Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson are often mentioned when fans discuss the greatest boxer of all time.
Ali is arguably the biggest name in the history of the sport, with the boxing legend becoming world heavyweight champion on multiple occasions and claiming iconic victories over fellow greats such as George Foreman and Joe Frazier.
Robinson’s accomplishments are just as impressive, finishing with a record of 174 wins, 19 defeats, 6 draws and 2 no contests. He held world honours at welterweight and middleweight, and at one stage when on a 91-fight unbeaten streak.
Oscar De La Hoya is another legend of the sport, becoming a six-weight world champion before retiring and becoming a successful promoter, having promoted events involving the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez.
Canelo has a big fight coming up himself, as he prepares to defend his undisputed super-middleweight crown against Terence Crawford at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas next Saturday.
A victory for Crawford would see him become the first male fighter in boxing history to become undisputed in three divisions, and De La Hoya told Brian Mazique that if ‘Bud’ can indeed claim the win, it could see him rank above Ali and Robinson as the greatest of all time.
“If Crawford can do it, Jesus Lord, I mean give this man the title of being the greatest ever.”
“But I just don’t see it. Canelo is a big puncher. Yeah, he walks on quicksand and that’s one thing that Crawford can use against him, but the pressure of the heavier guy..
Canelo will be 200 pounds in that ring. It’s a tough fight but, look, I give all the credit to Crawford. If he pulls it off he’ll be the messiah of fighters.”
The debate over the greatest of all time will always be a fierce one in boxing, but De La Hoya, Crawford and even Ali have all named the same man in the past as the one who as of now is the best ever.
