THREE TOP-TIER MATCHMAKERS ANALYZE 12 MYTHICAL MATCHUPS PITTING POUND-FOR-POUND STAR TERENCE CRAWFORD AGAINST SOME OF BOXING HISTORY’S BEST
Terence Crawford has won 10 world titles across four weight classes, was Ring champion in three divisions and reached “undisputed” status at 140 and 147 pounds. He has been No. 1 on the pound-for-pound list. One day, he will be a first-ballot inductee into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, “Bud” began boxing at 7 and enjoyed a productive amateur career, claiming several national titles and a record of 58-12.
He turned professional in March 2008 away from the bright lights with a first-round knockout in Denver, Colorado. He worked his way to 13-0 before then-manager Cameron Dunkin convinced Top Rank to take a look at his fighter.
Crawford was initially something of a slow burn for Top Rank’s matchmaker, Brad Goodman.
“The very first fight, I think it was a Mike Alvarado Univision show and we had Crawford underneath in Denver. He knocked [Derrick Campos] out [in the second round],” recalled Goodman.
“He also fought [Angel Rios] in Atlantic City. He won a decision. You could see the ability, but nothing stood out. That knockout of Andre Gorges [after Rios] was pretty impressive.”
Crawford’s big break came several fights later when he stepped in on three days’ notice to face Amir Khan-conqueror Breidis Prescott at junior welterweight.
“I was petrified. [Matchmaker] Bruce [Trampler] was petrified. Cameron didn’t want the fight,” said Goodman.
“[Top Rank President] Todd [duBoef] says to me one day, ‘You sure they don’t like the fight?’ I said, ‘Yeah, Cameron said he spoke to [trainer Brian “BoMac”] McIntyre and they don’t want the fight.’ He goes, ‘Call McIntyre just out of curiosity and see what he says.’ So, when I called McIntryre up, he goes, ‘Cameron never offered us Prescott. We’ll absolutely take it.’ Without hesitation.
“He got that Prescott fight, made it count and was sensational. (Crawford won a wide 10-round unanimous decision.) That’s what really put him on the map. HBO was impressed with him and he came back, had quite a few fights on HBO.”
Crawford (right) made a name for himself with a near-shutout decision over Briedis Prescott. (Photo by Naoki Fukuda)
After notching two more wins, Crawford packed his bags and headed to Glasgow, Scotland, where he dominated WBO lightweight beltholder Ricky Burns (UD 12) to pick up his first world title.
“I was out there a year before that when Burns fought [Ray] Beltran, and that crowd is a pretty hostile crowd. It can really rattle you up,” said Goodman. “What I noticed about Crawford was he was like ice; nothing fazed him. The crowd didn’t faze him, the people going against him at the weigh-in, nothing fazed him. He was so calm. You couldn’t intimidate him. That’s how he fought. He also made every shot count.”
Crawford overcame a slow start in his maiden defense against lightning-quick Yuriorkis Gamboa, ultimately dropping and stopping the previously unbeaten Cuban in front of a jubilant Omaha crowd.
He then scored a near-shutout decision over Beltran (UD 12) to add The Ring championship.
Crawford decided to step up to junior welterweight, where he stopped Thomas Dulorme (TKO 6) for the vacant WBO crown. He made two defenses before putting on a boxing clinic to win a wide decision over WBC beltholder Viktor Postol (UD 12), again filling a vacant Ring championship. Three fights later, he was the undisputed champ after knocking out IBF/WBA counterpart Julius Indongo.
With nothing left to achieve at 140 pounds, Crawford headed seven pounds north to face Jeff Horn for the WBO welterweight belt. The game Australian was no match for him and was picked apart over nine rounds.
“What I noticed about Crawford was he was like ice; nothing fazed him. … You couldn’t intimidate him.”
– Brad Goodman
Crawford went on to make six defenses, notably beating Khan (TKO 6), Kell Brook (TKO 4) and Shawn Porter (TKO 10).
After several years of verbal jousting, Crawford and longtime rival Errol Spence Jr. finally met for welterweight supremacy in July 2023. Most thought it would be close – even dangerous for Crawford – but he ended up dropping the Texan three times en route to stopping him in a nine-round master class. In the process, Crawford moved his record to (40-0, 31 knockouts) and claimed the vacant Ring championship as well as Spence’s IBF, WBA and WBC titles.
And Crawford didn’t stop there. At 36 years old and already comfortably sitting on a Hall of Fame-worthy career, he moved up to 154 pounds and challenged WBA titleholder Israil Madrimov on August 3. In a fight that was more tactical than his usual fare, the Omaha switch-hitter faced a difficult puzzle but managed to outpoint the former amateur star from Uzbekistan by unanimous decision, making him a four-division titleholder.
Following last month’s feature on Naoya Inoue, we decided to enlist the services of reputed matchmakers John Beninati, Ron Katz and Jolene Mizzone to discuss mythical matchups with 12 Hall of Famers and ask how Crawford might’ve done against these all-time greats.
We’ll never know for certain, but it’s fun to debate. Here’s how they thought the respective matches would play out.
CRAWFORD vs. SUGAR RAY LEONARD: Welterweight
The sublime boxing skills, speed and power of Sugar Ray Leonard saw him excel during the late 1970s and ’80s, claiming world titles in five weight classes while facing a wide array of contemporaries. Leonard would be the naturally bigger man against Crawford and could easily match him for wits, speed and skills.
Leonard’s 14th-round stoppage victory over Thomas Hearns (left) on September 16, 1981, in a welterweight championship unification secured his Fighter of the Year status and was also named The Ring’s Fight of the Year. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
John Beninati: “A tactical fight with not a lot of give and take. Leonard beats Crawford to the punch and wins a 12-round points decision.”
Ron Katz: “Along with [Muhammad] Ali, Ray was the best fighter I ever saw. He had no weaknesses and simply was better than Crawford in every aspect. Ray wins a wide decision.”
Jolene Mizzone: “I am going to edge Crawford in this one. I think that his southpaw style would give Leonard some issues, and I will also give the edge to Crawford with adjusting during the fight. Crawford TKO 10.”
Leonard: 2-1
CRAWFORD vs. THOMAS HEARNS: Welterweight
Hearns was a five-weight world champion during an outstanding career. “The Hitman” was known for his devastating right hand and underrated skills at welterweight. He stood 6-feet-1 and would have a four-inch reach advantage over Crawford. How would Crawford deal with the physical advantages of Hearns without exposing himself to the vaunted power?
The welterweight version of Hearns (left) destroyed Pipinio Cuevas in two rounds to win the WBA title.
John Beninati: “Hearns is not as talented as Crawford but is bigger and has the possibility of getting the KO. I give Crawford a split decision.”
Ron Katz: “Tommy could do everything Terence did, maybe better. His length and power would cause major issues. Tommy by late KO.”
Jolene Mizzone: “I am going with Hearns strictly because of his style and height; I think that the height would give Crawford problems. I don’t think that Crawford would be able to handle his power towards the end of the fight. I think Hearns would break him down. Hearns TKO 11.”
Hearns: 2-1
CRAWFORD vs. OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Welterweight
De La Hoya became the first fighter to win world titles in a then-unprecedented six weight classes. The East Los Angeles native was a marketing dream who could fight and charm in equal measure. He started out at junior lightweight and reached the peak of his powers at welterweight, where he was regarded by some as the best fighter in the world, pound-for-pound. The converted southpaw had an excellent jab and a very dangerous left hook that would be a huge threat to Crawford.
De La Hoya (right) took out Wilfredo Rivera in the eighth round to defend his WBC welterweight title in 1997. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
John Beninati: “Crawford is much slicker and would outwork Oscar. I give the edge to Crawford.”
Ron Katz: “Oscar always rose to the occasion and with his lethal left hook would catch Terence somewhere along the line and stop him.”
Jolene Mizzone: “This may be the closest fight of them all. De La Hoya at his best is a hard guy to figure out, and I think Crawford would have a hard time adjusting in this fight, because Oscar would be adjusting the whole fight. In the end, they would both be making adjustments and each would have a hard time figuring each other out. Draw.”
1-1-1
CRAWFORD vs. FELIX TRINIDAD: Welterweight
The fighting pride of Puerto Rico was big for welterweight and enjoyed further success up at junior middleweight and middleweight. However, it was at 147 pounds that he made a name for himself with a fierce fighting will and devastating left hand.
Trinidad (left) defended his IBF welterweight belt for the seventh time with a fourth-round TKO of Larry Barnes in 1995 — and he would defend it nine more times after that. (Photo by Al Bello /Allsport)
John Beninati: “I’m biased, as I matched most of Trinidad’s fights. Tito fought the much better competition. Tito by 12-round unanimous decision.”
Ron Katz: “Another exceptional left-hooker who would have physical advantages over Terence. It would be a back-and-forth battle with Trinidad winning a very close decision.”
Jolene Mizzone: “I think that this would be very similar to the Hopkins fight. Crawford would play with Trinidad. He’s just a much better boxer than Trinidad, and Trinidad would feel that power early. Crawford TKO 8.”
Trinidad: 2-1
CRAWFORD vs. MANNY PACQUIAO: Welterweight
Pacquiao won his first world title at flyweight before jumping two entire divisions to stunningly win another at junior featherweight as a late substitute against Lehlo Ledwaba. He went on to establish himself at featherweight (where he was Ring champion), junior lightweight (also Ring champion) and briefly fought at lightweight and junior welterweight (Ring champion again) before becoming an elite welterweight. He even won a world title at junior middleweight, surpassing De La Hoya with titles in a staggering eight divisions. As Pacquiao went up in weight, he got better and became more refined but remained just as devastating, and he is widely regarded as one of the very best fighters of the modern era. The Filipino congressman had unique power, particularly in his left hand, excellent footwork and an unmatched fighting spirit adored by millions.
In his signature performance at welterweight, Pacquiao overwhelmed and stopped Miguel Cotto in the 12th round to win the WBO title. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/HBO)
John Beninati: “Great fight. Both guys would get dropped at least once. I give the edge to Crawford – a little slicker. Manny would try to go inside, but Crawford has an underappreciated jab.”
Ron Katz: “At 147, Terence would be too strong and sharp for Manny, stopping him in the middle to late rounds.”
Jolene Mizzone: “I think this fight would be like the Bradley fight; the one big difference is that Crawford has the power to break Manny down and win more convincingly. Crawford by 12-round unanimous decision.”
Crawford: 3-0
CRAWFORD vs. FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR.: Welterweight
Mayweather won world titles in five weight classes, from junior lightweight to junior middleweight. He fought a who’s who of his era – beating them all in a 50-fight career. Mayweather has one of the best boxing brains ever and an incredible ability to nullify his opponents’ strengths. Combine that with his speed, reflexes, pinpoint accuracy and difficult defense, and he’s an enormous challenge for anyone.
Mayweather defended his Ring/WBC welterweight championship with a 10th-round stoppage of Ricky Hatton in 2007. (Photo by John Iacono/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
John Beninati: “Great fight. Crawford is bigger, taller, but Floyd has the better ring IQ. Floyd wins.”
Ron Katz: “Another high-IQ match. Floyd with his exceptional defense would frustrate and force Terence to do things he normally wouldn’t, like he did to so many others. In the end, Floyd wins a comfortable decision.”
Jolene Mizzone: “We all know that Floyd’s game plan would be to move and box the whole fight, which would give Crawford problems. Floyd is one of the best to do it. He would also only agree to fight Crawford at the right time. People may not like it, but at the end of the day, boxing is a business and he moved himself the right way. Mayweather by split decision.”
Mayweather: 3-0
CRAWFORD vs. AARON PRYOR: Junior welterweight
Pryor was an offensive monster who brought pressure, pressure and more pressure, suffocating the life out of his opponents. His boundless energy made him a nightmare for anyone. He was an outstanding junior welterweight, and if you couldn’t earn his respect, you’d find it impossible to keep him off of you.
Just as intimidating as Pryor’s stare was the fact that he could back it up. (Getty Images)
John Beninati: “Great fight, a total war, but Aaron never fought anyone as good as Crawford. Aaron would get dropped a couple of times. Crawford would KO him late.”
Ron Katz: “We all know what type of fight Pryor would fight: relentless pressure and high-volume punching. Crawford would fight a fight similar to how he would have fought Duran and utilize his speed and agility to fend off Pryor in taking a comfortable decision.”
Jolene Mizzone: “This is an interesting fight. As good as Pryor was, I think in a lot of his fights he fought the right guys to give him the record he had. Yes, his fights with Arguello were great, legendary fights, but I feel Pryor had Arguello’s number in both fights. I think that Pryor would have a problem with Crawford’s style and once again the southpaw stance. Crawford 12-round unanimous decision.”
Crawford: 3-0
CRAWFORD vs. JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ: Junior welterweight
Unlike most fighters but similar to Crawford, Chavez got better as he went up in weight. The Mexican idol won world titles at junior lightweight and lightweight (where he held The Ring championship) but he excelled at junior welterweight. Chavez brought a granite chin, underrated defensive acumen, heavy hands – including his patented left hook to the liver, which was designed to slow faster fighters down – and a never-say-die attitude that garnered such a special place in the hearts of his countrymen. That approach paid dividends when he busted up the quicker and more talented Meldrick Taylor, a fight that may serve as something of a blueprint in this mythical matchup.
Chavez (right) attacks Meldrick Taylor during the controversial contest that would later be named The Ring’s Fight of the Decade. (Photo by John Iacono /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
John Beninati: “Not even close. Crawford too tall, too slick and wins a 12-round unanimous decision.”
Ron Katz: “This would be a very hard fight for Terence. Chavez had a high ring IQ and a terrific inside game. He would be on the attack and eventually get to Crawford, quite possibly stopping him.”
Jolene Mizzone: “This one would be I think one of the easier ones for Crawford. With Chavez being a guy right in front of you, I think Crawford would play with him the whole fight. Styles make fights, and I think this is the perfect fight for Crawford. Crawford 12-round unanimous decision.”
Crawford: 2-1
CRAWFORD vs. KOSTYA TSZYU: Junior welterweight
The Russian-born Australia resident was a standout amateur before quickly making his mark in the professional ranks. He suffered a surprising loss to Vince Phillips but took it in stride, rebuilt and went on to become the undisputed junior welterweight champion. Tszyu was physically strong and possessed excellent technique, but it was his hammer of a right hand that regularly separated his opponents from their senses.
Tszyu (left) kicked off his second title run at 140 pounds with a 10th-round TKO of Miguel Angel Gonzalez in 1999. (Photo by Eliot J. Schechter /Allsport/Getty Images)
John Beninati: “Tszyu was very underrated compared to the all-time greats. He reminds me of GGG at 140, one of my favorites. Crawford is too slick, would outshine and outbox Tszyu. Crawford 12-round unanimous decision.”
Ron Katz: “Tszyu was a destroyer. Terence would have to be on top of his game to handle Tszyu. In the end, I see Crawford with the nod in a hard-fought battle.”
Jolene Mizzone: “I think this would be an easy fight for Crawford. Not taking anything away from Tszyu, but his main thing was power. If you can stay away from his power, which I think Crawford would be able to with his footwork, you can slide into an easy decision. Crawford in this one is just a much better boxer. Crawford 12-round unanimous decision.”
Crawford: 3-0
CRAWFORD vs. ROBERTO DURAN: Lightweight
At lightweight, Duran was as close to the perfect fighting machine as you’re likely to see in any weight class. Ferocious and tenacious with power and underrated skill, he went after his opponents and systematically broke them down with relish. He later enjoyed success up at welterweight, junior middleweight and even middleweight, but it was at 135 pounds where Duran was not just special but arguably the best lightweight in history.
Duran (left) attacks Edwin Viruet in their 1977 rematch. (Photo from The Ring archive)
John Beninati: “Duran is as tough as they come. I matched his last [world title] fight with [William] Joppy [at middleweight]. Crawford, if he does not get caught, outshines him.”
Ron Katz: “At 135, Duran was virtually unbeatable, but Crawford’s speed and agility would have given Roberto fits. But Duran would find a way and win a close decision. At 147, I would give Crawford the edge.”
Jolene Mizzone: “There are two things here against Duran: Crawford could box southpaw, and his boxing ability. I think one of Duran’s biggest Kryptonites was southpaws; he didn’t do well with them. I think Crawford, with his style, would frustrate Duran and open him up to shots he shouldn’t take, which would end in a late stoppage. Crawford TKO 11.”
Crawford: 2-1
CRAWFORD vs. PERNELL WHITAKER: Lightweight
The preternaturally gifted Whitaker barely lost a round, let alone a fight (not withstanding the robbery against Jose Luis Ramirez), on his way to becoming Ring and undisputed lightweight king. He later added junior welterweight, welterweight and junior middleweight titles to his hall-of-fame collection. “Sweet Pea” was known for his speed of hand and foot as well as ring smarts, but he also mixed in diligent bodywork and could gut it out when he needed to.
In one of the finest performances of his career, Whitaker (right) dominated the great Azumah Nelson. (Photo from The Ring archive)
John Beninati: “Both guys are very technical. Both guys would be on their bike. Whitaker 12-round split decision.”
Ron Katz: “Exceptional chess match between too high-IQ fighters. Whitaker was a master at these kinds of matches and would squeak out a close decision.”
Jolene Mizzone: “As good of a boxer as Crawford is, Whitaker is just that much more special when it comes to boxing. I think Crawford would have a very hard time with Whitaker’s slickness and would have trouble the whole fight trying to get off. Whitaker 12-round unanimous decision.”
Whitaker: 3-0
CRAWFORD vs. SHANE MOSLEY: Lightweight
Like Crawford, Mosley began his championship tenure at lightweight. At 135 pounds, Mosley was a beast who could do it all – move, box and punch with equal measure. He later leapfrogged junior welterweight and was an outstanding welterweight and junior middleweight champion.
A peak version of Mosley (right) retained the IBF lightweight title with an eighth-round stoppage of Demetrio Ceballos in 1998. (Photo by The Ring)
John Beninati: “Crawford would win. Crawford is taller, slicker, better tactical fighter. Just a better fighter.”
Ron Katz: “I like Crawford in this match. His physical advantages would eventually prevail. Mosley was too willing and Crawford would have picked him apart.”
Jolene Mizzone: “This is another tough one for Crawford. Shane is one that would be able to make some adjustments in the ring but didn’t do too well with southpaws. I think Crawford would have Mosley down in the fight at some point. Shane would come off the canvas, but then Crawford would be able to have his way with him the rest of the fight. Crawford 12-round unanimous decision.”
Crawford: 3-0
RESULTS:
(Crawford win)-(“Great” win)-(Draw)
BENINATI: 8-4
KATZ: 4-8
MIZZONE: 8-3-1
Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at [email protected].
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