Terence Crawford chose a moment of peak glory to step away from boxing. The champion did not fade quietly into retirement but exited the stage immediately after the most significant victory of his career—his stunning September triumph over the legendary Canelo Alvarez. This win did more than just add another belt to his collection; it fundamentally altered his legacy in the sporting world.
An Unexpected Encounter in a Vegas Garage
In the days following his career-defining fight, Crawford enjoyed a low-key victory tour in Las Vegas. The atmosphere around him confirmed that his achievement had resonated deeply. While fans were still processing the epic bout, Crawford was experiencing its ripple effects in unexpected ways. One such moment, previously unseen by the public, was later revealed on his YouTube channel.
The video, titled ‘Unseen Footage, second stop after beating Canelo,’ shows Crawford returning to his hotel after a quick trip to Walmart. In the parking garage, he had a surprise run-in with NFL icon Tom Brady, a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. Brady warmly congratulated Crawford, revealing he had sent him a text message. Crawford, smiling, replied honestly that he had received "a million text messages," to which Brady understandingly said, "I get it."
Their exchange grew more heartfelt as they posed for photos. Brady made his admiration clear, stating, "I am so happy for you, dude. Un-f*****g-believable." The two shared a final hug before parting ways. This interaction highlighted the fight's massive crossover appeal, further emphasized by Brady having co-hosted the pre-game G.O.A.T.S. podcast for the Crawford-Canelo event alongside Dana White and Shaquille O'Neal.
Crawford Reflects on Weight and Retirement
Since announcing his retirement, Crawford has opened up about his career choices. In a conversation with streamer Adin Ross, he was asked which weight class felt most natural for him. He unequivocally pointed to the 168-pound division, where he fought Canelo, saying, "168. Definitely 168."
He also looked back on the physical sacrifices made earlier in his career to meet lower weight limits. Reflecting on the toll it took, Crawford admitted, "I was obviously smaller, but I was killing myself to make that weight. It was the same way with 140." These candid reflections paint a picture of an athlete who pushed his body to its absolute limits to achieve greatness across multiple weight classes.
The Legacy of a Perfect Exit
Terence Crawford's decision to retire at the pinnacle ensures his legacy is untarnished by a slow decline. His victory over Canelo Alvarez was not just another win; it was a statement that cemented his status among the all-time greats. The spontaneous recognition from a global sports superstar like Tom Brady underscores how this win transcended boxing. Crawford leaves the sport on his own terms, with the world still applauding his final, and perhaps greatest, performance.
