Terence Crawford receives high praise from Artur Beterbiev

Terence Crawford returned to the headlines recently after being stripped of his super middleweight title by the WBC due to non-payment of sanctioning fees, resulting in him losing his undisputed status.

The future for Crawford has been heavily speculated, but the Omaha fighter recently  released a video through The Ring Magazine, announcing his retirement from the sport. Legendary former undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev has paid tribute to Bud Crawford via his personal X account.

Terence Crawford praised by Artur Beterbiev after retirement

Announcing his retirement in the video published by the Ring Magazine, the unified WBA, WBO, and IBF super middleweight champion began by saying:

“Every fighter know this moment will come. We just never know when. I spent my whole life chasing something. Not belts. Not money. Not headlines. But, the feeling you get when the world doubts you. But you keep showing up. You keep proving everyone wrong. This sport gave me everything. I fought for my family. I fought for my city. I fought for the kid I used to be. The one who had nothing but a dream and a pair of gloves.  And, I did it my way.”

Via his X account, Beterbiev said:

“It’s incredible to become the first undisputed champion in three weight classes in the history of professional boxing and did it undefeated. Some might even think that such achievements are impossible, but Terence Crawford did it.

“Congratulations on such a historic career.”

Terence Crawford bows out on top

Terence Crawford’s career has accelerated in recent years, with a huge win against Errol Spence Jr and, more recently, against Canelo Alvarez. His win over Canelo will have set him up well financially, and it appears Bud wants to bow out on top.

Whether we see the Omaha fighter again remains to be seen. His exceptional skill set will ensure his legacy lives on for many years. His achievements in the ring will ensure he is spoken alongside greats such as Muhammad Ali, Rocky Marciano, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Floyd Mayweather Jr, among many others.

Crawford is one of, if not the greatest, switch-hitters of all time. His counterpunching and power has seen him defeat all comers during his professional career. Have we really seen the last of Terence Crawford?