Terence Allan Crawford, born on September 28, 1987, is a celebrated American professional boxer who has left an indelible mark in the world of boxing. Holding multiple world championships across three weight classes, Crawford’s prowess extends from lightweight to welterweight. This article delves into his remarkable career, achievements, and the challenges he faced on his journey to becoming one of the best pound-for-pound boxers.
Personal Stats
| Full Name | Terence Allan Crawford |
| Date of Birth | September 28, 1987 |
| State of Origin | Nebraska |
| Birthplace | Omaha, Nebraska |
| Occupation | Professional Boxer |
| Nationality | American |
| Citizenship | American |
Early Life And Achievements
Terence Crawford, born in Omaha, Nebraska, began his boxing journey at the tender age of seven. With a passion for the sport, he fought in 70 official amateur bouts, securing victory in 58 of them. Notably, Crawford’s amateur career included triumphs over future world champions Mikey Garcia and Danny García, establishing him as a rising star in the boxing world.
Highlights from Amateur Career
- 2006 National PAL Championships, 132 lbs – Gold Medalist
- 2006 Blue & Gold National Championships, 132 lbs – Gold Medalist
- 2007 U.S. Pan American Games Box-Offs, 132 lbs – Gold Medalist
Professional Career Kick-off
Terence Crawford made his professional debut on March 14, 2008, announcing his arrival with a first-round knockout against Brian Cummings. His early career saw a flawless record of 19–0, with 15 victories by knockout. Crawford’s first notable bout came against Breidis Prescott, where he stepped in on short notice and emerged victorious via unanimous decision. This marked the beginning of Crawford’s ascent in the professional boxing scene.
Rise To Prominence
In June 2013, Crawford faced Alejandro Sanabria in a pivotal bout serving as an eliminator for the WBO lightweight title. The fight, held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, concluded with Crawford securing a technical knockout (TKO) victory in the sixth round. This win propelled him further into the spotlight and set the stage for his future accomplishments.
Legal Challenges And Resilience
Terence Crawford faced legal issues in September 2016, being found guilty of criminal mischief and disorderly conduct related to an incident at a local car body shop. Despite challenges, Crawford’s resilience shone through. Initially sentenced to 90 days in jail, he served 53 days before his conviction and sentence were reversed on appeal. This chapter underscores Crawford’s ability to overcome adversity both inside and outside the ring.
Undisputed Champion And Pound-for-Pound King
In August 2017, Terence Crawford achieved a historic feat by becoming the undisputed light welterweight champion, holding all four major world titles simultaneously—a rare accomplishment in modern boxing. He solidified his status as one of the pound-for-pound best. In July 2023, Crawford added another feather to his cap by becoming the first male two-division undisputed champion in the four-belt era, defeating Errol Spence Jr.
As of August 2023, Terence Crawford sits atop the boxing world, recognized as the best active boxer pound for pound by reputable organizations like The Ring, Boxing Writers Association of America, Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, ESPN, and BoxRec.
Accolades And Recognition
Terence Crawford’s exceptional career has not gone unnoticed. He was named Fighter of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America in 2014 and received the same honor from ESPN in 2014 and 2017. These accolades reflect his consistent excellence and contributions to the sport.
