Oscar De La Hoya takes aim at Terence Crawford’s legacy after sudden retirement announcement

Terence Crawford has been widely praised for his decision to retire at the very top of his game, undefeated in 42 fights and boasting world titles in five divisions.

Three months on from his historic victory over Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez to become the undisputed super-middleweight champion, Crawford said that he had ‘nothing left to prove’ alongside a video announcing the end of his professional boxing career.

Fighters, fans and analysts have commended the move, which sees arguably the greatest fighter of his generation leave the game having earned extremely well and with all of his faculties in tact.

However, not all agree with the retirement. Oscar De La Hoya, who has previously said ‘Bud’ is in the conversation for the best of all time with that Canelo victory, dialled back on past comments when responding to the news on Instagram, as per DAZN.

“I can name 4, 5, 6 that compete and probably even beat him … Two good fighters he beat. Congratulations.”

Oscar De La Hoya didn’t hold back when the Terence Crawford news dropped 🥶

Thoughts? ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/erfyHNj82h

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 17, 2025

De La Hoya — who has admitted he was a shell of his prime self late in his career — likely refers to Canelo and Errol Spence Jr, who Crawford beat back in 2023 to become undisputed at welterweight. The fighter-turned-promoter ignored the manner in which ‘Bud’ performed throughout his campaign, cycling through weight classes and beating the men in front of him to secure the belts.

In direct contrast to De La Hoya’s comments, the likes of Devin Haney and Andre Ward have complimented Crawford on a Hall of Fame worthy career. Ward, who also retired undefeated, said that the switch-hitter from Omaha, now 38, beat the toughest opponent there is: the sport itself.