Terence Crawford was named the Boxing Writers Association of America’s (BWAA) Fighter of the Year for 2025, months after retiring, underscoring how his final fight cemented his place in boxing history. At 38, Crawford fought only once that year, defeating Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in September, and officially stepped away from the sport in December. Unlike typical awards that recognize ongoing dominance, this accolade celebrated a career already concluded.
A Defining Victory Against a Boxing Icon
Crawford’s win over Alvarez carried weight far beyond a single fight. Alvarez had long been boxing’s commercial centerpiece, headlining the sport’s biggest events and holding multiple championships. Crawford, moving up from two divisions below, controlled the match over twelve rounds, leaving no doubt about his skill at the highest level. By the time he retired three months later, there was no unfinished business—no opponent left to challenge his final statement.
Outshining a Full Year of Competition
While other top fighters like Dmitry Bivol, Naoya Inoue, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, and Rene Santiago remained active throughout 2025, Crawford’s singular performance proved decisive. His career was already historic—undisputed champion at lightweight, junior welterweight, and welterweight—and the victory over Alvarez extended his dominance into a fifth weight class. The BWAA vote recognized the clarity and finality of his achievement rather than cumulative activity.
An Award That Confirms, Not Projects
The Fighter of the Year honor arrived after Crawford had hung up his gloves. It didn’t open a new chapter or enhance his career trajectory; it affirmed the level he had reached in his final fight. The BWAA decision celebrated the conclusion of a remarkable career, cementing Crawford’s legacy as one of boxing’s all-time greats.
