned avoidance into calls-out. Legends mentioned his name when he was still climbing.
Look back at boxing history: Muhammad Ali had signature moments, Sugar Ray had style, Mayweather had dominance. Crawford now has the resume, the belt count, and the undefeated record. Whether he fights again or retires, his mark is indelible. In the conversation of GOATs, he already stands among the top.
FAQs
Why was Crawford stripped after beating Canelo?
Because he refused to return to his old weight class of 154 lbs, the sanctioning body vacated his previous title.
Is Terence Crawford now undisputed in three divisions?
Yes. By beating Canelo, he added the undisputed super middleweight crown, making three unified classes.
Could Crawford fight in middleweight (160 lbs)?
Yes. That’s mentioned often as a possible next move in boxing retirement talk.
Who trains Terence Crawford?
His trainer is Brian “BoMac” McIntyre, a long‑time partner in his rise.
What is Crawford’s record?
As of now he has 42 wins, 0 losses, with 31 knockouts.
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