Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr has stirred debate by claiming Terence Crawford deserves more appreciation than Floyd Mayweather because he “challenges himself.”
Mayweather retired undefeated at 50-0 after stopping Conor McGregor in 2017 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers ever. Crawford, meanwhile, cemented his own legacy by becoming a three-division undisputed champion, defeating Canelo Álvarez in September to move to 42-0.
Speaking about who he rates higher, Jones told reporters:
“To me, [Crawford] is, because he challenges himself. Floyd’s a great fighter—sharp, slick, one of the best ever—but he never really challenged himself the way Terence does.”
Jones emphasized that while Mayweather’s skill level was unmatched, Crawford’s willingness to take risks made him more exciting to watch.
Mayweather’s résumé, however, tells a different story. He captured titles in five weight divisions and holds wins over elite names such as Canelo Álvarez, Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, Juan Manuel Márquez, and Oscar De La Hoya.
The 48-year-old is now set to return in a 2026 exhibition bout against former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, marking his ninth post-retirement fight. Despite criticism of such exhibitions, Mayweather continues to prove he’s still one of boxing’s biggest draws.
