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Boxing Hall of Famer and Golden Boy Promotions chairman Oscar De La Hoya has strongly refuted Canelo Alvarez’s recent remarks suggesting Terence Crawford is a superior fighter to Floyd Mayweather.
Following his latest outing, Alvarez sparked debate when he stated: “I think Crawford is way better than Floyd Mayweather.” The bold proclamation immediately drew attention across the boxing world, with many pundits and former champions weighing in on the comparison.
De La Hoya, who fought Mayweather in 2007 in what was then one of the sport’s richest fights, was quick to disagree. Speaking candidly, he emphasized Mayweather’s technical brilliance, particularly highlighting Mayweather’s dominant win over Canelo in 2013.
“I have to disagree, Floyd Mayweather toyed with Canelo,” De La Hoya said. “Like, he literally toyed with him. He [Floyd] didn’t get hit at all, not one time. I think Mayweather is more superior than Crawford. Not just because he beat me — and it was a close fight, whatever — but I really feel that technically, Mayweather is a better fighter.”
Also read: Canelo Alvarez Names Floyd Mayweather as His Dream Opponent
The debate comes at a time when Crawford’s stock has never been higher. The Omaha native became the first male undisputed champion of the four-belt era in two weight classes, cementing his status as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters of this generation. His recent demolition of Errol Spence Jr. further fueled arguments that he belongs in the same conversation as legends like Mayweather.
Terence Crawford speaks onstage during the Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford Las Vegas Press Conference at T-Mobile Arena on June 27, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo credit: David Becker/Getty Image for Netflix
Still, De La Hoya insists Mayweather’s mastery in the ring sets him apart. Undefeated at 50-0, “Money” Mayweather’s defensive wizardry and ability to neutralize opponents has often been described as untouchable — something De La Hoya believes Crawford, as skilled as he is, has yet to match.
Canelo’s comments and De La Hoya’s rebuttal underscore the timeless debate in boxing: greatness across eras. While Crawford continues to build his legacy, Mayweather’s career remains the gold standard for modern boxing excellence.
Whether fans side with Canelo’s assessment or with De La Hoya’s defense of Mayweather, one thing is clear — Crawford’s rise has reignited a discussion that will fuel barbershop debates and boxing forums for years to come.
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