Terence Crawford’s decision to retire caught plenty of people off guard. Plenty of boxers have weighed in with their opinion on his decision.
The undefeated champion announced this week that he is stepping away from the sport after a career that finished with him on top, fresh from a defining win over Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. At 42–0, with titles across five weight classes, Crawford left with nothing taken from him.
Still, not everyone believes the timing makes sense.
Some see a fighter who completed his journey exactly when he wanted. Others see a champion walking away while opportunities remain.
Shawn Porter knew Crawford retirement was coming
Speaking to TMZ Sports, Porter revealed that Crawford had been talking about retirement long before it became public. In fact, Porter said those conversations began before their own fight back in 2021.
“I knew once he fought Canelo [Alvarez], he felt like there was nothin’ left for him,” Porter said.
“This is my first time saying — I never told anyone — that this is something that he’s been thinking about doing for a long time, wanting to do for a long time, but he knew that he had a little bit more to do.”
Porter, who retired after losing to Crawford, explained that fighters rarely walk away on impulse.
“It’s a calculated decision,” he said, adding that the timing usually comes only when a boxer feels complete.
When asked where Crawford sits historically, Porter placed him at the very top of his era.
“To get it done despite all of these things coming at him,” Porter said, “he did it.”
Oscar De La Hoya questions the legacy
Oscar De La Hoya took a far more critical stance, using social media to question Crawford’s résumé after the retirement announcement.
“What a tool … I can name 4 5 6 fighters that compete and probably even beat him. Please,” De La Hoya wrote.
“2 good fighter he beat … congratulations.”
The comments sparked immediate backlash, especially given Crawford’s undefeated record and undisputed status. Even so, they highlighted a long-running debate around the level of opposition Crawford faced during his prime.
On the other hand… Some might say that Oscar’s comments don’t even deserve a response.
Anthony Joshua believes Crawford still has more to give
Anthony Joshua offered a more measured response.
Speaking ahead of his own fight, the former heavyweight champion said he respects Crawford’s choice, but does not agree with it.
“I feel like Terence Crawford has got so, so much more to give,” Joshua said.
“But it’s not just physical, it’s what’s going on in his mind. He’s been in the game for a long time, so maybe he’s like, forget it, I’m done mentally, even though physically he’s good.”
Joshua acknowledged that Crawford earned the right to walk away.
“I would love to see him continue fighting,” he said. “I think he’s got a lot left, but we have to live and let others live by their own rules.”
