Ever since at least Floyd Mayweather’s reign, being undefeated has become the most important thing for many boxers. In fact, it is this precise obsession with protecting the ‘O’ that many feel has ‘ruined’ boxing. But there are ways of remaining undefeated. Many do it the wrong way, often by avoiding tough opponents. But a few, like Terence Crawford, certainly do it the right way.

‘Bud’, of course, is 41-0 in his pro career, and no one can accuse him of having ducked anyone. An all-time great already, the Omaha native is the first male two-division undisputed champion in the history of the four-belt era. But the same can’t be said about his amateur career, which was beset with setbacks. So, ahead of the most important fight of ‘Bud’s career against Canelo Alvarez on September 13, let us take a look at the losses Terence Crawford has suffered in his (amateur) boxing career.

All about Terence Crawford’s amateur record & losses

Terence Crawford started boxing at the tender age of seven. So by the time he turned pro in 2008, he already had an extensive, seventy-fight amateur career behind him. While his brilliance as a professional has been historic and self-evident, his amateur stint seems to have been less than stellar. At least that is what his 58-12 amateur record makes it seem.

The first loss ever in Bud’s amateur career came in 2002, when ‘Bud’ lost to Mike Dallas Jr. at the National Silver Gloves (14-15-year-olds) in Kansas City. His next loss came two years later, when Darnell Jiles Jr. comprehensively outpointed Crawford 5-12 to beat him at the Junior Olympics National Championships. Unfortunately, this was not the only time Crawford’s Olympic aspirations were thwarted, as we will see later.

In 2005, at the US National championships in Colorado Springs, the undefeated pro boxer lost another quarterfinal—this time to Ray Robinson by a smaller margin of 18-22. The same year, he participated in his first Golden Gloves tournament, but lost in the preliminary round to Mike Evans 5-0. At the 2006 National Championships, he would break his quarter-final curse and reach the semi-finals, only to lose a razor-thin 20-21 bout to future world champion Danny Garcia.

This improvement in form was replicated in his 2006 showing at the Golden Gloves. There, Houston-born Jesus Mendez edged him out 3-2 to win the tournament. The close loss must have hurt, but on the upside, ‘Bud’ had his first taste of reaching the finals. At the 2006 US Blue and Gold National Championships, not only did Crawford win the gold medal, but beat Danny Garcia to avenge his close loss earlier that year.

But alas, his next tournament quickly brought him down to earth. The Nebraskan lost in the 2006 U-19 National Championships quarter finals as Jerry Belmontes made Crawford go home empty-handed after a four-point win.

Two more gold medals, however, followed shortly. ‘Bud’ won the National Police Athletic League Championship in 2006 as well as the 2007 Pan-Am games in Colorado Springs. By this time, Crawford had become one of the top amateurs in the country, but he only managed to win bronze at the Pan Am qualifiers and US National Championships in 2007.

To be fair, the 2007 PanAm Games loss came at the hands of Yordenis Ugas, another future world champion. Ugas, of course, has brought up this win over Crawford many times, which is fair given how great ‘Bud’ has proven to be.

But perhaps the most consequential loss of the future four-division world champion’s amateur career came at the US Olympic Trials for the 2008 Beijing Games in Houston. Despite being the top-rated amateur lightweight in the United States, Crawford lost to New York’s Sadam Ali in the quarter finals. Crawford lost his second try to make the 2008 Olympics squad again as he lost a round 3 bout to Miguel Angel Gonzalez in the Challenger’s Bracket.

With his Olympic dreams ended, Crawford took the logical next step and turned pro the next year in 2008. And in his professional career, he has been nothing short of stellar and unimpeachable. So what is the secret to his dominance?

The secret to Crawford’s undefeated pro boxing record

Perhaps the most important aspect of boxing (or any sport at the highest level, really) is the mental aspect. Being a good fighter is one thing, but performing on the big stage, under the bright lights, and loud crowds is as much a matter of nerves. So the first reason we know Crawford is undefeated is his 41 pro fights so far, which is his mental strength, resolve, and unshakable self-confidence.

Of course, the reason ‘Bud’ has a surfeit of self-confidence is that he is always very well prepared. Which brings us to the second reason for Crawford’s perfect pro record—his discipline. Hard work beats talent doesn’t work hard, as they say. And the immensely talented Crawford, with his technical brilliance, is also one of the hardest workers in the game.

The third, and equally important reason behind his success is his scintillating skills and technical brilliance. He does the small things so well. Like keeping his head in line with his rear foot in his southpaw, side-on boxing stance, which makes opponents over-commit. Or his minimal head movement, straight-line fighting style, everything is efficient and tight. A master of range management and timing, his ability to set traps with subtle half-steps is up there with the very best.

Combined with ‘Bud’s quickness, relentless, high-volume fighting style, it makes him a nightmare to deal with. But with Crawford facing Canelo Alvarez, his toughest-ever opponent, perhaps ‘Bud’ will finally lose his ‘O’. Or perhaps not, in which case Terence Crawford will take his place along with the greatest boxers of all time.

What do you think about Terence Crawford’s amateur losses? Let us know in the comments section below.