Terence Crawford displays his super middleweight belts after defeating Canelo Alvarez at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, USA on 13/9/2025. Photo: The Ring

Born in 1987 in Omaha, Nebraska, Terence Crawford grew up with his mother Debbie, father Terence Sr., and two older sisters, Latisha and Shawntay. From a young age, Crawford displayed a rebellious streak, prone to anger, confrontations, and frequent schoolyard brawls.

"I always had this urge to fight," Crawford admitted to Piers Morgan. "If someone disrespected me, I'd get mad. I was a hothead. Kids would tease me about my appearance, my clothes, my shoes, my skin. I didn't have the wit to come back with a joke, so I just fought. Then people started saying, 'Don't mess with him, he'll fight you.'"

Terence Crawford training from a young age. Photo: Instagram / tbudcrawford

His defiance led to expulsion from five different schools. While his formal education was cut short, he became known as a formidable street fighter in Omaha.

Crawford remembers his mother Debbie as both strict and unconventional. She believed in iron discipline and employed unique parenting methods. "I got whooped a lot for being bad," Crawford recalled. "It was part of discipline. I think every parent needs to discipline their children, it's in the Bible."

But Debbie didn't just punish. She actively sought out challengers to test her son. "My mom was competitive," Crawford explained. "My mom's side of the family were all boxing fans; my grandpa, uncles, they were all fighters. So when I was bad, she'd say, 'Okay, let's see how tough you are, I'll pay this guy to fight you.' But I always beat them."

Debbie later told ESPN, "I'd tell the neighborhood kids, 'If you can beat Bud, I'll give you 10 USD.' But no one could. When he was 13, he snatched the belt from my hand and said, 'Mom, you can't hit me anymore.'"

Crawford grew up under pressure to prove himself, especially to his mother. If he didn't fight back when challenged, he'd be punished at home. "But if I fought and lost in front of her, I'd get an even worse beating when I got home. So, it was best to never lose," he remembered.

Terence Crawford (right) and his mother Debbie. Photo: Instagram / tbudcrawford

In 2008, after a period as an amateur, Crawford turned professional. The early days were a struggle, fighting in small venues with meager crowds and pay.

Just four fights into his professional career, Crawford's life took a dramatic turn. While playing dice one night, a stray bullet struck him in the back of the head as he sat in his car. The bullet ricocheted off the windshield, lessening the impact, and Crawford miraculously survived.

"That's in the past. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time," Crawford said. "But I believe I survived for a reason. That moment changed me. I dedicated my life to boxing. The rest is history."

Following the incident, Crawford signed with legendary promoter Bob Arum in 2011. His career skyrocketed, becoming one of the world's top fighters, capturing four world titles across four weight classes from lightweight to welterweight.

Crawford's success transformed him into an Omaha icon. In August 2018, the street where he was born and raised was renamed "Terence 'Bud' Crawford Street." He said, "It means a lot. My mom is still there, my sister, cousins, and I have a house right there on that street. My mom is very proud."

In 2021, Crawford parted ways with Arum to forge his own path. Two years later, he defeated rival Errol Spence Jr. in a welterweight unification bout, solidifying his number one ranking. In August 2024, Crawford moved up a weight class and promptly defeated Israil Madrimov, extending his undefeated streak to 41 fights and claiming the WBA super welterweight title (147 to 154 pounds).

Terence Crawford and the street named after him in Omaha. Photo: Sun

His biggest challenge came in Las Vegas on September 13, 2025, when Crawford jumped two weight classes to face super middleweight star Canelo Alvarez. At 37, Crawford delivered a career-defining performance, winning by unanimous decision and capturing Canelo's WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring titles.

This resounding victory brought Crawford's professional record to 42 wins, including 31 knockouts, and made him the first male boxer in the four-belt era to hold undisputed championships in three different weight classes – a feat previously accomplished only by the legendary Henry Armstrong in 1938.

From the streets of Omaha, Crawford has written the most brilliant chapter of his career, etching his name into boxing history.

Compiled by Hong Duy