American boxer Terence Crawford has earned a nomination for the 2025 BBC World Sport Star of the Year, joining an elite list of athletes recognized globally for exceptional performance across their sports. The announcement, made this week, places Crawford among the top six non-British competitors considered for the honour — a testament to his remarkable achievements and revival in world boxing this year.
Crawford’s journey to this nomination is nothing short of extraordinary. In 2025, he achieved a milestone that defines greatness: he became the first male boxer in history to become undisputed champion in three different weight divisions — super-lightweight, welterweight, and super-middleweight — during the modern four-belt era.
The crowning achievement came in September, when Crawford stepped up two weight classes to challenge four-division champion Canelo Álvarez at super-middleweight (168 lb). Against all odds — amid questions about size, power, and ring nerves — Crawford delivered a flawless performance that stunned boxing fans worldwide. His technical mastery, footwork, and ring IQ overcame size disadvantages, underlining his status as one of the most complete fighters of his generation.
By defeating Álvarez and claiming the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and The Ring belts at 168 lb, Crawford extended his professional record to 42 wins without a defeat — a streak that includes 31 knockouts.
However, Crawford’s journey hasn’t been without controversy. Only days ago, the World Boxing Council (WBC) stripped him of its super-middleweight title due to an alleged failure to pay required sanctioning fees after the Álvarez fight. The decision sparked debate in boxing circles — some view it as a technicality, others as a stain on a monumental achievement.
Despite the WBC’s action, Crawford’s broader accomplishment — securing undisputed status across multiple divisions — remains historic. This duality only underlines why the BBC nomination is timely: it recognizes not just ringside victories, but the overall impact, resilience, and legacy potential of athletes.
In naming Crawford among the six nominees, the BBC shortlisted a diverse group of international stars across sports, reflecting global talent beyond UK borders. The 2025 nominees alongside Crawford include:
This shortlist underscores the BBC’s commitment to honouring excellence across sports — not just the mainstream or football-heavy headlines.
For Crawford, the nomination represents more than personal recognition — it reaffirms boxing’s place in global sports discourse. At a time when boxing faces criticism over promotional issues and belt politics, Crawford’s achievements highlight skill, dedication, and legacy. His journey from underdog to undisputed champion across divisions underscores the purity of the sport: heart, discipline, and performance.
Analysts argue this nomination could reshape public perception of boxing champions. Where once boxing accolades were confined within the sport’s circles, visibility through a global platform like the BBC can cast a wider spotlight, potentially attracting new fans and reinforcing respect for boxing as a top-tier global sport.
If Crawford wins the award — joining the ranks of previous boxing legends recognised globally — it would cement 2025 as one of the finest years in his storied career. More than a trophy, the recognition would stand as a legacy milestone, rivaling his victories in the ring.
But win or lose, the nomination itself is a victory. It recognizes triumph over adversity, the culmination of years of hard work, and the power of boxing to deliver historic moments. For Crawford and his supporters, it’s a reminder: titles may be stripped, disputes may arise, but greatness is defined by achievement — and 2025 is his year.
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