Boxing great, Terence Crawford was born September 28, 1987, in Omaha, Nebraska. Being a fighter is in his bloodline. His father, uncle, and grandfather all trained at the C.W. Boxing Club in his hometown. The owner Carl Washington was also his neighbor. When Crawford was about 7 years old, Washington approached him about following along the same path. He noticed Crawford was getting into fights and heading down the wrong path. He also had six kids of his own so he understood there’s always one child that can end up getting a little off path. With the approval of Crawford’s mother, Mr. Washington stepped in to help. Soon after, Crawford began being mentored by trainer Midge Minor.
Fast forward to 2006, “BUD” Crawford won gold medals at the National Pal Championships and the Blue & Gold National Championships. The same year he won a silver medal at the U.S. National Golden Gloves Championships, and bronze at the nationals. In 2007, his winning streak continued. Crawford won gold at the Pan American Box-offs in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and a couple of others that year as well.
Career Timeline and Progression Through the Ranks
Crawford turned professional in 2008. His impressive switch-hitting skills and counterpunching led to him becoming a world champion in 2014, by defeating Ricky Burns in Glasgow for the WBO lightweight title.
Crawford unified the junior welterweight (140 lbs.) division in 2017, becoming the undisputed champion by defeating Julius Indongo. He became the first male boxer in over a decade, and the first since the start of the four-belt era in 2004, to attain undisputed status in a weight class.
Excellence in the Welterweight Division
After conquering 140, Crawford moved up to welterweight (147 lbs.), where many questioned if
he could continue his dominance against bigger opponents. He answered those doubts
emphatically. Crawford stopped every opponent he faced at welterweight, to include Amir Khan,
Kell Brook, and Shawn Porter, who had never been stopped before.
In 2023, Crawford defeated Errol Spence Jr. in a welterweight unification match, knocking him down several times before winning in round nine. This victory made Crawford the first male boxer to hold undisputed titles in two weight classes during the four-belt era.
Continuance of a Legacy
In a highly anticipated contest that drew significant attention in the boxing world, Terence “Bud”
Crawford secured a victory over Canelo Álvarez to become the undisputed super middleweight
champion. After moving up in weight once again. Crawford showed expert boxing strategy
against a top champion, using strong footwork, counters, and timing to neutralize Canelo from
the start.
As the fight went on, Crawford gained control, countered Canelo’s body shots, and landed
effective combinations. He dominated in the final rounds and won by unanimous decision,
handing Álvarez one of his clearest defeats.
Terence Crawford became the first male boxer in the four-belt era to be the undisputed champion in
both welterweight and super middleweight divisions. This accomplishment cements his status as
one of boxing’s all-time greats.
