American boxing legend Roy Jones Jr believes Terence Crawford is a better fighter than Floyd Mayweather Jr – based on the fact that the former “challenges himself”.
Crawford made history in September when he became the first man to reign as undisputed in three separate weight classes, defeating Canelo Alvarez to claim the Mexican’s four titles at super middleweight.
Having previously conquered all the belts at super lightweight and welterweight, ‘Bud’ also held titles at lightweight and super welterweight – making him a five-weight world champion.
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.Subscribe to DAZN now to watch over 185 fights a year
That is a distinction he shares with Mayweather, who claimed world championships at super featherweight, lightweight, super lightweight, welterweight, and super welterweight between 1998 and 2015.
However, despite their accomplishments, Jones Jr stated that he preferred the more modern fighter over Mayweather.
Jones Jr told Fight Hub TV: “To me, he [Crawford] is [better] because he challenges himself. Don’t get me wrong, Floyd ain’t no bad fighter, Floyd is a hell of a sharp fighter but I ain’t gonna say a better fighter.
“I just can appreciate it more because he challenges himself, you understand me? Floyd never challenged himself, so if you ask me who I want to see, Floyd or Terence, I wanna see Terence because Terence gonna challenge himself.”
Eyebrows were raised when Crawford opted to pursue a super-bout with Canelo, as “Bud” was jumping up two weight classes.
Canelo, who was defeated by Mayweather back in 2013, was the favourite heading into the contest, but found himself outboxed by Crawford.
Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing
Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime.
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing
Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime.
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Mayweather retired undefeated, proud of his 50-0 record (27 KOs), although throughout his career “Money” was accused of cherrypicking or aging out opponents. That being said, Mayweather has a host of impressive names on his CV, including Canelo, Ricky Hatton, Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao.
Until the addition of Canelo’s scalp, Crawford had been accused of lacking big names on his own record, although the 38-year-old was avoided during large swathes of his time at welterweight before he moved up through the divisions.
DAZN is the home of combat sports, broadcasting over 185 fights a year from the world’s best promoters, including Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC, GLORY and more.
An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 / $224.99 (for 12 months access), that’s just 64p / $1.21 per fight.
There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at £24.99 / $29.99 per month. A subscription includes weekly magazine shows, comprehensive fight library, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and podcasts and vodcasts. For pricing in your country, more information and to sign up, click here.
