In a candid reflection on the toughest moments of his career, unbeaten champion Terence Crawford has revealed that one opponent’s punch stood above all others — admitting there was a moment in the ring when a shot landed so cleanly it made his body “go stiff.”
Speaking in a recent interview (referenced here in a narrative-style recap), Crawford opened up about the physical reality of elite boxing, explaining that while he has faced numerous world-class punchers across multiple weight divisions, one rival’s power genuinely shook him.
According to Crawford, the hardest punch he ever absorbed came during his intense bout with former champion Egidijus Kavaliauskas. The Lithuanian challenger, known for his heavy hands and aggressive style, connected with a sharp shot early in their fight that briefly stunned the pound-for-pound star.
Crawford recalled that the impact was immediate and unmistakable.
“He hit me the hardest. When he caught me, my body went stiff for a second,” Crawford admitted.
Despite the momentary shock, Crawford quickly regained control, showcasing the composure and adaptability that have defined his career. He went on to dominate the contest, eventually stopping Kavaliauskas in the ninth round and successfully defending his welterweight world title.
The revelation highlights an often-overlooked truth about boxing at the highest level: even the sport’s most technically gifted champions are only one clean punch away from danger. Crawford’s ability to recover from that moment and turn the fight decisively in his favour only strengthened his reputation as one of the most complete fighters of his era.
Throughout his career, Crawford has faced a list of elite opponents across lightweight, super-lightweight, and welterweight divisions, earning undisputed status and widespread recognition for his switch-hitting ability, ring IQ, and finishing power. Yet his admission serves as a reminder that resilience — not just skill — separates the great champions from the rest.
Fans often debate which rival posed the biggest threat to Crawford inside the ropes, with names like Errol Spence Jr. frequently entering the discussion. But when it comes purely to raw punching impact, Crawford’s own words suggest Kavaliauskas delivered the single hardest shot he ever felt.
For a fighter long celebrated for making the impossible look routine, the honesty adds another layer to his legacy — proof that even boxing’s most dominant champions have moments where survival instincts and championship heart must take over.
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