It’s a day of celebration in the boxing world! The pound-for-pound best boxer of the era marks the beginning of his 38th year of life. Today, Terence Crawford was born in Omaha, Nebraska. The first two-division undisputed champion of boxing crossed a new milestone last month when he became a world title holder for the fourth time. On a Riyadh Season card, Crawford defeated Israil Madrimov for the light middleweight championship.

It’s a different fact that ‘Bud’ himself didn’t have the best of experiences in the day leading to his day of birth. Loss of luggage at the airport, reportedly valued at a high figure, besides missing a flight due to alleged negligence left a bitter aftertaste for Crawford. He was in the United Kingdom to watch the Anthony Joshua–Daniel Dubois fight and later extended his tour to visit Rome in mainland Europe. Nevertheless, a bevy of well-known names lined up to wish the champion the warmest of birthdays.

Day of hardships

Criticizing the airlines and the travel service provider, Terence Crawford let off a torrent of tweets. Seeking full accountability for the calamitous experience, he said, “@British_Airways/@traveloneworld We have a problem. Not only did you guys make me miss my flight, but your baggage handlers also stole ALL of my shit that I purchased at the Louis Store in the International Terminal.“

Confirming that he retained valid receipts of all his purchases, Terence Crawford reflected how this could happen after spending so much on the travel. “Left me with one pair of pants and two shirts. They took my underwear and socks, wtf @British_Airways,” he said. 

Notwithstanding the ordeal, earlier, the champion endeared himself to the fans in London, where the Wembley Riyadh event took place. His photo, sitting in the row behind Tyson Fury, drew a fresh round of Kendrick Lamar jokes.

Happy Birthday, Terence Crawford!

Nevertheless, for fans, followers, supporters, and near-and-dear ones, it’s a day of joy. Let’s check what a few of them had to say.

So first it is the family. It was a message filled with warmth and love. Letisha Crawford wished that her brother enjoyed his special day and continued to receive blessings in life. She said, “Happy Birthday to my little big brother, @terencecrawford 🎂🎊🎈 I hope you enjoy your day and continue being blessed❤️😘.”

WBO, where Terrence Crawford holds the interim title in the 154-pound weight class, shared their warm wishes. They hoped for him to have a year filled with blessings and happiness. Additionally, the sanctioning body revealed that Crawford’s birthday celebration will be part of the event organized for their 37th convention. This is what WBO said: “🎂 Happy birthday to WBO 4-Division champion 🇺🇸 Terence Crawford. Wishing you another year full of blessings, and we will continue to celebrate your birthday at the WBO 37th convention!”

“Happy Birthday, Champ @terencecrawford 🎂,” said DAZN Boxing, sharing a picture of Crawford standing beside friend Eminem. Now, longtime trainer Brian ‘Bomac’ McIntyre wouldn’t have wanted to stay behind others, right? Wishing his world-famous pupil, ‘Bomac’ said, “Happy Birthday to my first world champion, P4P Bud Crawford.”

Then, from one legend to another, undisputed champion and trailblazer Claressa Shields also expressed warm birthday greetings. “Happy birthday, @terencecrawford. My P4P #1!!!!! More life, My G!!!” said the two-time Olympic gold winner.

The GIF of a cat with a Sombrero hat featured on Team USA coach, eminent trainer Christine Lopez‘s wishes: “Happy birthday, @terencecrawford.” Then, sharing a few of her pictures with Terence Crawford, IBF intercontinental bantamweight champion Shurretta Metcalf said, “Happy Birthday to my brother!!! @terencecrawford.“

It’s so nice to see so many coming together to celebrate the birthday of a generational figure like Terence Crawford.

As far as boxing is concerned, details about the champion’s next outing remain sketchy. However, with the chance of the dream bout with Canelo Alvarez appearing bleak, at least for the time being, the only feasible recourse remains title unification and perhaps an undisputed championship at the light middleweight. But it would be crossing paths with Sebastian Fundora, Bakhram Murtazaliev, or, for that matter, even Vergil Ortiz Jr. Any scope of a ‘Boots’ Ennis fight? Fans would be watching out eagerly.

From the EssentiallySports family: “We wish the best boxer in the world a very happy and prosperous birthday!”

Who is your personal choice for a matchup against Terence Crawford?