Not Ali or Pacquiao: Terence Crawford reveals his top five boxers of all time

Terence “Bud” Crawford, one of the most accomplished boxers of his generation and one of only three men in history to become an undisputed champion in two different weight classes during the four-belt era, has caused a stir by unveiling his list of the five greatest boxers of all time.

During an appearance on the “For Me” podcast hosted by Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, Crawford revealed his selections: “For me, you’ve got Sugar Ray Robinson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Marvin Hagler, and Roberto Duran.” This list, which highlights some of the most legendary names in boxing history, has sparked significant debate, particularly due to Ali’s absence.

The omission of Muhammad Ali, a globally revered figure in the sport, has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Crawford, whose own career is laden with groundbreaking achievements, has presented a personal and unique perspective on greatness in boxing.

Host Cejudo also expressed surprise at the omission of Manny Pacquiao, another boxer whose career has garnered widespread admiration. Crawford offered a candid explanation for his choices: “Manny’s a generational fighter, who is very talented. Like, he has accomplished what no other fighter is ever going to accomplish. But, I don’t feel like he personally did it all on his own, that’s my opinion.”

Manny Pacquiao celebrates his 12 round TKO victory against Miguel Cotto during their WBO welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 14, 2009. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

Crawford’s unique perspective on greatness

Terence Crawford’s list reflects his personal view of what defines greatness in boxing. His decision to leave out Ali and Pacquiao underscores the subjective nature of such lists, as different boxers prioritize various aspects of the sport.

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The debate over defining “Greatness” in boxing

The controversy surrounding Crawford’s list raises important questions about what constitutes greatness in boxing. Is it the accumulation of titles and records, as seen with Pacquiao? Or is it about dominance, technique, and style, as exemplified by Mayweather?

Crawford’s own remarkable career, particularly his ability to unify titles across multiple weight classes, adds depth to the conversation. His choices, though contentious, reflect his personal understanding of the sport and his respect for its nuances, making his perspective a compelling part of the ongoing debate about the greatest boxers of all time.