Three-weight undisputed champion Claressa Shields has shared her thoughts on Terence Crawford‘s shock retirement.
‘Bud’ Crawford announced his decision to walk away from the sport on Monday evening, bringing an end to what was a sensational professional career where he became a world champion in five divisions.
The 38-year-old from Nebraska was last in action on September 13 when he defeated Mexican icon Canelo Alvarez via unanimous decision at the conclusion of their historic showdown, becoming the first male fighter to win an undisputed championship in three weight classes.
It had been suggested that Crawford and Canelo were in line to face each other for the second time next year but these plans have now been scrapped after ‘Bud’ opted to draw the curtain on his glittering career.
Speaking on social media, Shields reacted to Crawford’s retirement news as she brandishes the unbeaten American as ‘the greatest’.
“Congrats @TerenceCrawford on your retirement .. I’m so devastated but I’m so happy for you! Idk why I’m teary eyed you know! You deserve the best! You earned it! You the greatest!”
Crawford joins an exclusive list of great champions who have been fortunate enough to retire from boxing without suffering a single defeat during their professional career.
The 38-year-old produced a number of career-defining victories throughout the course of his tenure, defeating the likes of Israil Madrimov, Errol Spence Jr, Shawn Porter, Amir Khan and of course Mexican star Canelo in his 42nd and final outing.
