• Terence Crawford was honored as The Ring’s 2025 “Fighter of the Year” at a gala in New York.
  • His clear decision win over Canelo Alvarez moved him up two weight classes and secured undisputed status.
  • Crawford announced his retirement Dec. 16, finishing his career undefeated at 42-0 (31 KOs).
  • Finalists included Dmitry Bivol, Naoya Inoue, Jesse Rodriguez and Fabio Wardley.

Crawford honored at The Ring Awards gala

Terence Crawford returned to the spotlight Friday when The Ring named him its 2025 “Fighter of the Year” during the publication’s second annual awards gala at Cipriani in New York. The Omaha native accepted the honor after a year that culminated in a landmark victory and an abrupt, on-top retirement.

Victory over Canelo defines 2025

Crawford’s lone fight of 2025 came Sept. 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, where he moved up two weight classes from junior middleweight to super middleweight and outboxed Canelo Alvarez. Judge Steve Weisfeld scored the bout 116-112 in Crawford’s favor; Tim Cheatham and Max De Luca each had it 115-113. The unanimous decision cemented Crawford’s place as the only male three-division undisputed champion in the four-belt era.

That win — against one of the sport’s most recognizable champions — was decisive in The Ring’s voting despite Crawford fighting just once last year. The shift in weight and the quality of the opponent made his victory the defining performance in boxing for 2025.

Why Crawford chose to retire

Crawford announced his retirement on Dec. 16, telling interviewers he felt there was nothing left to prove. Now 38, the ambidextrous southpaw-turned-switch-hitter reflected on a career that began when he first laced up gloves at age seven. “I’m 38,” he said in an interview with streamer Adin Ross. “Thirty-eight is old in boxing. I been boxing since I was 7.”

Finishing 42-0 with 31 knockouts, Crawford captured world titles across divisions that spanned 33 pounds — from lightweight to super middleweight. He told media he’s enjoying life outside the ring, spending more time with his children and stepping back from the physical demands of training camps.

Other finalists and context

The Ring’s other finalists for Fighter of the Year (listed alphabetically) were Dmitry Bivol, Naoya Inoue, Jesse Rodriguez and Fabio Wardley. Crawford’s victory in the award voting reflected not just a single big win, but the historic significance of defeating Canelo and leaving the sport undefeated.

Crawford’s award caps a career of technical mastery and strategic adaptability. Though he’s stepped away from active competition, his legacy as one of boxing’s modern greats — and as the lone three-division undisputed male champion in the current era — is now official.

Image Referance: https://www.ringmagazine.com/news/2025-ring-awards-terence-crawford-ends-career-as-fighter-of-year-6MtAd0JdhCgL8peKaYNIcm