Terence Crawford Lifts Lid On Rejected Fights

On September 13, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium, Terence Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs) created history, defeating Canelo Alvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs) by unanimous decision to become a three-division undisputed champion and four-division lineal champion.

That dominating victory was ultimately Crawford’s last fight, with the Omaha native retiring at the end of 2025, choosing retirement instead of facing Canelo in the rematch or any other opponent. Looking back on his career with The Punch Podcast, “Bud” reflected on failed fights against Sebastian Fundora and Tim Tszyu.

Terence Crawford’s career excels after Errol Spence Jr victory

Crawford’s performance against Spence was undoubtedly a career-best at the time, as he dominated Spence from start to finish to become the first male to become undisputed in two weight classes in the four belt era.

After that win, Crawford’s career went into overdrive, and he began to move through the weights and create even more history. 

Terence Crawford lifts lid on who rejected to fight him

Discussing his wishes to fight Tim Tszyu and Sebastian Fundora after the Spence win, Terence Crawford said:

“I tried to fight Tim Tszyu before he fought (Sebastian) Fundora. They was basically like, ‘nah, we’re gonna go down the Fundora route,’ being that Tim was with PBC. He was not about to do this to his skin. 

“So basically, they talked him out of it and whatnot. So, Fundora got the victory. He got two titles. All right, cool. I want to fight Fundora. They said no. His handlers said no, we want to fight (Errol) Spence. Spence is a bigger fight than you, blah, blah. I’m like, ‘Spence is a bigger fight than me? I just beat him,’ but ok. 

“Y’all don’t want to fight me. I’m going to fight the number one guy in the division, which was (Israil) Madrimov. That’s how me and Madrimov got the fight.”

Terence Crawford did what many boxers can only dream of: retiring at the top of the sport. Retiring undefeated with all the belts is an unbelievable achievement, and one the Omaha native deserves. He excelled in the ring and comfortably beat everyone that was put in front of him.