“I think Terence Crawford, right now in the sport of boxing, is the pound-for-pound best fighter,” Floyd Mayweather told Brian Mazique in an interview last February. Fast forward to last Saturday night in Las Vegas, and those words seemed prophetic as the Nebraska native dismantled Mayweather’s former opponent, Canelo Alvarez, thoroughly. What followed was nothing short of historic! 

With the victory, Crawford became the only male fighter in history to hold undisputed status across three different weight classes. Naturally, comparisons to Mayweather came rushing in. Could Crawford be greater than Mayweather, who once handed a 23-year-old Canelo his first loss? For Canelo, the answer is clear: “I think Crawford is way better than Mayweather.” But what does Terence Crawford think about it? 

‘Bud’ Crawford cuts down the comparison

Speaking to Ariel Helwani earlier today, the undefeated champion was pressed about his take on Canelo Alvarez’s comparison of him with Floyd Mayweather. Crawford shares a friendly and cordial relationship with the retired boxing legend, so he didn’t want to start any drama with Mayweather. “It’s his personal opinion,” Terence Crawford told Helwani. “A lot of people, they can say what they want, but he’s actually been in the ring with both of us.”

“One where he felt like he was at the best, and another, where he felt like he was at a disadvantage when he had a rehydration clause and he was younger,” Crawford added during the interview. “So, I don’t know, I don’t go off of that. Floyd is the best fighter in his era, and I feel like I’m the best fighter in my era.” While Crawford refuses to make comparisons, given the accolades, the Nebraskan technician appears to stand out on his own. 

But when compared, who has more accolades?

Terence Crawford vs. Floyd Mayweather: Who is better? 

Terence Crawford has captured titles in five weight divisions (lightweight, super lightweight, welterweight, super welterweight, and super middleweight) and stands alone as the only male fighter to claim undisputed status in three of them (super lightweight, welterweight, and super middleweight)—an achievement unmatched in boxing history. Along the way, he has toppled 11 world champions, building an impeccable record of 42-0 with 31 knockouts.

Floyd Mayweather, on the other hand, also claimed titles in five divisions (super featherweight, lightweight, super lightweight, welterweight, and super welterweight). While he never became undisputed in any weight class, Mayweather’s resume is bolstered by victories over 23 world champions. He walked away from the sport undefeated at 50-0 with 27 knockouts. So, does Crawford’s unprecedented dominance give him an edge over Mayweather? 

Statistically, it just might. Yet the ultimate question—whether Crawford is truly greater than Mayweather, or if he could have beaten him in the ring—remains unresolved. Canelo Alvarez has made his stance clear—Crawford is better. But in the end, the debate is yours to decide.