Terence Crawford Crowned 2025 Fighter of the Year Before Retirement
In a fitting capstone to an illustrious career, Terence Crawford was honored as The Ring's Fighter of the Year for 2025 at the magazine's second annual awards gala in New York. The Omaha, Nebraska native, who announced his retirement just weeks ago, stepped back into the spotlight to accept the accolade, marking the end of an era for one of boxing's most dominant forces. Crawford's single fight in 2025—a monumental victory over Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez—cemented his status as a transcendent talent, proving why he's walking away undefeated and undisputed across multiple divisions.
The Historic Clash: Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez
September 13, 2025, at a sold-out Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas will forever be etched in boxing history. Crawford, moving up two weight classes from junior middleweight to super middleweight, faced the pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez in a bout that shattered expectations. The 38-year-old switch-hitter outboxed the Mexican superstar over 12 grueling rounds, earning a clear decision victory on all three judges' scorecards.
Judge Steve Weisfeld saw it 116-112, crediting Crawford with eight rounds, while Tim Cheatham and Max De Luca each scored it 115-113, giving the challenger seven rounds. Crawford's masterful ring generalship, blending ambidextrous precision with relentless pressure, neutralized Alvarez's power and exposed vulnerabilities in the veteran's defense. Post-fight analysis highlighted how Crawford's adaptability—switching stances seamlessly—frustrated Alvarez, who later admitted the American's style gave him trouble from the opening bell.
This triumph wasn't just a win; it made Crawford the only male boxer in the four-belt era to become undisputed champion in three weight classes. Previously, he unified titles at junior welterweight (140 pounds) and welterweight (147 pounds), adding the super middleweight (168 pounds) belts to his collection. Spanning 33 pounds across divisions from lightweight upward, Crawford's resume defies boxing norms, showcasing a career built on skill over spectacle.
Behind the Scenes: Preparation and Weight Jump
Moving up in weight is a high-risk gamble in boxing, but Crawford's preparation was revolutionary. Drawing from historical precedents like Michael Spinks' heavyweight leap, Crawford worked with renowned trainer Mackie Shilstone to optimize his physique. The result? A lean, powerful frame that absorbed Alvarez's shots while delivering counters with surgical accuracy. The event drew the second-highest announced attendance for an indoor U.S. boxing card, underscoring the global hype around this superfight.
Award Recognition and Finalists
At Cipriani in New York on Friday, Crawford's peers and fans celebrated his crowning achievement. Despite fighting only once in 2025, the Alvarez upset was deemed the year's most impactful performance. The Ring's senior writer Keith Idec noted that Crawford's victory transcended stats, embodying the essence of boxing excellence.
Other finalists included Dmitry Bivol, whose technical mastery shone in light heavyweight defenses; Naoya Inoue, the unbeaten Japanese phenom dominating featherweight; Jesse Rodriguez, the rising star with multiple title wins; and Fabio Wardley, the British heavyweight contender. Yet, none matched Crawford's audacity in conquering Alvarez, a feat that elevated his legacy to mythical proportions.
Why Crawford Chose Retirement
At 38, with a perfect 42-0 record (31 KOs), Crawford felt the toll of three decades in the ring. Speaking to streamer Adin Ross last month, he reflected, 'Thirty-eight is old in boxing. I've been boxing since I was 7.' The physical demands, especially after camps spanning weight classes 33 pounds apart, convinced him there was 'nothing left to accomplish.'
His December 16 announcement stunned the sport, but Crawford stood firm: 'I have nothing else to prove. What more can I do?' Critics' reluctance to fully credit his dominance factored in, but family took precedence. In a recent DAZN interview with Todd Grisham, Sergio Mora, and Mike Coppinger, Crawford shared his joy in retirement. 'I'm enjoying the fruits of my labor,' he said. 'Spending more time with my kids and their wrestling careers, relaxing without the focus on training—it's perfect.'
Legacy Beyond the Ring
Crawford's impact extends far beyond knockouts. As the lone three-division undisputed champ in the modern era, he's redefined what's possible for smaller-framed fighters. His ambidexterity and IQ have inspired a generation, from Omaha gyms to global arenas. Retirement doesn't dim his shine; instead, it preserves an unblemished record, allowing him to mentor and enjoy life outside the ropes.
Boxing's landscape shifts without him—will we see another like Crawford? For now, fans cherish the memories, from lightweight promise to super middleweight supremacy. As he told the gala crowd, 'I did it my way, on top.' Terence Crawford's 2025 Fighter of the Year honor isn't just an award; it's a testament to a career without equal.
In the ever-evolving world of combat sports, Crawford's exit prompts reflection on sustainability. Younger stars like Rodriguez may chase his throne, but replicating his versatility seems improbable. As The Ring awards close this chapter, boxing bids farewell to its polymath king.
