Sun Sep 14 05:40:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Boxing Champion Terence Crawford Reveals Near-Death Experience That ‘Changed My Life’**
**Omaha, NE -** Undisputed welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford recently recounted a harrowing incident from his past, a shooting in 2008 that he credits with altering the course of his life and propelling him to boxing stardom.
Just months after his professional debut, the then-20-year-old Crawford was shot just below the ear while sitting in his car. The incident occurred after a dice game, with the bullet narrowly missing his brain after ricocheting off his skull. Miraculously, Crawford was able to drive himself to the hospital and received only stitches, escaping serious injury.
“When I got shot, it changed my life tremendously and put me on the right path,” Crawford told CNN in 2019.
Instead of derailing his career, the near-death experience served as a catalyst for change. Crawford refocused his life, dedicating himself to boxing with a new sense of purpose. He severed ties with negative influences and poured his energy into training.
“You’ve got to change your life, you’ve got to change the people that you hang out with, you’ve got to change your surroundings, you’ve got to change your train of thought,” Crawford explained. “And I put all my time and my effort into the sport of boxing.”
The results speak for themselves. Crawford returned to the ring just two months after the shooting, securing his fifth professional win. He has since become a dominant force in the boxing world, holding world championships in four different weight classes and boasting an undefeated record of 41-0, with 32 knockouts.
While details about the shooter remain scarce, Crawford offered a chilling update in 2025, stating that the gunman had since been killed.
Crawford’s story is a testament to his resilience and determination. From a brush with death to becoming a boxing icon, his journey is an inspiration to fans worldwide. He continues to seek his 42nd win of his career.