Terence Crawford

Early life

Crawford was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, as the only son born to Debbie and Terence Sr. He grew up in a dangerous area known for poverty, crime, and violence, which made it difficult for him to navigate in his youth. The Crawford family frequently faced financial challenges, often struggling to afford basic necessities.

At an early age, he was often involved in physical altercations and was kicked out of five different schools because of it. As his father was in the U.S. Navy, he was rarely home, leaving his mother to raise him by herself. She often beat him with a belt and even tried paying neighborhood kids to pummel him, although none succeeded.

Crawford found solace in boxing at the C.W. Boxing Club in North Omaha. His grandfather, father, and uncle had all trained there. The gym's owner, Carl Washington, who was also Crawford's neighbor, approached Crawford when he was seven years old, recommending he join the gym. Crawford began frequenting the gym, and was eventually mentored by Midge Minor, who became a father figure to him. He constantly picked up Crawford after school and paid close attention to him, fearing that he may become involved in the rampant crime in the area. Introduced to wrestling by a close family friend, Crawford embraced the sport early on, developing skills that later shaped his distinctive, wrestling-influenced boxing style.

In 2001, Crawford began training under Brian "Bomac" McIntyre and Esaú Diéguez, who remained his trainers.

Amateur career

Crawford took up boxing at the age of seven. He fought 70 official amateur bouts, losing 12 times. As an amateur, he defeated future world champions Mikey Garcia and Danny Garcia, as well as Diego Magdaleno, whom he beat three times. After winning three amateur tournaments shortly before the 2008 Olympics, he became the highest-ranked lightweight in the US. However, his loss to leading contender Sadam Ali thwarted his Olympic ambitions. His amateur record was 58–12.

Highlights

2006 National PAL Championships, 132 lbs – Gold Medalist

Preliminaries: Defeated Miguel Ángel González (W 4)

Preliminaries: Defeated James Villa (RSC-2)

Quarterfinals: Defeated Stan Martyniouk (22–11)

Semifinals: Defeated Javier Garcia (7–4)

Finals: Defeated Diego Magdaleno (13–8)

2006 Blue & Gold National Championships, 132 lbs – Gold Medalist

Quarterfinals: Defeated Jose Fernandez (RSC)

Semifinals: Defeated Paul Green (5–0)

Finals: Defeated Danny Garcia (3–2)

2006 National Golden Gloves, 132 lbs – Silver Medalist

Preliminaries: Defeated Angelo Ward (5–0)

Preliminaries: Defeated DeMarco McCrady (5–0)

Quarterfinals: Defeated Rashad Ganaway (5–0)

Semifinals: Defeated Carlos Molina (3–2)

Finals: Lost to Jesus Mendez (2–3)

2006 U.S. National Championships, 132 lbs – Bronze Medalist

Preliminaries: Bye

Preliminaries: Defeated Mikey Garcia (18–7)

Professional career

Lightweight

Crawford made his professional debut on March 14, 2008, fighting as a lightweight (130 lb (59 kg) - 135 lb (61 kg)) and knocking out Brian Cummings in the first round. He compiled a record of 19–0 with 15 wins by way of knockout (KO) against largely unheralded opposition.

Crawford's first notable bout was against Breidis Prescott on the undercard of the second fight between Brandon Ríos and Mike Alvarado. Prescott was originally scheduled to face WBA light welterweight champion Khabib Allakhverdiev, who withdrew with an injured elbow. Crawford was originally supposed to meet Robert Osiobe on the same card, but accepted the offer to fill in for Allakhverdiev on three-days notice. Crawford defeated the Colombian by a unanimous decision. Crawford received a purse of $125,000, whilst Prescott received $50,000. This was the first time Crawford fought a ten-round fight at the 140 lb. limit.

Crawford fought Alejandro Sanabria on June 15, 2013. Held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, the fight served as an eliminator for the WBO lightweight title and was also for the vacant WBO-NABO lightweight title.

After a slow start in rounds one and two, Crawford outlanded Sanabria 2–1 in power shots over the next three frames. The fight ended just after the bell rang to start the sixth round. Crawford charged forward, landing a precise left hook to Sanabria's jaw that sent him crashing to the canvas, headfirst, in a forward roll. Though Sanabria was able to return to his feet at the count of seven, he was left staggered, which caused the fight to be waved off by referee Laurence Cole, giving Crawford a technical knockout (TKO) victory.

On August 21, 2013, it was announced that Crawford would fight undefeated Russian boxer and WBO #12 ranked Andrey Klimov in another elimination bout, which would see the winner challenge WBO champion Ricky Burns. The fight was scheduled for ten rounds and took place on the undercard of Miguel Cotto vs. Delvin Rodriguez on HBO at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida, on October 5. Klimov was coming off a majority decision (MD) win over fringe contender John Molina Jr. in June 2013.

After ten rounds, all three judges scored the fight 100–90 in Crawford's favour, Klimov's first defeat as a professional. According to CompuBox stats, Crawford landed 192 of 604 punches (32%), whilst Klimov landed 57 of 290 (20%). In the post-fight interview, Crawford spoke on how he went in and got the job done, "I outboxed him. It was easy all night long. I thought I was hurting him all night long. I was never in any trouble and I thought he was in trouble." Due to Klimov's lack of action, it prompted a member of his team to call him a 'coward' after round eight in the corner.

Light welterweight

On March 6, 2015, ESPN reported that Crawford would debut as a light welterweight, challenging for the vacant WBO title at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, against 25 year old Thomas Dulorme on April 18. At the press conference, Crawford told Dulorme, "Come prepared because I am going to be ready. [The fans] should expect a spectacular victory. This is my second world title at a different weight, and I am really going to be up for it. I will be prepared. I am always ready and prepared for any fight."

Early in the bout, Dulorme was outworking Crawford. However, this was part of Crawford's strategy; he was relying on Dulorme to tire out, which eventually ended up occurring. By the fourth round, Crawford began using his jab more frequently, marking a shift in the fight's pace. Crawford's jab would serve as a strong setup for larger punches later in the fight. In the sixth round, Crawford feinted with the jab and then landed a left-right combination that hurt Dulorme, who staggered back and took a knee. He got back up but was dropped twice more in the same round. The second knockdown ended the fight, as Dulorme was unable to continue, and Crawford secured his first world title at 140 pounds. Referee Rafael Ramos stopped the fight at 1 minute, 51 seconds of the round. The fight averaged 1.004 million viewers on HBO.

Top Rank announced on August 20 that Crawford would make his first defence at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Nebraska, on October 24 against Montreal based 33 year old contender Dierry Jean. Jean's only previous loss as a professional had come in 2014 against light welterweight titlist Lamont Peterson, in Peterson's hometown of Washington, D.C., after which Jean dropped down to lightweight where he won four fights in a row.

The first round was a typically cagey, measured start by Crawford up until the final seconds, when he switched to a southpaw stance and stuck Jean with a hard left and a right hook that sent him to the canvas. Dominating the middle rounds, Crawford pounced on Jean whenever he saw his guard drop even a little. He landed a couple of powerful hooks on Jean at the end of the ninth, sending him to the canvas for a second knockdown. Wobbly getting to his feet, it was clear he had nothing left in the 10th, forcing referee Tony Weeks to step in and stop the bout in front of an audience of 11,020. Crawford landed 169 total punches out of 533 thrown, and 40% of his power shots. Over the last three rounds, Crawford out-landed Jean 59 to 9.

Undisputed light welterweight champion

On July 1, 2017, Top Rank announced that a light welterweight unification fight between Crawford, and WBA regular and IBF champion Julius Indongo was agreed upon to take place on August 19 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, live on ESPN in the U.S. and Sky Sports in the U.K. WBA sanctioned the fight for WBA super title. With the unification of every major world title in boxing (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO) will determine the light welterweight division's first undisputed champion since Kostya Tszyu in 2004, and the first time all the aforementioned titles have been at stake in a single fight since Bernard Hopkins vs. Jermain Taylor in 2005. Both fighters paid over $100,000 U.S. dollars in sanctioning fees. Crawford entered the fight as a heavy favourite to win.

In front of a home crowd of 12,121, Crawford became the undisputed champion at light welterweight after knocking out Indongo in round three. The final punch was a left hook to the right side of the body, which immediately dropped Indongo. Referee Jack Reiss counted to 10 and promptly called an end after 1 minute and 38 seconds. Indongo also touched the canvas during round one, but the referee ruled it a slip. Additionally, Indongo was knocked down and received a count after a left from Crawford during round two.

According to CompuBox stats, Crawford landed 26 of his 75 punches thrown (35%), while Indongo landed 13 of 74 thrown (18%). Both boxers earned an undisclosed 7-figure purse. Following the fight, Indongo stated "When he hit me like that, my mind was gone" about Crawford's body shot. Crawford stated that he had yet to make a decision on the next step in his career but there was speculation about him moving up to the welterweight division or defending his light welterweight titles against Mikey Garcia. The card averaged 965,000 viewers on ESPN.

Mere days after the fight, the IBF ordered a fight between Crawford and their mandatory challenger, Sergey Lipinets. Lipinets was named Indongo's mandatory challenger in December 2016, but Indongo was given an exemption to allow the unification fight with Crawford to happen. Lipinets stated that the IBF title was "stolen from him". As Crawford didn't plan to return to the ring before the IBF's deadline, he vacated the IBF title just 11 days after defeating Indongo. The IBF ordered Lipinets to face Akihiro Kondo for their vacant title.

Welterweight

On October 26, 2017, Crawford officially vacated his WBO title to move up to the welterweight division. The WBO announced Crawford as the mandatory challenger to their titleholder Jeff Horn. With Horn scheduled to make a voluntary defence in December 2017 against British boxer Gary Corcoran, Crawford would not fight again in 2017. The winner of Horn vs. Cocoran was then ordered to schedule a fight against Crawford within 90 days. Arum stated he had dates in March and April 2018 on hold.

Horn had won the WBO welterweight title in a very controversial decision win against Manny Pacquiao, after he had successfully made the first defence of his against Corcoran, this set up the fight between Crawford and Horn. Following his win, Horn was challenged to a big money fight at light middleweight by 42 year old Anthony Mundine, before eventually defending his WBO title against Crawford. Horn admitted his interest in the fight where he would be seeing a purse of around $2 million with his trainer, Glenn Rushton, also very much interested in the Mundine fight. On January 10, 2018, it was confirmed that all terms had been agreed upon for Horn to defend the WBO title in a mandatory defence against Crawford, after renegotiating the purses. The fight was being slated for April 21, 2018, at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada. On January 17, Arum stated the fight would likely take place at Madison Square Garden as there was no availability in Las Vegas for the dates required. In February, Arum claimed that due to other boxing events taking place around New York in April, the Crawford vs. Horn bout would take place in Las Vegas instead.

On March 14, it was reported that the fight would be postponed after Crawford suffered a hand injury whilst sparring. The fight was rescheduled to take place on June 9 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Paradise, Nevada. It was reported on May 24 that Horn had been involved in a car accident, involving three cars in Brisbane, however Horn himself confirmed that he was not hurt and did not suffer any injuries. Speaking to a newspaper, he said, "No one was badly hurt but it stunned me. Fortunately, I was in the car alone and my wife Jo and baby Isabelle were home. The accident was a shock but nothing is going to derail me from beating Terence Crawford. I'm very fit. I feel I'm going to peak right at fight time."

Crawford became a three-weight world champion in front of 8,112 fans in attendance after he eventually stopped Horn via TKO in round nine. At the time of the stoppage, all three judges had Crawford winning all the previous rounds. Horn lacked defense but kept coming forward, trying to look for an opening. Horn made the opening two rounds the most competitive with his aggressive style but Crawford adapted and remained the busier fighter throughout, landing the most telling shots of the bout. Horn was eventually dropped for the first time in round nine with an overhand left. After he got back up, Crawford landed a series of hard shots that caused referee Robert Byrd to stop the fight. The official time of the stoppage was 2 minutes and 33 seconds. After the bout, Crawford spoke about his welterweight debut, "Like I told you all before, I'm strong. I was way stronger than him. You all kept telling me how strong he was, so I had to go and show you. I just had to get in the ring and prove it. You saw what I did in there. My power carried up, my physicality. Now I want all the champions at welterweight." Promoter Bob Arum highly praised Crawford and compared him to Sugar Ray Leonard. According to CompuBox stats, Crawford landed 155 of 367 of punches thrown (42%). This included 47 power shots landed over the final two rounds. Horn, on the other hand, landed just 58 of 257 punches thrown (23%). Crawford earned a career-high $3 million purse and Horn also earned a career-high purse of $1.75 million.

Undisputed welterweight champion

Crawford and the WBA, IBF and WBC welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. came to an agreement on "all material terms" for a title unification, which was expected to take place on November 19. The agreement included a bilateral rematch clause, with the winner of the bout earning the majority of the revenue in the rematch. Two months later, it was revealed by both camps that negotiations had fallen through and they would be pursuing different fights.

Potential dates were given of the fight between both men as June 17 and July 22 but both have been proven false.

Following this, on February 27, 2023, Crawford was ordered by the WBO to make a mandatory title defense against the once-defeated Alexis Rocha.

Finally on May 25, 2023, it was confirmed that Crawford would fight Errol Spence Jr. for the undisputed welterweight titles on July 29, 2023, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Spence had fought only 2 times in 4 years and was coming into the fight after 2 years of inactivity. He had also suffered 2 near death car accidents.

After a slow start in the first round, Crawford quickly took control of the fight. In the second, he dropped Spence with a counter jab followed by a straight left hand. "That was more of a flash knockdown," Crawford said of the second-round knockdown after the fight. "I caught him with the left. He didn't think I was coming back with the right." Spence managed to beat the count and kept trying to mount an offense, but Crawford's speed, precision, and power overwhelmed him throughout the fight. Crawford's jab was a standout weapon, not just a setup, but a dominant force that stopped Spence's momentum every time he tried to push forward.

As the rounds progressed, Spence struggled to get anything going. Crawford's jab and crisp straight left hands kept him on the defensive, leaving Spence with little chance to land an effective shot. Despite hitting the canvas twice in the seventh, Spence tried to rally, but Crawford's relentless attack left him reeling. By the ninth round, Crawford had completely broken Spence down, leaving the referee no other option than to stop the fight at 2:32 of the frame. By that point, he had out-landed Spence 185 to 96 in total punches and 98 to 63 in power punches.

Super welterweight

On April 20, 2024, it was reported that Crawford would move up a weight class to challenge Israil Madrimov for his WBA super welterweight title in Los Angeles on August 3, 2024. The WBC designated Crawford its welterweight champion in recess. Prior to the bout, Madrimov was a +600 underdog.

From the early rounds, it was clear that Madrimov would be a tough challenge for Crawford. With fast hands, solid footwork, and clever feints, Madrimov kept Crawford from settling into his usual rhythm, preventing him from letting his hands go as he has against other top fighters. Crawford maintained a southpaw stance throughout the fight, sticking to his jab and using it to set up straight lefts and powerful uppercuts. However, Madrimov capitalized on Crawford's vulnerability to straight right hands, making things difficult for the champion. The momentum swung back and forth throughout the fight, with one fighter gaining control for a few rounds before the other took over with his own strategy.

Ultimately, Crawford's strong push in the championships rounds won him the bout by unanimous decision, with scores of 116–112, 115-113 and 115–113, making him a 4 division world champion. This was the first fight since 2016 where Crawford had been taken the full 12 rounds. Madrimov believed he had done enough to secure the victory. According to CompuBox stats Crawford landed 95 of his 433 punches thrown, with 55 power punches landed and Madrimov landed 84 of his 275 punches thrown, with 65 of them being power shots.

On August 28, 2024, it was reported that WBO ordered the junior middleweight title fight between Crawford, who at that time held WBA and interim WBO titles, and Sebastian Fundora, who held WBC and WBO titles.

Undisputed super middleweight champion

In February 2025, it was reported that an agreement was in place for Crawford to challenge Saul 'Canelo' Álvarez (62–2–2, 39 KOs) for his undisputed super middleweight titles in a mega-fight in September 2025. Both boxers had met with Turki Alalshikh separately and agreed to terms. The fight would headline a Riyadh Season card, likely scheduled for a venue in Las Vegas. Early rumors reported Allegiant Stadium as the frontrunner to host the event. Álvarez had been ignoring call outs from Crawford and Alalshikh since 2024 for a fight. A few days later, The Ring magazine reported the fight was cancelled. Álvarez began negotiations to fight Jake Paul, and on February 7, the plans fell through when it was announced that Álvarez signed a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season, which meant the Crawford fight was back on.

Immediately after defeating William Scull on May 3, Álvarez was joined in the ring by Crawford as the fight was formally announced. On June 7, following UFC 316, a reporter questioned Dana White about the card. White replied that he would be promoting the fight. Alalshikh then posted on X to back what White had said. With TKO back on board, Netflix was likely to broadcast the event. On June 10, the fight was officially announced, along with a three-city press tour scheduled for Riyadh, New York and Las Vegas. The fight was to take place on September 13, streaming live on Netflix. On June 17, Allegiant Stadium was officially confirmed as the host venue. It was reported that a deal was done to reschedule a college football game, which was supposed to take place that day.

In August, the WBA announced that Crawford would forfeit the light middleweight title at the start of the fight, with Abass Baraou being elevated to the position of full WBA champion, thereby maintaining the title's active status in that division. Crawford responded to rumors concerning a shoulder injury during an event in Las Vegas, expressing skepticism about the speculation. He assured reporters that he was not injured and criticized the assertions regarding his fitness and speed. Crawford affirmed that he was at his natural weight and rejected claims that his physique would impact his performance. At the official weigh-ins, both fighters came in at 167.5 pounds, the highest weight of Crawford's career.

Crawford, fighting out of the southpaw stance, started cautiously before taking control in the sixth round with a clean hook that shifted the momentum. He outboxed Álvarez through the middle rounds, mixing sharp jabs and counters, while surviving a cut from a head clash in the ninth. Álvarez rallied briefly in the tenth, but Crawford finished stronger in the championship rounds to earn a unanimous decision and become undisputed super middleweight champion by scores of 116–112, 115–113, and 115–113.

Retirement

On December 16, 2025, Crawford announced his retirement from boxing, sharing a career-highlight video on social media accompanied by the message, "Walking away as a great with nothing else left to prove." Weeks later, he opened up further about retiring, citing his age as a major factor. He said, "I'm 38. 38 is old in boxing. I been boxing since I was 7." He believes that, if he continues competing, he will never receive the respect he deserves regardless of whom he defeats.

Fighter profile

Boxing style

Crawford is considered one of the most complete boxers of his generation. His ability to fluidly switch between orthodox and southpaw stances keeps opponents off balance and creates openings for his offense; with each switch changing not just his lead foot, but the angle of his attack, making it hard for opponents to predict his movements. This dynamic switch-hitting allows him to control the fight's pace, disrupt defensive strategies, and land powerful, unexpected punches, often frustrating his opponents and forcing them to take reckless risks, which he expertly counters. Crawford while being naturally right-handed has power in both hands; from both stances and has trained his left hand to also deliver knockout punching power.

An expert defensive boxer, Crawford combines slips, weaves, shoulder rolls, and agile footwork to evade opponents and set up devastating counters. His head movement is key, often slipping punches and pivoting with precision, much like Pernell Whitaker. Crawford also uses the Philly Shell defense from a southpaw stance, deflecting punches off his lead shoulder or forearm while maintaining distance. His lowered lead hand allows for a flicker jab, setting up his powerful rear hand, similar to Thomas Hearns.

Crawford's greatest strength is believed to be his ability to adapt mid-fight. Being a slow starter by design, using the early rounds to study timing, tendencies, and weaknesses; once he finds a gap, he shifts gears quickly, often flipping the momentum with a single exchange. Crawford is recognized for his ability to secure stoppage victories, often relying on timing and counterpunching rather than constant aggression. Analysts have noted his ability to adjust strategies during bouts and maintain composure under pressure, which has contributed to his success across multiple weight classes. He recorded 11 consecutive finishes in world title fights, a streak that reinforced his reputation as one of the leading boxers of his era.

Training

Terence Crawford's training approach is unique in its collaborative and holistic nature. His coaches—Brian McIntyre, Esaú Diéguez, and Jamie Belt—work in sync to develop his skills. Each trainer brings a different perspective, with McIntyre focusing on tactics and strategy, Diéguez offering a deep understanding of boxing technique, and Belt specializing in strength and conditioning.

Crawford's training involves a mix of traditional methods and modern techniques. A key part of his preparation is adaptability—he works on both orthodox and southpaw stances, practicing various scenarios, such as cutting the ring off or adjusting to opponents who jump in or stand still. Sparring is prioritized every other day, but it is balanced with recovery-focused activities like swimming. Swimming serves as a low-impact cardio workout that helps with muscle recovery, lung capacity, and overall endurance.

Belt's focus is on injury prevention and building Crawford's athleticism, transitioning him from traditional, long-distance running to interval-based training and weightlifting. This shift in training methods, including core strengthening and muscle stabilization, enhances Crawford's overall performance. The training plan also emphasizes gradually increasing the intensity of workouts, ensuring that Crawford's cardio is optimal for the late rounds of fights.

As the training camp progresses, the team relocates to Colorado to focus on higher-altitude training, which helps with stamina and conditioning.

When it comes to his diet during training camps, Crawford trusts his coach and nutritionist to take care of the details. His typical meal plan includes baked chicken, fish, brown rice, pasta, and vegetables.

Personal life

Crawford has two sisters, Latisha and Shawntay. He has been in a relationship with Alindra Person since the early 2000s. They first met in their hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, and have six children together. Crawford also has another child with another woman.

Crawford reportedly boasts a large real estate portfolio consisting of over 100 properties in Missouri, Colorado, and Nebraska. As of 2025, he has earned more than $100 million in the ring, brings in at least $2 million annually from brand partnerships, and his real estate holdings are valued at over $20 million.

During fight camps, he moves to his second house in Colorado Springs and trains at Triple Threat Gym.

Just three days after defeating Ricky Burns to capture his first world title, Crawford was honored with the Key to the City of Omaha, Nebraska. The Omaha City Council also declared March 4, 2014, as Terence "Bud" Crawford Day.

In August 2018, Larimore Avenue, where he grew up, was renamed Terence "Bud" Crawford Street. Crawford still resides in Omaha along with his family, where he is a celebrated figure.

In May 2025, the University of Nebraska Omaha invited Crawford to be the keynote speaker at the commencement ceremony for graduating students. After delivering his speech, he was honored with the inaugural Spirit of the Maverick award.

Business partnerships

In May 2017, Crawford signed a deal with sports equipment brand Everlast. In April 2019, he partnered with premium hemp CBD brand Populum, serving as an advocate for the use of CBD among boxers.

After being sponsored by Prime Hydration for his July fight with Errol Spence Jr., Crawford formalized a partnership deal with the company in November 2023.

In 2024, Crawford signed a 10-year licensing agreement for the boxing video game Undisputed, a deal that includes equity ownership and a share of the franchise.

In 2025, Crawford entered into a partnership with Crown Coins Casino to serve as its brand ambassador. As part of the collaboration, Crown Coins sponsored Crawford and launched themed slot games featuring his likeness.

In popular culture

Crawford was a featured cover athlete on The Ring magazine's September 2015, January 2019, May 2019, and November 2025 issues.

Crawford was featured in the Creed film franchise, appearing in Creed III in 2023. In October 2025, Undisputed released a "Championship Edition" of its video game featuring Crawford on the cover. In November 2025, Crawford was featured by Haute Living, modeling some expensive Ulysse Nardin watches.

After winning the undisputed welterweight championship in 2023, the city of Omaha held a parade in Crawford's honor, drawing thousands of supporters. The city held a second parade on September 27, 2025, following his victory over Canelo Álvarez to become the undisputed super middleweight champion; the celebration drew roughly 100,000 supporters, and Mayor John Ewing Jr. presented Crawford with another key to the city.

In Google's list of top trending searches for 2025, Crawford ranked as the most-searched athlete of the year.

On July 19, 2024, Crawford was ringside for WWE SmackDown in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. During the event, he assisted Cody Rhodes by handing him a chair which he used to hit Grayson Waller.

Crawford appeared on Friday Night SmackDown again the following week, this time stepping into the ring to confront Waller and Austin Theory. Waller warned Crawford by saying "Look at me when I'm talking to you. If you take one more step, my boy Austin Theory will knock you out." Ignoring his warning, Crawford knocked Theory to the ground with one punch.

Legal issues

In September 2008, after shooting dice with a few friends, Crawford was shot on the right side of his head, right below his ear, while sitting in the driver's seat of his 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. Reportedly, the nine-millimeter bullet changed trajectory after initially hitting the rear windshield. Had it not, it would have hit more directly, penetrated deeply, and done enough damage to be fatal. Despite the badly bleeding wound, Crawford was still able to drive himself to the hospital, where he received several stitches and was later discharged. Crawford fought and won his fifth match of the year against Michael Williams less than two months after the incident. When asked if he found out who the shooter was and if he was caught, Crawford responded "The shooter is dead, he got shot in the head".

In 2016, Crawford faced legal issues stemming from an incident involving his 1984 Chevrolet Monte Carlo at an Omaha, Nebraska, auto body shop. After paying about half of a $2,500 repainting fee, he disputed the quality and delay of the work; when the shop refused to release the car without full payment, Crawford returned with three friends and removed the vehicle from a hydraulic lift, causing an estimated $5,000 in damages. The shop owner said he felt threatened and alleged Crawford pushed him while leaving. Crawford voluntarily surrendered to police on April 22 and was charged with four misdemeanors—destruction of property, theft of service, misdemeanor assault, and trespassing. In September, he was convicted of property damage and disorderly conduct and, in December, sentenced to 90 days in jail, two years of probation, and 120 hours of community service. The jail sentence was later overturned on appeal, while the probation and community service terms remained in effect.

In the early hours of his 38th birthday, just before 1:30 a.m. on September 28, 2025, Crawford was held at gunpoint during a traffic stop in Omaha after officers stopped his sedan for reckless driving and observed a firearm on the driver's side floorboard. Police ordered Crawford and three other occupants out of the vehicle with weapons drawn; all were legally permitted to carry firearms, and Crawford was cited for reckless driving. Omaha mayor John Ewing Jr. and Police Chief Todd Schmaderer announced a review of the incident, with Schmaderer authorizing an internal affairs investigation that later found no policy violations. Body-camera footage showed the initial interaction was cordial, with Crawford explaining the new car "got away from him," but an officer who did not hear the disclosure of legal firearms drew his weapon upon seeing the gun, and the occupants were briefly handcuffed before being released. Schmaderer said the video would not be released without Crawford's consent. In April 2026, Crawford was found guilty of careless driving and fined $75 following the traffic stop, along with a further $49 for court fees. The police officers involved were cleared of any wrongdoing.

Charitable work

B&B Sports Academy

In October 2013, Crawford co-founded B&B Sports Academy, a nonprofit gym dedicated to building the body, mind and character of young people, including at-risk youth in need of positive, structured activities. The academy is free for kids and includes a mandatory tutoring program that requires everyone to maintain at least a C average in school.

Other charitable work

In 2013, Crawford started an Anti-Bullying campaign where he went to schools all over Omaha to discuss bullying, how to deal with it, and how to prevent it.

In 2014, Crawford traveled with his former teacher Jamie Nollette to Rwanda and Uganda on several charitable missions to help build and drill wells to create clean water for communities.

In September 2023, Crawford participated in a celebrity charity basketball game staged to benefit the Lifedriven Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to supporting adolescents diagnosed with cancer, and their families.

In 2024, he returned to Uganda for charity and other philanthropic reasons.

Titles in boxing

Major world titles

WBO lightweight champion (135 lbs)

WBA (Super) light welterweight champion (140 lbs)

WBC light welterweight champion (140 lbs)

IBF light welterweight champion (140 lbs)

WBO light welterweight champion (140 lbs)

WBA (Super) welterweight champion (147 lbs)

WBC welterweight champion (147 lbs)

IBF welterweight champion (147 lbs)

WBO welterweight champion (147 lbs)

WBA light middleweight champion (154 lbs)

WBA (Super) super middleweight champion (168 lbs)

WBC super middleweight champion (168 lbs)

IBF super middleweight champion (168 lbs)

WBO super middleweight champion (168 lbs)

The Ring magazine titles

The Ring lightweight champion (135 lbs)

The Ring light welterweight champion (140 lbs)

The Ring welterweight champion (147 lbs)

The Ring super middleweight champion (168 lbs)

Interim world titles

WBO interim light middleweight champion (154 lbs)

Regional/International titles

NABO lightweight champion (135 lbs)

Undisputed titles

Undisputed light welterweight champion (140 lbs)

Undisputed welterweight champion (147 lbs)

Undisputed super middleweight champion (168 lbs)

Honorary titles

WBO Super Champion

WBC welterweight Champion in Recess

WBC Nahui Huey Altepemeh champion

The Ring Special Edition belt champion

WBC Crown Series Undisputed champion

WBO Undisputed super middleweight champion

Awards

Boxing awards

The Ring magazine Fighter of the Year: 2025

2× Sugar Ray Robinson Award: 2014, 2025

2× Best Fighter ESPY Award: 2018, 2026

Best Boxer ESPY Award: 2024

BBC Sports Personality World Sport Star of the Year Nominee: 2025

3× ESPN Fighter of the Year: 2014, 2017, 2025

4× ESPN Top 100: #2 (2022), #1 (2023), #3 (2024), #1 (2025)

2× The Sporting News Men's Fighter of the Year: 2023, 2025

Sports Illustrated Male Fighter of the Year: 2025

Sports Illustrated Prospect of the Year: 2013

BoxingScene Fighter of the Year: 2025

BoxingScene Event of the Year Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford: 2025

BoxingScene American Boxer of the Decade (2020s): 2025

Fox Sports Greatest Boxer of All Time from Nebraska: 2017

The Ring magazine Performance of the Year vs. Errol Spence Jr.: 2023

World Boxing Council Performance of the Year vs. Errol Spence Jr.: 2023

5× World Boxing Organization Fighter of the Year: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2023, 2025

Awards and honors

Omaha city council declared Tuesday, March 4, 2014, as Terence "Bud" Crawford Day.

2× Key to the City of Omaha, Nebraska: 2014, 2025

The Shadow League Leadership Award: 2015

Omaha Public Schools (OPS) Athletics Hall of Fame: Class of 2022

University of Nebraska Omaha Spirit of the Maverick Award: 2025 (inaugural honoree)

On October 22, 2025, Crawford received one of the highest honors from the Omaha Tribe, a hand-stitched quilt bestowed by the Black Brown and Red Coalition.

Omaha Sports Hall of Fame: Class of 2026

Tanzania Tourism Goodwill Ambassador: 2026

Viewership

Filmography