Terence “bud” Crawford. A man who went through hardship, pain and a bullet to the head. 20 years later, that same man is going through success, fame and undefeated records.

On September 13 2025, Terence Crawford made history by defeating one of the world's greatest boxers: Canelo Álvarez, therefore making Crawford the undisputed middle weight champion of the world.

But, his success didn't come easy, no, no, no. He grew up in poverty,  lived in a dangerous neighbourhood filled with crime, poverty, and violence, pushed through barriers and proved himself by climbing through the ranks. His story is the ultimate testament of perseverance, bravery, and grind.

Early Life

Terence Allan Crawford, born September 28,1987, was raised in Omaha, Nebraska.

Crawford struggled severely financially, often struggling to afford basic necessities. He was born as an only child to his mother and father, but due to his fathers military service, he was raised solely by his mother who sacrificed a lot for his future and growth. However, he also faced his mother’s harsh methods of upbringing, often involving her paying neighbourhood kids to fight him, as she believed this was toughen him up.

Furthermore, Crawford had a rough childhood and frequently got into fights at school, which eventually led to him getting expelled from over 5 schools 

At the age of 7, Crawford eventually discovered a boxing gym in North Omaha , sparking his expedition to greatness. He trained there for over 7 years, before making his first amateur boxing match.

He lost. 

Yeah.

 But, it wasn't over for Crawford. 

Did he give up? 

Nah. 

Did he push forward?

Yeah man.

After his initial loss, he used that as his fuel and that's when his turning point started. He started training relentlessly for months with an ultimate goal of surpassing Danny Garcia, who was a well-known amateur boxer at the time. 

Over the next year, Crawford managed to secure over 6 national championships and aspired to compete in the big leagues, specifically in the Olympics.

However his dream of making it to the 2008 Beijing Olympics was short-lived after he was defeated by Sadam Ali in the Olympic trials, followed by another defeat by Miguel Angel Gonzalez. However, these losses were blessings in disguise. He used them as complete fuel and energy for his true turning point.

The very same year after his 2008 Beijing Olympic trial loss… He turned professional.

Professional Career

Crawford made his first professional debut on March 14, 2008 and scored a swift first-win knockout over Brian Cummings. 

Over the next 5 years, Crawford was on fire, accumulating a record of 19 wins, 0 losses and 0 draws. Over which 15 of his wins were by knockout, but Crawfrod wasn't done, no, no, no. He was barely stretching the surface of his career and what awaited him down the line was far more rewarding.

Crawford fought his first title defense against Yuriorkis Gamboa in 2014. This fight took place in Crawford's own hometown of Ohama, Nebraska, so the stakes were extremely high. Gamboa was a previous olympic gold medalist and world champion, bringing on a heavy challenge to Crawford.

Crawford had all sorts of thoughts racing through his mind and the pressure of fighting in his own hometown and added more pressure towards the actual fight. As Crawford approached the stage in front of 800,000 people and fans watching and cheering for Crawford. 

Crawford couldn't afford to lose…

Round 9, after blood, sweat and tears, Crawford scored a Technical Knock Out against Gamboa.

After his win,Crawford's name was engraved into the boxing hall of fame as one of the most promising and rising talents of his age. 

Over the course of his career he defended his lightweight champion title and moved up towards the middleweight ranks, eventually becoming the unified and undisputed light welterweight. However he wasn't done, he still had a long way to go. 

He climbed the ranks ranging from light middleweight to super middleweight, securing knockouts, wins and fame. Crawford, at the age of 30, secured the undisputed welterweight champion belt in 2023, becoming the first male boxer to become undefeated in two belt divisions during the four belt era. (WBA, WBC, IBF, and WB).

Crawford continued moving up the ranks, to reach the super-middleweight divisions and coming face to face with Canelo.

Canelo Alaveriz VS Terence Crawford

On September 13th 2025, Crawford met face-to-face with boxing legend: Canelo Alaveriz. One of the greatest boxing matches was about to take place…

Crawford himself stated that he was quite motivated about the challenge of fighting one of the best, whom he saw as a huge obstacle in his career, and he wanted to further cement his name in the boxing hall of fame as one of the best.

The fight itself?

Canelo was clearly the bigger man at the beginning of the fight, but that didn't stop Crawford, nor did he let a drop of fear enter his mind. He was focused, perseverent and smart in the ring, avoiding most of Canelo’s shots and maintained his distance against the Mexican beast.

By round seven, Crawford's confidence grew, and yes although Canelo landed some good body shots, he wasn't just gonna defend and run anymore. Crawford’s mindset grew stronger and exchanged punches with Canelo. Crawford’s speed and combinations clearly frustrated Canelo, which wore him down and gave Crawford the upper hand.

Crawford asserted dominance in the later round, landing exceptional and powerful blows onto Alvariz.

In the 12th and FINAL round, Crawford landed a devious and devastating left hand onto Alvariz, momentarily stunning him and rendering him fatigued.

After the bell rang, the boxers got together, the judges discussed and after a tense 30 seconds…

Terence “bud” Crawford WON by unanimous decision from the judges, winning the supper-middlewight championship and marking the 40th win in his undisputed record.

Conclusion

Despite the pain, loss and hardship Crawford went through, his story is a testament of willpower, perseverance, discipline and hardwork, showcasing to the world how success can be achieved with ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance.