In a sport often defined by boisterous self-promotion and unwavering claims of supremacy, undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk recently offered a rare moment of profound humility. Despite his own impeccable record and status as the king of boxing`s glamour division, the Ukrainian maestro openly stated that he believes fellow pound-for-pound great, Terence `Bud` Crawford, is a “better” fighter than himself.
Usyk`s own resume is nothing short of legendary. An Olympic Gold medalist, he became the undisputed cruiserweight champion before moving up to conquer the giants, twice defeating Anthony Joshua and becoming the first man in 25 years to unify all major heavyweight titles by besting Tyson Fury. His ability to win historic fights away from home turf solidifies his position as a guaranteed future Hall of Famer. Given such towering achievements, his candid assessment of Crawford is particularly striking.
Terence Crawford`s record equally supports a claim to greatness. Undefeated in 41 professional bouts, he has systematically cleaned out divisions, becoming undisputed champion at both super-lightweight and welterweight. His list of victims includes elite names like Shawn Porter and Errol Spence Jr., the latter a dominant performance that cemented his status at 147 pounds. His recent win over Israil Madrimov showcased his adaptability by moving up in weight yet again.
The question of who reigns supreme in the mythical pound-for-pound rankings – Usyk or Crawford – has been a hotly debated topic among fans and experts alike. Both possess unique skill sets, strategic brilliance, and an unblemished record at the highest level. Usyk`s statement, however, adds a new layer to this discussion, offering an insider`s perspective from one titan about another.
This theoretical debate, however, may soon collide with harsh ring reality. Oleksandr Usyk is slated to defend his unified heavyweight crowns against Daniel Dubois on July 19th at London`s Wembley Stadium. A victory there would undoubtedly strengthen his case for the top P4P spot, clearing one mandatory hurdle.
Meanwhile, Terence Crawford is set for his own monumental challenge. In September, he is scheduled to move up two weight classes to face Mexican superstar Saul `Canelo` Alvarez at super-middleweight. Should Crawford emerge victorious, he would achieve an astonishing feat: undisputed champion in three different divisions. Moreover, he would become only the third professional boxer in Canelo`s 68-fight career to hand him a defeat.
While Usyk has indicated he may have one more fight in mind after Dubois – potentially seeking to reclaim the IBF title currently held by Daniel Dubois should it become separated from the unified belts again – the immediate focus for both men rests on these defining upcoming contests.
Regardless of where future pound-for-pound lists ultimately place them, Oleksandr Usyk and Terence Crawford are undeniable titans of their era, destined for boxing immortality. Usyk`s surprising declaration, steeped in respect and perhaps a touch of strategic deflection (the irony!), offers more than just a ranking; it`s a testament to the mutual admiration that can exist even at the very pinnacle of a fiercely competitive sport, and a fascinating footnote in the ongoing story of two all-time greats.
