Terence Crawford’s life and career drastically changed following a shooting in 2008.
Crawford has dished out some devastating knockouts and stunning performances in his incredible career.
His spectacular run across multiple weight classes has led him to his biggest matchup, a super fight with Canelo Alvarez on September 13.
While Crawford has faced some dangerous opponents inside the ring, he’s faced much more serious adversity outside of it and come out on top.
A life-threatening altercation that happened early on in his professional career ended up forcing a positive change in his life that has allowed him to become one of boxing’s all-time greats.
Terence Crawford made big changes in his life after being shot while sitting in his car
In September of 2008, Terence Crawford was shot in the neck while sitting in his car after leaving a gathering with his friends.
The Omaha native had been counting his earnings after shooting dice before a nine-millimeter bullet came through his rear windshield.
Crawford acted fast and somehow drove himself to the hospital where it took him five hours before he was treated and discharged after initially believing that he was hit by a rock.
The bullet reportedly changed its trajectory after hitting the windshield, meaning that it could have been a lot more severe, though ‘Bud’ was able to make a positive change in his life as a result of the incident.
Crawford was told by his uncle to separate himself from some of the people that were in his circle, with the boxing star telling USA Today Sports, “God gave me a second chance so I had to make the best of it.”
He didn’t wait too long before doing just that, miraculously returning to the ring less than two months later where he earned his fifth pro win by stopping Michael Williams in the second round.
Terence Crawford said that he prefers to keep this part of his life in the past
Terence Crawford briefly spoke about the shooting during an appearance on Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast last year.
‘Bud’ said that he still doesn’t know who shot him but finding this out and revisiting this part of his life isn’t something that he puts any energy into.
He chooses to leave this entire part of his story in the past so that he can continue to move forward as a different man.
“It’s behind me now so I really don’t care to talk about it. My life has changed dramatically. I’m in a way different mental space. I’m a different person and on top of that, God has blessed me with a second chance, second and third chance, so I just like to be more positive and look towards the future than to look in the rear-view.”
Crawford’s journey has been inspirational to say the least, going from this pivotal moment in his life to facing Canelo Alvarez at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.