The five-division champion has explained when he knew his time was up.
Terence Crawford claimed his 42nd professional win against Canelo Alvarez last September.
The American made history that night, becoming the first male fighter in the modern era to hold undisputed titles in three weight divisions.
After claiming the undisputed super middleweight crown from Canelo in Las Vegas, Crawford teased a move down to middleweight.
In pursuit of a world title in a sixth division, ‘Bud’ was reportedly looking to take on the winner of Janibek Alimkhanuly vs Carlos Adames.
But after Alimkhanuly failed a VADA drug test, the WBA, IBF and WBO 160lbs unification clash was called off.
During a promotional tour in Australia, ‘Bud’ explained: “At first I was like, alright, go down to 160 and do it again.
“But Janibek [Alimkhanuly] popped [performance-enhancing drugs].
“Whoever would’ve won would’ve had three of the titles.
“It was just a thought, like, ‘You can do it again’.
“‘Go down to 160lbs and dare to be great; fight for something that’s meaningful.'”
Terence Crawford announced his retirement in December last year in a post on his YouTube channel.
He also shared the video on social media, captioning the post: “I spent my whole life chasing something.
“Not belts, not money, not headlines, but that feeling, the one you get when the world doubts you but you keep showing up, and you keep proving everyone wrong.
“This sport gave me everything. I fought for my family, I fought for my city, I fought for the kid I used to be, the one that had nothing but a dream and a pair of gloves, and I did it all my way.
“I gave this sport every breath I have, every spar, every triumph, every ounce of my heart. I’ve made peace with what’s next.
“Now, it’s time. Thank you.”
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