Oscar De La Hoya believes one of boxing’s biggest stars is on the verge of being recognised as the the greatest fighter of all time.
‘The Golden Boy’ had an accomplished professional career of his own, winning world titles in six weight classes and racking up legacy defining victories over the likes of Pernell Whitaker, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr and Ike Quartey.
Since calling time on his career, De La Hoya has moved into the promotional side of the sport where he has worked with an abundance of great fighters under the ‘Golden Boy Promotions’ banner, which was established back in 2002.
One fighter that ‘The Golden Boy’ has not had the pleasure of promoting is Terence Crawford, who is 41-fights into an incredible professional career where he has won world titles in four divisions, including the undisputed championship at light-welterweight and welterweight.
In an interview with Brian Mazique, De La Hoya claimed ‘Bud’ Crawford could go down as being the greatest fighter in boxing history if he is victorious in his ‘mega-fight’ with Mexican icon Canelo Alvarez later this year.
“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 pound-for-pound stars will lock horns in Las Vegas on Saturday September 13, with Canelo putting his undisputed super-middleweight championship at stake once again.
