Oleksandr Usyk backs Crawford over Mayweather, Leonard and Robinson

Oleksandr Usyk has picked Terence Crawford to defeat Floyd Mayweather, Sugar Ray Leonard and Sugar Ray Robinson at their best. The Ukrainian heavyweight champion made the case for Crawford despite the three legends’ exceptional records and achievements.

Usyk’s choice is based on Crawford’s ability to compete across divisions and his status among the leading fighters of the modern era. Crawford, like Mayweather, retired unbeaten after becoming a world champion in five weight classes.

Crawford’s career ended after he became undisputed champion in three divisions. He achieved that feat by defeating Canelo Alvarez at super-middleweight in a fight that took place a few months before the announcement of his retirement last December.

Before moving to 168 pounds, Crawford had established himself as the undisputed welterweight champion. His defining victory in that division came in 2023, when he stopped Errol Spence Jr in the ninth round in a one-sided contest. Some observers have questioned how close Spence was to his best on the night, but the result strengthened Crawford’s position among the sport’s elite.

Mayweather finished his career with a 50-0 record and won world titles in five divisions. His defensive skill and long unbeaten run have made him one of boxing’s most celebrated figures.

Leonard’s credentials include victories over Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns and Marvin Hagler, the other three members of boxing’s Four Kings. Robinson, meanwhile, defeated 10 fighters who later entered the International Boxing Hall of Fame, including Jake LaMotta and Randolph Turpin, during a 199-fight career that included major success at welterweight and middleweight.

Those records place Mayweather, Leonard and Robinson among the strongest candidates in any discussion of boxing’s greatest fighters. Usyk nevertheless believes a prime Crawford possessed the qualities needed to overcome each of them.