STWF Sports | Dec. 22, 2025 – Terence Crawford’s retirement sent a jolt through the boxing world, not because it was unexpected in tone, but because of the timing. Fresh off a career-defining victory over Canelo Alvarez in September to become undisputed champion in a third weight class, Crawford appeared to be operating at the peak of his powers. Yet earlier this month, the 38-year-old announced he was walking away from the sport, leaving fans, fighters, and promoters grappling with what might have been left on the table.

Among those struggling to fully understand the decision is former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. Speaking on Ring Magazine’s Mr. Verzace Podcast, Joshua admitted that while he respects Crawford’s choice, he believes the Nebraska native may have stepped away with plenty still to offer.

“I feel like Terence Crawford has got so, so much more to give,” Joshua said. “But it’s not just physical, it’s what’s going on in his mind. He’s been in the game for a long time, so maybe he’s like, ‘forget it, I’m done mentally,’ even though physically he’s good.”

Joshua’s comments reflect a sentiment shared by many within the sport. Crawford was not fading, clinging on, or chasing relevance. Instead, he retired undefeated, dominant, and widely regarded as one of the most complete fighters of his generation.

Walking away at the summit

Crawford’s résumé reads like something from a different era. An unblemished 42-0 record. Undisputed championships in three weight classes. World titles across five divisions. In an age of selective matchmaking and fractured belts, “Bud” managed to unify divisions while moving steadily upward in weight, defeating elite opposition with a blend of switch-hitting versatility, ring IQ, and quiet ruthlessness.

That is precisely why his retirement felt jarring. Fighters rarely leave when the leverage is greatest. Big-money rematches, legacy fights, and crossover bouts were all still available. There was immediate speculation that a sequel with Canelo Alvarez—or even a mega-fight elsewhere—could lure Crawford back in 2026.

Joshua, for his part, acknowledged that the decision ultimately belongs to the man in the ring.

“I would love to see him continue fighting,” Joshua said. “I think he’s got a lot left, but we have to live and let others live by their own rules.”

Crawford explains his choice

In the days following his announcement, Crawford issued an emotional statement explaining that his decision was not rooted in physical decline, but in personal fulfillment.

“I’m stepping away from competition, not because I’m done fighting, but because I’ve won a different type of battle,” Crawford wrote. “This isn’t goodbye, it’s just the end of one fight and the beginning of another.”

He framed his career as a complete journey rather than an unfinished chapter, emphasizing the sacrifices that carried him from Omaha to the sport’s grandest stages.

“I gave this sport everything I had. I faced the best, moved through weight classes, and made history on my own terms,” he said. “42-0. 3x Undisputed. Five-division world champion. No shortcuts. No excuses.”

The message struck a chord. Crawford made clear that while he may no longer compete, his connection to boxing—and the legacy he built within it—remains intact.

The rare power of choice

Joshua’s perspective offers an interesting counterpoint. As a heavyweight still navigating his own comeback arc, Joshua understands the physical toll of the sport but also the pull of unfinished business. His comments suggest admiration tinged with disbelief—how often does a fighter have the clarity to walk away before decline forces the issue?

Crawford now joins a rare and revered group alongside Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Joe Calzaghe: all-time greats who retired undefeated, on their own terms. Whether that decision holds firm remains to be seen. Boxing has a long history of comebacks fueled by opportunity, pride, or the lure of one last defining night.

For now, though, Crawford’s gloves are off, his record intact, and his place in history secure. Joshua may believe the story ended too soon—but in a sport that so often takes more than it gives, Crawford’s exit stands as a reminder that sometimes the greatest victory is knowing when to walk away.