Terence Crawford facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Terence Crawford
Crawford in 2023
Statistics
Real name	Terence Allan Crawford
Nickname(s)	Bud
Rated at	Lightweight Light welterweight Welterweight Light middleweight Super middleweight
Height	5 ft 8 in
Reach	74 in
Born	(1987-09-28) September 28, 1987 (age 37) Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
Stance	Southpaw
Boxing record
Total fights	42
Wins	42
Wins by KO	31
Medal record Men's amateur boxing Blue & Gold National Championships Gold 2006 Carson Lightweight Golden Gloves Silver 2006 Omaha Lightweight U.S. National PAL Championships Gold 2006 Oxnard Lightweight U.S. National Championships Bronze 2006 Colorado Springs Lightweight Bronze 2007 Colorado Springs Lightweight U.S. Pan American Box-Offs Gold 2007 Colorado Springs Lightweight Pan American Games Qualifier Bronze 2007 Rio de Janeiro Lightweight

Terence Allan Crawford (born September 28, 1987) is an amazing American professional boxer. He is known for winning many world championships in five different weight classes, from lightweight to super middleweight! He even became the undisputed champion in three of these divisions: light welterweight, welterweight, and super middleweight. This means he held all the major championship belts at the same time in those categories. He is the first male boxer ever to achieve this in two and then three different divisions, which is a huge accomplishment!

Terence won his first world title, the WBO lightweight title, in 2014. He then moved up in weight and became the undisputed light welterweight champion in 2017, holding all four major world titles at once! In 2023, he achieved this again, becoming the undisputed welterweight champion. In 2024, he won a title in a fourth weight class, light middleweight. And in September 2025, he made history by defeating Canelo Álvarez to become the undisputed super middleweight champion, making him one of only six boxers ever to win world titles in five different divisions!

He is also the only boxer to hold The Ring magazine title in four divisions. What's even more impressive is that in his 17-year career, Terence has never been knocked down, and no judge has ever scored a fight against him! This shows how incredibly skilled and dominant he is in the boxing ring.

Many experts consider Terence Crawford one of the greatest boxers of all time. He has won 'Fighter of the Year' awards from organizations like the Boxing Writers Association of America and ESPN. He also won the 'Best Fighter ESPY Award' in 2018 and 2024. He has been ranked as the world's top 'pound-for-pound' boxer, meaning he's considered the best boxer regardless of weight class.

Early Life and Boxing Start

Terence Crawford was born and grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. He was the only son of Debbie and Terence Sr. His family sometimes faced money problems. When he was young, Terence had some trouble in school and was involved in fights. His father was in the U.S. Navy, so his mother raised him mostly by herself.

Terence found a passion for boxing at the C.W. Boxing Club in North Omaha. His grandfather, father, and uncle had all trained there before him. When Terence was seven, the gym owner, Carl Washington, who was also his neighbor, suggested he join. Terence loved the gym and was mentored by Midge Minor, who became like a second father to him. Midge made sure Terence stayed on the right path. Terence also learned wrestling from a family friend, which helped him develop his unique boxing style. In 2001, he started training with Brian "Bomac" McIntyre and Esaú Diéguez, who are still his coaches today.

Amateur Boxing Career

Terence started boxing when he was seven years old. As an amateur, he competed in 70 official fights, winning 58 of them. He even beat future world champions like Mikey Garcia and Danny Garcia! Before the 2008 Olympics, he was the top-ranked lightweight boxer in the U.S. However, a loss to Sadam Ali meant he didn't get to go to the Olympics.

Amateur Highlights

• 2006 National PAL Championships, 132 lbs – Gold Medalist
• 2006 Blue & Gold National Championships, 132 lbs – Gold Medalist
• 2006 National Golden Gloves, 132 lbs – Silver Medalist
• 2006 U.S. National Championships, 132 lbs – Bronze Medalist
• 2007 U.S. Pan American Box-Offs, 132 lbs – Gold Medalist
• 2007 1st Pan American Games Qualifier, 132 lbs – Bronze Medalist
• 2007 U.S. National Championships, 132 lbs – Bronze Medalist

Professional Boxing Journey

Lightweight Division Success

Early Professional Fights

Terence started his professional boxing career on March 14, 2008, winning his first fight by knockout in the first round. He won his first 19 fights, with 15 of those wins coming by knockout. His first big fight was against Breidis Prescott in 2013. Terence stepped in on short notice and won the fight by a unanimous decision, showing everyone his talent.

Crawford vs. Sanabria

On June 15, 2013, Terence fought Alejandro Sanabria in a match to see who would challenge for the WBO lightweight title. After a careful start, Terence landed a powerful left hook in the sixth round that sent Sanabria to the canvas. Sanabria got up, but the referee stopped the fight, giving Terence a technical knockout (TKO) victory.

Crawford vs. Klimov

Later in 2013, Terence faced undefeated Russian boxer Andrey Klimov. This fight was another step towards challenging for the WBO title. Terence showed his excellent boxing skills, winning every round on all judges' scorecards. This was Klimov's first professional loss.

Winning His First World Title

Terence traveled to Scotland on March 1, 2014, to take on Ricky Burns for the WBO lightweight title. Both boxers started carefully, but Terence quickly took control. He used his strong jab and aggressive style to dominate the fight. Terence won by unanimous decision, becoming a world champion for the first time! He was the first person from Nebraska in 100 years to win a world boxing title.

Defending the Lightweight Title

Fighting for the first time as a professional in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, Terence made his first title defense against 2004 Cuban Olympic gold medalist Yuriorkis Gamboa. Gamboa started strong with his speed, but Terence adjusted. He knocked Gamboa down in the fifth, eighth, and twice in the ninth round, winning by TKO. The crowd of over 10,000 fans cheered loudly for their hometown hero.

Terence defended his WBO lightweight title again in Omaha against The Ring magazine's top contender Ray Beltrán in November 2014. Terence controlled the fight with his changing stances and steady jab. He won by unanimous decision, proving he was the best lightweight boxer. After this win, Terence announced he would move up to the light welterweight division for new challenges.

Dominance in Light Welterweight

Becoming a Two-Division Champion

In April 2015, Terence made his debut in the light welterweight division, fighting Thomas Dulorme for the vacant WBO title. Dulorme started strong, but Terence stuck to his plan, waiting for Dulorme to tire. In the sixth round, Terence landed a powerful combination that dropped Dulorme three times, leading to a TKO victory. This made Terence a world champion in a second weight class!

First Defenses at Light Welterweight

Terence defended his light welterweight title in Omaha against Dierry Jean in October 2015. Terence started carefully but then switched to a southpaw stance and knocked Jean down in the first round. He continued to dominate, knocking Jean down again in the ninth round. The referee stopped the fight in the tenth round, giving Terence another TKO win.

His next fight was in February 2016 against Hank Lundy. There was a lot of talk between them before the fight. Terence quickly took control, and in the fifth round, he landed a strong left punch that hurt Lundy. Terence then attacked relentlessly, and the referee stepped in to stop the bout, giving Terence his second straight title defense.

Unifying Titles Against Postol

A big unification fight happened on July 23, 2016, when Terence faced WBC champion Viktor Postol. Both boxers were undefeated. Terence won by unanimous decision, unifying two light welterweight world titles. He also scored two knockdowns in the fifth round. This victory showed everyone that Terence was the top boxer in the light welterweight division.

More Title Defenses

In December 2016, Terence defended his titles against John Molina Jr. in Omaha. Molina had missed weight, so only Terence's titles were on the line. Terence used his movement and jabs to control the fight, stopping Molina in the eighth round with a series of strong punches. After this win, Terence said he wanted to unify all the titles in his division.

Terence's next defense was against Félix Díaz in May 2017. Terence used his jab and movement to control the fight. Díaz's trainer stopped the fight after the tenth round because Díaz was taking too much punishment and his eyes were swollen. Terence won, keeping his world titles. After the fight, he expressed his desire to fight Julius Indongo to become the undisputed champion.

Becoming Undisputed Light Welterweight Champion

On August 19, 2017, Terence fought Julius Indongo in a historic fight to unify all the major light welterweight titles (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO). This was the first time all four titles were on the line in this division since 2004. In front of a huge home crowd, Terence became the undisputed champion by knocking out Indongo in the third round with a powerful body shot. He made history as the first undisputed light welterweight champion in over a decade!

After becoming undisputed, Terence decided to move up to the welterweight division for new challenges. He gave up his IBF title because he planned to fight in a different weight class soon.

Conquering the Welterweight Division

Winning the WBO Welterweight Title

In October 2017, Terence officially moved up to the welterweight division. The WBO named him the mandatory challenger for their welterweight title.

On June 9, 2018, Terence challenged Jeff Horn for the WBO welterweight title. Horn had previously won the title from Manny Pacquiao. Terence put on a dominant performance, stopping Horn by TKO in the ninth round. This made Terence a world champion in three different weight classes! He showed that his power and skills carried up to the welterweight division.

Defending the Welterweight Title

Terence's first defense of the WBO welterweight title was against José Benavidez Jr. on October 13, 2018, in Omaha. In front of his biggest hometown crowd yet, Terence delivered a strong performance. He knocked down Benavidez with a combination in the twelfth round, leading to a TKO victory and retaining his title.

In April 2019, Terence fought former world champion Amir Khan. Terence knocked Khan down in the first round. In the sixth round, after an accidental low blow, Khan's trainer stopped the fight, giving Terence another TKO win and allowing him to keep his title.

Having called for the opportunity since November 2016, Egidijus Kavaliauskas eventually faced Terence on December 14, 2019, at Madison Square Garden. Terence controlled the fight with his jab and combinations. He knocked Kavaliauskas down twice in the ninth round, leading to the referee stopping the fight and Terence winning by TKO.

On November 14, 2020, Terence faced Kell Brook. Both boxers started carefully, but Terence found his rhythm. In the fourth round, a powerful right hand dropped Brook, and Terence quickly finished the fight by TKO, retaining his WBO welterweight title.

Crawford vs. Porter

On November 20, 2021, Terence defended his welterweight title against Shawn Porter. It was a close and competitive fight. In the tenth round, Terence landed a well-timed left uppercut that sent Porter to the canvas. He scored another knockdown shortly after, and Porter's corner threw in the towel, giving Terence a TKO victory. After this fight, Terence announced he was leaving his promoter, Top Rank, to explore new opportunities.

Crawford vs. Avanesyan

On December 10, 2022, Terence made his sixth defense of the WBO welterweight championship against David Avanesyan in Omaha. Terence started in his usual stance but switched to southpaw, controlling the fight with his body attacks and movement. In the sixth round, he landed a left uppercut followed by a right hook that knocked Avanesyan out, extending his streak of consecutive knockouts.

Becoming Undisputed Welterweight Champion

Crawford vs. Spence

On July 29, 2023, Terence Crawford faced Errol Spence Jr. in a highly anticipated fight to unify all the welterweight titles. Spence held the WBA, IBF, and WBC titles, while Crawford held the WBO title. After a slow first round, Terence took control, dropping Spence in the second round. Terence's speed, precision, and power overwhelmed Spence throughout the fight. He knocked Spence down twice in the seventh round. In the ninth round, Terence completely broke Spence down, and the referee stopped the fight.

In front of a sold-out crowd, Terence became the first undisputed welterweight champion since 2006. He also became the first male boxer in the four-belt era to claim undisputed championship status in two weight divisions! After this historic win, the IBF ordered Terence to face their interim champion, Jaron Ennis. However, Spence activated his rematch clause, so Terence gave up the IBF title, and Ennis became the full champion.

Moving to Super Welterweight

Crawford vs. Madrimov

On August 3, 2024, Terence moved up a weight class to challenge Israil Madrimov for his WBA super welterweight title. Madrimov proved to be a tough opponent with fast hands and clever moves, making it a challenging fight for Terence. Terence used his southpaw stance, jabs, and powerful uppercuts. The fight was back and forth, but Terence's strong performance in the later rounds secured him a unanimous decision victory. This made him a world champion in four different divisions! This was his first fight in a long time that went the full 12 rounds.

Undisputed Super Middleweight Champion

Crawford vs. Álvarez

In September 2025, Terence Crawford faced Canelo Álvarez for his undisputed super middleweight titles in a huge fight in Las Vegas. This was a highly anticipated match that many fans wanted to see.

Terence, fighting out of the southpaw stance, started carefully. He took control in the sixth round with a clean hook that changed the momentum of the fight. He outboxed Álvarez through the middle rounds, using sharp jabs and counterpunches. Even after getting a cut from a head clash in the ninth round, Terence finished stronger in the championship rounds. He earned a unanimous decision victory, becoming the undisputed super middleweight champion! The judges scored the fight 116–112, 115–113, and 115–113 in his favor.

Training and Boxing Style

Terence Crawford’s training is a team effort. His coaches, Brian McIntyre, Esaú Diéguez, and Jamie Belt, work together to help him improve. McIntyre focuses on fight plans, Diéguez on boxing techniques, and Belt on strength and fitness.

Terence's training includes both traditional and modern methods. He practices fighting in both orthodox (right-handed) and southpaw (left-handed) stances. This helps him adapt to any opponent. He spars every other day but also swims for recovery and endurance. His fitness training has changed from long-distance running to interval training and weightlifting to prevent injuries and build athleticism. As a fight gets closer, the team trains in Colorado at a higher altitude to boost his stamina. During training camps, his diet includes healthy foods like baked chicken, fish, brown rice, pasta, and vegetables.

Terence is considered one of the most complete boxers of his generation. His ability to switch between orthodox and southpaw stances during a fight confuses opponents and creates chances for him to attack. He has powerful punches with both hands, no matter which stance he uses.

He is also excellent at defense. He uses slips, weaves, shoulder rolls, and quick footwork to avoid punches and set up his own powerful counterattacks. His head movement is very precise, similar to boxing legends. He can also use the Philly Shell defense, blocking punches with his shoulder or forearm.

Perhaps Terence’s greatest strength is how he can change his strategy during a fight. He often starts slowly, using the first few rounds to study his opponent. Once he finds a weakness, he quickly changes gears, often turning the fight around with a single exchange. His wins come from being precise, having perfect timing, and knowing exactly when to strike. This combination of calm, power, and smart boxing makes him one of the most respected fighters today.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Terence Crawford has two sisters, Latisha and Shawntay. He has been in a relationship with Alindra Person since the early 2000s, and they have six children together. Terence also has another child.

He reportedly owns many properties in Missouri, Colorado, and Nebraska. During fight training, he moves to his second house in Colorado Springs and trains at Triple Threat Gym.

Just three days after winning his first world title in 2014, Terence was given the Key to the City of Omaha, Nebraska. The Omaha City Council also declared March 4, 2014, as Terence "Bud" Crawford Day.

Terence has been featured on the cover of The Ring magazine multiple times. In May 2017, he signed a deal with sports equipment brand Everlast. He also partnered with Prime Hydration in 2023.

In August 2018, Larimore Avenue, where he grew up, was renamed Terence "Bud" Crawford Street. Terence still lives in Omaha with his family and is a celebrated figure in his community. After becoming the undisputed welterweight champion in 2023, the city held a parade in his honor, with thousands of supporters attending.

In May 2025, the University of Nebraska Omaha invited Terence to be the main speaker at their graduation ceremony. After his speech, he received the first-ever Spirit of the Maverick award.

WWE Appearances

On July 19, 2024, Terence was at WWE SmackDown in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. During the event, he helped Cody Rhodes by handing him a chair.

Terence appeared on Friday Night SmackDown again the following week. He stepped into the ring to confront Grayson Waller and Austin Theory. When Waller warned him, Terence ignored it and knocked Theory to the ground with one punch.

Charitable Work

In October 2013, Terence helped open B&B Boxing Academy, a non-profit gym. This gym helps young people, especially those at risk, by providing positive activities and building their character. That same year, he started an Anti-Bullying campaign, visiting schools in Omaha to talk about bullying and how to prevent it.

In 2014, Terence traveled to Rwanda and Uganda with his former teacher Jamie Nollette. They went on several charitable missions to help build wells, providing clean water for communities.

In September 2023, Terence played in a celebrity charity basketball game. This game raised money for the Lifedriven Foundation, which supports teenagers with cancer and their families.

In 2024, he returned to Uganda for more charity work and other good causes.

Professional Boxing Record Summary

Titles in Boxing

Major World Titles

• WBO Lightweight Champion (135 lbs)
• WBA (Super) Light Welterweight Champion (140 lbs)
• WBC Light Welterweight Champion (140 lbs)
• IBF Light Welterweight Champion (140 lbs)
• WBO Light Welterweight Champion (140 lbs)
• WBA (Super) Welterweight Champion (147 lbs)
• WBC Welterweight Champion (147 lbs)
• IBF Welterweight Champion (147 lbs)
• WBO Welterweight Champion (147 lbs)
• WBA Light Middleweight Champion (154 lbs)
• WBA (Super) Super Middleweight Champion (168 lbs)
• WBC Super Middleweight Champion (168 lbs)
• IBF Super Middleweight Champion (168 lbs)
• WBO Super Middleweight Champion (168 lbs)

The Ring Magazine Titles

• The Ring Lightweight Champion (135 lbs)
• The Ring Light Welterweight Champion (140 lbs)
• The Ring Welterweight Champion (147 lbs)
• The Ring Super Middleweight Champion (168 lbs)

Interim World Titles

• WBO Interim light middleweight Champion (154 lbs)

Regional/International Titles

• NABO lightweight Champion (135 lbs)

Undisputed Titles

• Undisputed Light Welterweight Champion (140 lbs)
• Undisputed Welterweight Champion (147 lbs)
• Undisputed Super Middleweight Champion (168 lbs)

Lineal Titles

• Lineal Lightweight Champion
• Lineal light welterweight Champion
• Lineal welterweight Champion
• Lineal super middleweight Champion

Honorary Titles

• WBO Super Champion
• WBC Welterweight Champion in Recess
• WBC Nahui Huey Altepemeh Champion
• WBC Crown Series Undisputed Champion

Awards and Honors

Boxing Awards

• Sugar Ray Robinson Award: 2014
• ESPN Fighter of the Year: 2014, 2017
• Best Fighter ESPY Award: 2018
• Best Boxer ESPY Award: 2024
• Boxing Scene American Boxer of the Decade (2020s): 2025
• The Ring magazine Performance of the Year: 2023
• World Boxing Council Performance of the Year: 2023
• World Boxing Organization Fighter of the Year: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2023
• World Boxing Organization Fight of the Year: 2014, 2023
• World Boxing Association Boxer of the Month: August 2017, July 2023
• The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame (NVBHOF) Fighter of the Year: 2018
• The RING 8 Muhammad Ali International Fighter of the Year: 2018
• Sports Illustrated Prospect of the Year: 2013
• Bleacher Report Breakout Fighter of the Year: 2014
• Forbes Fighter of the Year: 2017
• The Sporting News Men's Fighter of the Year: 2023
• Boxing News World Fighter of the Year: 2023
• CBS Sports Fighter of the Year: 2014
• HBO Fighter of the Year: 2014
• Yahoo! Sports Fighter of the Year: 2017, 2023
• Top Rank Fighter of the Year: 2014, 2015
• Premier Boxing Champions Performance of the Year: 2023
• Boxing Junkie Fighter of the Year: 2023
• BOXRAW Knockout of the Year: 2022
• Boxing Insider Fighter of the Year: 2023
• WBN Stoppage of the Year: 2023
• ProBox TV Fighter of the Year: 2023
• ProBox TV Performance of the Year: 2023
• The Queensberry Rules Fighter of the Year: 2014
• Pro Boxing Fans Fighter of the Year: 2014

Other Awards and Honors

• Key to the City of Omaha, Nebraska: 2014
• Omaha Public Schools (OPS) Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2022
• University of Nebraska Omaha Spirit of the Maverick award: 2025 (inaugural honoree)

See Also

In Spanish: Terence Crawford para niños

• List of world lightweight boxing champions
• List of world light-welterweight boxing champions
• List of world welterweight boxing champions
• List of world light-middleweight boxing champions
• List of The Ring world champions
• List of boxing quadruple champions
• List of undisputed world boxing champions
• Undisputed championship (boxing)
• Boxing styles and technique