‘I thought it would be more difficult’ Terence Crawford on his win over Canelo Álvarez

Now retired from professional boxing, Terence Crawford recently spoke with YouTube host Adin Ross about his career and his victory over Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez.

The unanimous-decision win over Álvarez in September in Las Vegas marked the end of Crawford’s domination of the sport — he subsequently retired with a 42-0 record and 31 knockouts — and the Mexican star’s run as super-middleweight champion.

During the conversation, Crawford said he expected to be challenged and tested more by Álvarez. Crawford, who had won titles in four weight classes before moving up to face Álvarez, took all four 168-pound titles on the line in the bout, becoming the undisputed champion at a third level.

“I’m not going to lie, I thought it would be more difficult,” he said.

Crawford explained that as the early rounds progressed, he was able to clearly read his opponent’s approach and feel increasingly comfortable in the ring. Crawford said he didn’t notice any significant adjustments on Álvarez’s part, which allowed him to control the pace of the fight and choose his moments to attack more effectively.

The first round went by, the second round went by … and then I thought, ‘I’ve got him,’” Crawford said.

Crawford also spoke about the prefight narrative and how, in his opinion, he was underestimated.

“A lot of people spent time talking about how big he is, his stamina, that he was going to knock me out or run all over me,” Crawford said. “There was no talk about whether or not I could hurt him.”

According to Crawford, that perception changed in the ring when his power forced Álvarez to be more cautious. Crawford said the Mexican ended up respecting his punching power and his ability to control the exchanges.

2026 Comeback Dreams Put on Hold as Terence Crawford Makes His Position Clear — Rumor

Terence Crawford called time on his stellar 42-fight unbeaten career, to the shock of fans who expected him to return in 2026.

The American superstar beat Canelo Alvarez in the biggest fight of his time as a professional, stepping up to super-middleweight and dethroning the undisputed champion.

He had then teased a move to 160lbs, which would have seen him attempt to become a world champion in a sixth weight category.

‘Bud’ looked to be pursuing a clash with champion Janibek Alimkhanuly who was later pulled out of a unification clash with Erislandy Lara after failing a drugs test.

And shortly after, Crawford declared his time in the squared circle was over.

Although confirming his decision wasn’t based on the news, he has suggested there was simply nothing left to complete in the sport with an eye on preserving his legacy.

READ MORE :“Retirement Over Rematch“ Terence Crawford Sends Direct

He explained when asked why he retired: “Because I’m just that nice.

“Not to be cocky or anything it’s just when you’re so much better than the competition and you make them look how they’ve never looked before, everybody says, ‘Oh, they’re washed or this guy’s a bum’.

“Who else in today’s boxing that has a name would do anything to my legacy?

“I’m 38. 38 is old in boxing. I’ve been boxing since I was seven. I have nothing else to prove.

“I have nothing else to accomplish. It’s like, what more can I do?

“They’re not gonna give me the credit anyway so it really doesn’t even matter.”

Crawford has done what many in the sport haven’t retiring while at the peak of his powers and on top.

There is a risk that he could have fought on for too long and damaged his legacy, which now sees him brushing shoulders with the all-time greats.

British heavyweight Anthony Joshua is one of those, who believes Crawford still has more to give.

“I feel like Terence Crawford has got so, so much more to give,” he said.

“He’s been in the game for a long time, so maybe he’s like ‘forget it, I’m done mentally’, even though physically he’s good.”

“I would love to see him continue fighting. I think he’s got a lot left, but we have to live and let others live by their own rules.”

Who is the next Crawford ? “Very Few Can Do This” – Tim Bradley Teases the Next Terence Crawford

Terence Crawford’s retirement may have left boxing without its most complete modern fighter, but Tim Bradley believes the search for his heir need not last long.

Crawford bowed out of the sport last month with an unblemished record, a legendary résumé and a final victory destined for the history books.

From winning his first world title at lightweight to collecting belts across a further four weight classes, his achievements place him in rare company. He capped it all by becoming undisputed super-middleweight champion with a stunning win over long-time superstar Canelo Alvarez.

Later this month, however, fans may see the re-emergence of a fighter who, according to Bradley, has the potential to achieve similar success in Keyshawn Davis. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Bradley said:

“Since Terence Crawford has left and retired from the sport, I think the closest fighter that could – I don’t want to say emulate – but has a damn good chance of at least attempting to do what Crawford did is Keyshawn Davis.”

READ MORE :“I Thought It’d Be Tougher” Terence Crawford Refuses to

Bradley, a former two-weight world champion who shared the ring with Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, outlined why he rates Davis so highly, while also stressing what must improve if the 26-year-old is to enjoy a truly illustrious career.

“Similar attributes: good power, great boxing ability, hell of an IQ, Olympic silver medallist. Has the intangibles as far as what’s internal. Kid is a killer. He definitely wants to knock you out. He definitely wants to hurt you. He’s got a lot of spite in him. A lot of pent-up pain. I’ll just say he’s got a lot of that in him – I can tell. However, he’s got to get this right mentally.”

Davis returns to the ring against Jamaine Ortiz on January 31, featuring on the Teofimo Lopez–Shakur Stevenson undercard at Madison Square Garden. Davis has spoken openly about his mental health struggles, but a focused and firing version of the American is a clear asset to the sport.

An impressive victory over Ortiz could set the tone for a strong 2026 for the former WBO lightweight champion — the very first world title Crawford won, against Ricky Burns, back in 2014.