Terence Crawford has officially announced his retirement from boxing. At 38, the American is ending a legendary career, just weeks after being crowned the best boxer across all weight classes following his resounding victory against Canelo Alvarez last September.

In front of 70,482 spectators at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Crawford won by unanimous decision against Alvarez to claim the undisputed super middleweight title. A resounding victory that further cemented his place in boxing history.

With this triumph, he became the only male boxer to have unified world titles in three different divisions.

Undefeated in 42 professional fights, 31 of which were won by knockout, Crawford leaves the scene with an impeccable record. Remarkably, his last twenty fights were all contested with a world title on the line, a testament to his consistency at the highest level.

Turning professional in 2008, "Bud" Crawford won titles in four weight classes—lightweight, super lightweight, welterweight, and super welterweight—before taking on the immense challenge of moving up two more divisions to face Canelo Alvarez. A bold gamble that he met with flying colors.

In a five-minute video released to explain his decision, the boxer from Omaha, Nebraska, delivered a message filled with emotion and serenity. "Every fighter knows this moment will eventually come. You never know when," he confided, before adding, "I've made peace with what lies ahead. It's time."

Deeply attached to his hometown, where he grew up and still lives, Crawford has often emphasized his pride in representing Omaha on the world's biggest stages. Despite the possibility of continuing his career and securing other lucrative contracts, he chose to retire at the top.

"This sport has given me everything," he said. "I fought for my family, for my city, for the child I was, the one who had only one dream and a pair of gloves. And I did it all my way."

Terence Crawford thus leaves boxing as an accomplished champion, leaving behind the legacy of an exceptional fighter and the image of an athlete who knew when to leave.