Terence Crawford’s Canelo Snub Sparks Debate Over Boxing Legends

Terence Crawford’s Canelo Snub Sparks Debate Over Boxing Legends originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Crawford’s latest comment sparks a heated debate ahead of the September 13 clash

As the highly anticipated superfight between Terence Crawford and Canelo Álvarez draws closer, the hype surrounding their September 13 showdown at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas continues to build. Both men have ruled boxing for over a decade, with multiple world titles and dominant performances. But this time, it’s Crawford taking the major risk—jumping up two weight classes to challenge a naturally bigger and equally elite Álvarez. And now, some unexpected comments may have added fuel to the fire.

In the lead-up to the event, both fighters have been making the media rounds. During an interview with Ring Magazine, Crawford was asked a pointed question: could he name a fighter he believes is better than Canelo Álvarez? As the interviewer rattled off names like Carl Froch, Chris Eubank Jr., Félix Trinidad, Bernard Hopkins, Artur Beterbiev, and Manny Pacquiao, Crawford remained quiet—until three names caught his attention.

When Floyd Mayweather and Dmitry Bivol were mentioned—two men who’ve beaten Álvarez—Crawford acknowledged their superiority. But it was the name Oscar De La Hoya that truly raised eyebrows. Crawford didn’t hesitate: ‘Oscar’s better than Canelo.’
That comment lands squarely in the middle of an ongoing feud between Álvarez and De La Hoya.

Terence Crawford could only speak when he heard a fighter who he thinks is better than Canelo Alvarez 👀 #CaneloCrawford live on Netflix l Sept 13th in Las Vegas 🥊 https://t.co/z276Bc1LtBpic.twitter.com/2d1AsysXqY

— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) July 27, 2025

The two have publicly clashed since Álvarez parted ways with Golden Boy Promotions in 2020, with Canelo calling De La Hoya ‘disloyal’ and De La Hoya questioning Canelo’s opponents and career decisions.

Naturally, fans had plenty to say. Some took Crawford’s side—‘Oscar and Floyd are better. Manny and Bernard are on the same level. The rest are clearly worse or haven’t done enough.’ Others weren’t having it: ‘Oscar is NOT better than Canelo’ and ‘Bum Crawford is delusional.’

Regardless of opinion, all fighters mentioned—past and present—have earned their place in the sport’s legacy conversations. But the irony is clear: the winner of the September 13 clash will have an even stronger case for all-time greatness.

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 29, 2025, where it first appeared.