Oscar De La Hoya is one of the sport’s most significant stars of the last few decades, but he believes a current fighter is close to cementing a legacy that will stand above all others.
The six-weight world champion went 31 fights before tasting defeat, beating the likes of Pernell Whitaker, Julio Cesar Chavez and Ike Quartey.
Upon his retirement on a loss to Manny Pacquiao, ‘The Golden Boy’ focused on his promotional business and does to this day. Having been both inside and outside of the ropes, he is well-placed to spot greatness.
De La Hoya has previously stated that Sugar Ray Robinson is the best the sport has ever seen, however, in an interview with Brian Mazique, the fighter-turned-promoter said Terence Crawford has a foot in the door and will cement himself if he beats Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez in September.
“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.”
Crawford looks to become a three-weight undisputed world champion when he faces the Mexican icon – who De La Hoya promoted for much of his campaign – in Las Vegas. For the challenge, he is moving up two divisions from his last outing, 154lbs to 168.
Canelo is undefeated at super-middleweight having only lose to Floyd Mayweather years ago and Dmitry Bivol at 175. He undoubtedly presents the toughest fight of the American’s career. De La Hoya’s claim then, while many won’t agree, shows the magnitude of the task ahead.
