Terence Crawford, widely regarded as one of boxing's finest modern talents, has announced his retirement from the sport. The decision, confirmed this week, sees him bow out with a flawless professional record of 42 wins and 0 defeats, declaring he has "nothing left to prove." However, veteran fight analyst Barry McGuigan believes this may only be a temporary exit from the ring.
A Generational Talent Spotted Early
McGuigan first witnessed Crawford's exceptional skill in person back in 2014 in Glasgow, when the American faced local hero Ricky Burns. Even then, Crawford's unique style was evident. Operating as a southpaw, he displayed slick, elusive movement, gliding in and out of range with a calm precision that left the aggressive Burns confounded.
"He came to the away ground and silenced it," McGuigan recalls. That performance was the early hallmark of a "generational fighter," one whom McGuigan compares to a heightened version of the legendary Pernell Whitaker. It was Crawford's composure under pressure and ability to land punishing shots with effortless grace that set him apart from his peers.
A Legacy Forged Against Elite Opposition
Crawford's resume stands as a testament to his greatness. He systematically defeated a who's who of elite welterweights and super welterweights, including Shawn Porter, Kell Brook, and Errol Spence. His crowning achievement, however, may be his masterclass against the iconic Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez.
In that fight, Crawford showcased his sublime artistry, out-boxing an all-time great by walking him onto sharp combinations while barely taking a punch in return. This victory cemented his status for McGuigan, placing him in the rarefied class of boxing's Sugar Rays – Ray Leonard and Ray Robinson.
Why Retirement Might Not Last
Despite the formal announcement, McGuigan is sceptical that this retirement is permanent. He points out that Crawford, now 38, may find life outside the ropes unfulfilling. "His only way of really expressing himself is in the ring," McGuigan states, suggesting that the pull of competition will prove too strong, as it has for many champions before him.
While not always a fan of Crawford's "surly personality" outside the ring, McGuigan unreservedly praises his genius within it. He describes watching Crawford as witnessing "art and science combined," a rare fusion of natural flow and technical excellence seen in sporting icons like Lionel Messi or Roger Federer.
If this is truly the end, Crawford departs at the absolute pinnacle. However, if McGuigan's suspicion of a comeback proves correct, he would like to see Crawford return to super welterweight or welterweight, the divisions where he produced some of his most spectacular work. Whether retired or not, Terence Crawford's legacy as an all-time great is already set in stone.
