Tim Bradley, a two-weight world champion and recent Hall of Fame inductee, has shared his thoughts on the top pound-for-pound boxers. The former champion, who now works as a boxing analyst, puts Terence Crawford's skills above the rest.
Bradley's career saw him lose only to Manny Pacquiao. He retired in 2016 after two defeats in a trilogy with the Filipino legend, following an initial win. Since hanging up his gloves, he's moved into boxing analysis.
When it comes to the pound-for-pound discussion, Bradley considers Oleksandr Usyk, Terence Crawford, and Naoya Inoue as the top contenders. These three fighters share the distinction of being undisputed champions in two weight classes during the four-belt era.
Bradley ranks Usyk as the number one pound-for-pound boxer, citing his success at cruiserweight and heavyweight. However, he believes Crawford is the most skilled. In an interview with KO Artist Sports, Bradley explained his ranking:
"I got Usyk number one, and that's only fair from my assessment. What Usyk was able to do… I mean if Crawford becomes undisputed at 154 then he's gonna be in the number one spot for sure. To me, Crawford is the best fighter in the world skill-wise."
Crawford's achievements are impressive. He's a four-weight world champion, undisputed at welterweight, and undefeated in 41 fights with 31 knockouts. His recent statement victory over Errol Spence Jr. to become undisputed at welterweight further cemented his status.
Bradley's praise for Crawford is effusive. In an interview with Fight Hub TV, he said:
"I think that his skill level is up there with the greatest. I don't think we've ever seen anything like Terence Crawford. I do study history. I never seen anybody that has everything. Good speed, power, timing, can switch the way he switches. The meanness that he has, the way he finishes guys, the way he breaks down guys. He's one of the smartest guys that I've ever seen in the ring, right up there with Floyd Mayweather."
Bradley compares Crawford's ring intelligence to that of Floyd Mayweather, high praise indeed from a fellow Hall of Famer.
There's speculation that Crawford may have fought for the last time if he can't secure a fight with Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez. Whatever happens, it's clear that in Tim Bradley's eyes, Crawford's skills put him at the very top of boxing's elite.
