Oscar De La Hoya believes one current star is just a fight away from becoming the greatest of all time.
De La Hoya secured his place in the history books with championships in five divisions and wins over the likes of Julio Cesar Chavez, Ike Quartey, Pernell Whitaker and Fernando Vargas.
‘The Golden Boy’ was, at one stage, the biggest star in the sport, both skill-wise and in terms of his drawing power. As one of boxing’s most prominent promoters, he is well-placed to identify who will be joining him in the Hall of Fame.
Enter Terence Crawford, who if all goes to plan will next step into the ring to challenge Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. The switch-hitting 37-year-old has already been champion in four weight classes and will be moving up a further two divisions from his last outing to challenge the elite Mexican.
Speaking to Brian Mazique, De La Hoya said that if ‘Bud’ can beat Canelo – a result he is not predicting – that he should be considered the best 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.”
Though Crawford is biding his time, Canelo returns to the ring next month to face William Scull in the hopes of becoming a two-time undisputed super-middleweight world champion.
