Inside Terence Crawford’s Knockout Year

Key Concepts

• Boxing Career Milestones: Terrence Crawford's recent victories against Canelo Alvarez and Errol Spence Jr., his undefeated record (42-0), and the perceived delay in global recognition.
• Promoter Dynamics: Past issues with promoters and the perception of his marketability.
• Childhood and Upbringing: Growing up in North Omaha, experiencing poverty, toughness, and parental influence.
• Boxing Origins: The story of how he started boxing at age seven.
• Financial Evolution: From early fight purses ($600) to seven-figure paydays (e.g., $5 million for Canelo, reports of $25 million for Spence).
• Financial Literacy and Investment: Mentorship, learning to invest, and a preference for steady returns.
• Real Estate Investment: Owning approximately 80 properties, including residential, apartment complexes, and farmland, with a focus on Omaha.
• Community Impact: Staying in Omaha to provide hope, create jobs, and offer safe environments.
• Retirement and Legacy: Thoughts on retirement, the desire to retire undefeated, and aspirations for his legacy as a father, boxer, and philanthropist.

Boxing Career and Recognition

Terrence Crawford discusses his recent significant victories, particularly against Canelo Alvarez, which he describes as a "great night" where "history was definitely made." He feels he has reached a "new level" in his career, with his "stock" and "everything" going up after these fights. Despite his undefeated record of 42-0, Crawford acknowledges that the world has taken time to recognize his excellence. He attributes this to his "quietness and shyness away from the cameras," suggesting that fans often desire more "entertainment before the ring and outside the ring," whereas he provides excitement solely "in the ring."

Crawford addresses past perceptions that he was not bankable or unable to draw crowds. He refutes this by stating that his fights, from Gamboa to Jeff Horn, consistently drew "12,000 plus" attendees in various locations like Las Vegas, New York, and Omaha, indicating he was selling more tickets than others in his previous promoter's stable. He notes that "everybody and their mama" is now calling him out, contrasting this with the past when "nobody wanted to fight me, nobody wanted to give me a shot." He emphasizes that "the tides have changed."

Childhood and Early Life in Omaha

Crawford's childhood in North Omaha is described as "cool" but also "tough." He acknowledges getting into "a little trouble here and there" and the necessity of having "tough skin to be able to survive through the storm." He highlights the prevalence of poverty, Section 8 housing, and welfare in his community, which led to disparities and conflict among children. He mentions losing friends to death and incarceration as part of his upbringing.

His relationship with his parents was influential. His mother, his "best friend," was "tough on me" and instilled in him "tough skin." His father, who was in the military and often absent, was supportive and predicted he would be a "world champion." Crawford's mother's tough approach, he believes, motivated him to prove her wrong, as he "always wanted that validation from her." He remains close to his mother and sees her "every day."

The Genesis of a Boxer

The idea of boxing was introduced to Crawford by a man who approached him in a van. His mother, upon hearing about the encounter, later welcomed the man, who turned out to be a former boxer known to Crawford's father and uncles. When asked if he wanted to box, Crawford, at seven years old, responded, "I'll try," marking the beginning of his boxing journey.

Crawford felt he was "the best at anything that I try to do" from his "first day" in the gym. At seven, he was eager to fight but was told he was too young and had to wait until he was eight. Even when sparring with older children (eight and nine-year-olds), he "held my own," leading others to recognize his toughness.

Amateur and Professional Breakthroughs

Crawford identifies his amateur breakthrough as his return to the gym in 2002 after a five-year hiatus during which he pursued other sports like football, basketball, and wrestling. He had been kicked out of the gym twice for "not listening" and being "hardheaded." Returning at a more mature age (around eight or nine) with a new mindset, he was able to progress.

His professional breakthrough, he states, was "when I left Top Rank." This move, he believes, marked "the rise of Terrence Crawford."

Financial Growth and Early Purses

Crawford recalls his first professional fight purse was $600. He notes the significant shift to seven-figure purses seven or eight years later, with Hank Lundy and Victor Ortiz being the first fights where he earned million-dollar paydays. Reaching this level "meant everything." He expresses surprise that champions in the past did not earn as much as he had imagined.

After winning his first title against Ricky Burns in Scotland, he expected a million-dollar purse for his next fight against Gamboa but received $500,000. He accepted this, believing he would earn more in subsequent fights. His first "big check" was used to buy his mother a house, and he has since acquired adjacent properties, consolidating ownership.

Canelo and Spence Fight Paydays

Regarding the Canelo fight, Crawford clarifies that his take-home pay, including "all in, bonuses, everything," was $5 million, not the $10 million initially reported by some. He acknowledges this was his "biggest payday ever" but questions the public's obsession with "pocket watching." He states that only a "few people" know the exact figures.

The Errol Spence Jr. fight was also a significant financial event, with reports suggesting a $25 million purse. Crawford confirms this was "definitely an eye opener," especially compared to his prior earnings. He emphasizes his current status as his "own boss," not having to "pay nobody," and banking on himself.

Financial Literacy and Investment Philosophy

Crawford attributes his financial literacy to building relationships with financially savvy individuals and gaining "knowledge and wisdom." His mentors include his fourth-grade teacher, Jamie Nolet, who introduced him to "Al," and subsequently other individuals who expanded his network. He now engages with people who have "way more money than me" and are focused on "expanding their wealth."

His investment profile is described as "steady." He prefers "steady returns" and avoids taking "no chances" in his investments, as he takes "too many chances in the ring." He draws a parallel to Warren Buffett, another "steady type of guy" and "value investor" from Omaha. Crawford finds Buffett's presence motivating, appreciating his ability to "have everything in the world" while remaining "simple" and living life on his own terms. He also notes Buffett's practice of surrounding himself with smart people.

Real Estate Investment

Crawford is a significant real estate investor, owning "around 80-ish properties." His primary motivation for investing in real estate is the adage, "God not making any more land. So the more you own real estate the more you own the world." He observes that billionaires like Bill Gates acquire vast amounts of land, limiting its availability to others. He believes everyone needs a place to stay, and he aims to be the provider.

His real estate portfolio includes properties in North Omaha, Kansas City, and Colorado, encompassing residential houses, apartment complexes, farmland, and storefronts. When scouting properties, he analyzes the "location and what the location is missing or what they have that you can counter off of." He looks for areas with amenities like gas stations and fast-food restaurants but lacking housing or apartments, identifying opportunities to build communities by adding grocery stores or residential units.

Commitment to Omaha and Community Impact

Despite his success and the ability to live anywhere, Crawford chooses to remain in Omaha. He believes his presence provides "hope" to the community, demonstrating that "anything's possible." He contrasts this with individuals from Omaha who have achieved success but "never came back, never looked back, never tried to pull nobody up out of Omaha." He notes that people in larger cities are often proud of their origins, while some from smaller towns can feel ashamed. He stays to "pull the ones up behind me so I'm not the only one."

His impact on the community is described as "tremendous." He is "creating jobs," providing "safe environments," and offering "shelter" through his housing and apartment properties. His actions are intended to benefit both himself and the community.

The Warren Buffett Headlock Incident

Crawford recounts the story behind the viral photo of him putting Warren Buffett in a headlock. Buffett suggested they "do something crazy" for the picture, proposing a headlock. Crawford obliged, resulting in a memorable image.

Frugality and "Making Money While You Sleep"

Crawford identifies with Buffett's "value investor" and "pragmatic frugality," simplifying it by saying they are "both cheap." He has always saved money, anticipating future financial uncertainties. However, he learned that "just saving money ain't making money." He was taught to "make your money make money while you sleeping," which led him to explore financial literacy, stock markets, and real estate.

Future of His Boxing Career and Legacy

Regarding a potential rematch with Canelo, Crawford states he is "not even thinking about that right now" and believes there is no rematch clause. He suggests it would be "better for him to fight somebody else" because his style is a "bad matchup" for Canelo. While financially a rematch might be lucrative, he advises Canelo against it for his safety.

At 38 years old, Crawford is uncertain about "how much longer" he will continue boxing. He has been contemplating his next steps before and after the Canelo fight but has not made a final decision, though he expects to do so "soon."

Retiring undefeated, like Floyd Mayweather and Rocky Marciano, is highly important to him, as it signifies being among a select group of athletes who "never lost." He considers it a "blessing in his own right."

He expresses disappointment about not fighting Manny Pacquiao, stating that the fight was "supposed to happen for years" and felt like a "carrot over my head." He was never disappointed about not fighting Mayweather.

Upon retiring, Crawford plans to "dive in real estate heavier," aiming to make "big moves in Omaha and around the country."

His desired legacy is multifaceted: he wants to be remembered as a "great father," a "great boxer," "humble," and "caring." He hopes people will acknowledge "what he did for the community, what he did for people that he didn't know." He believes his actions, particularly with his children, will speak for themselves.