Terence Crawford insists he is happily retired, but his decision to fly to Egypt for Saturday’s Oleksandr Usyk-Rico Verhoeven showdown has still raised doubts about whether the former four-division world champion is truly done with boxing.
Crawford appeared on the front of the card at the Pyramids during fight week activities and reiterated that he has “nothing to prove” by returning to the ring. Yet his presence around the Riyadh season’s biggest events continues to keep speculation about a return alive.
“I have nothing to prove. I have nothing to win,” Crawford said when asked about returning to boxing during an interview with Ring Magazine.
“So that’s why, you know, I’m happily retired.”
Crawford also explained why he believes walking away while still able to compete at a high level is important for fighters.
“Don’t give them everything,” Crawford said. “Let go of something, you know, so you have it for something else later. I’m happy with my decision.”
Despite those comments, Crawford’s continued visibility around Turki Alalshikh’s biggest boxing events has kept fans skeptical as to whether he is truly done. Crawford traveled to Egypt for the Usyk-Verhoeven fight week and spent time with Usyk during Thursday’s final press conference activities.
Crawford praised Usyk and predicted the unified heavyweight champion would finally break Verhoeven down on Saturday night.
“I think Rico is going to be tough at first,” Crawford said. “But I think Usyk, with his experience, is going to find out quite early on.”
Crawford also brushed aside questions about a possible fight against Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis when the topic came up late in the interview.
“I don’t want to talk about it, man,” Crawford said.
Turki Alalshikh has repeatedly spoken publicly that he wants Crawford to return for another big fight, although Crawford still maintains that he is retired.
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Last updated on 2026/05/21 at 21:16
