Terence Crawford has pushed back against criticism of his legacy, arguing that his résumé and drawing power are stronger than some claim. Speaking on social media shortly before being stripped of his undisputed super-middleweight titles, Crawford addressed comparisons to boxing legends and identified the one fighter he believes would have truly challenged him.
Crawford said he long pursued a fight with Manny Pacquiao, but it never materialised because promoters didn’t want him “to become too big too soon.” While he insists he respects Pacquiao, he dismissed the idea that Pacquiao would have troubled him stylistically, noting the risks the Filipino star would have had to take.
He argued that many past greats only have “more known opponents,” and insisted he would have succeeded in any era.
The 38-year-old concluded that the only all-time great who would have posed serious problems for him is Floyd Mayweather: “Mayweather the only one I would have had problems with because of his mind,” he wrote. “And I’m done talking about it.”
Crawford also criticised older fighters for “hating” on the new generation, though he highlighted Roy Jones Jr as one legend who supports him. Jones has previously said he prefers Crawford over Mayweather because of Crawford’s willingness to take on all challenges.
