Oscar De La Hoya, a former six-weight world champion and prominent boxing figure, thinks an active world champion could become the greatest fighter of all time.
De La Hoya's career in the ring was remarkable. He won 31 fights before his first defeat and beat legends like Pernell Whitaker, Julio Cesar Chavez, and Ike Quartey. He retired after losing to Manny Pacquiao and now focuses on his promotional business.
In a recent interview with Brian Mazique, De La Hoya made a bold claim about Terence Crawford's potential legacy.
"If Crawford can do it, Jesus Lord, I mean give this man the title of being the greatest ever. If he pulls it off he'll be the messiah of fighters."
De La Hoya refers to Crawford's upcoming fight against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in September. Crawford will move up from 154lbs to 168lbs, aiming to become a three-weight undisputed world champion.
The fight in Las Vegas will be Crawford's toughest test. He'll face Canelo, a Mexican boxing icon who's undefeated at super middleweight. Canelo's only losses came against Floyd Mayweather years ago and Dmitry Bivol at 175lbs.
De La Hoya promoted Canelo for much of his career and knows his capabilities well. He expressed doubts about Crawford's chances:
"But I just don't see it. Canelo is a big puncher. The pressure of the heavier guy... Canelo will be 200 pounds in the ring."
De La Hoya's statement carries weight. He previously named Sugar Ray Robinson as the best in the sport. Now, he suggests Crawford could surpass that legacy by beating Canelo. This claim highlights the significance of the upcoming fight and Crawford's potential place in boxing history.
