Two-weight world champion Tim Bradley knows a good fighter when he sees one.
Having only lost to Manny Pacquiao in his campaign – two defeats to cap off their trilogy following his initial win – the California native was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of the 2023 class.
Since hanging up the gloves in 2016, Bradley has moved to the analysis of the sport and, like all fans, has an impassioned view on who deserves the tag of pound-for-pound number one.
The largely accepted three fighters at the top are the only men to have been undisputed in two weight classes during the four-belt era – Oleksandr Usyk, Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue.
Speaking to KO Artist Sports, Bradley said he gives Usyk top spot due to his success at cruiserweight followed by heavyweight, but believes Crawford to be the most skilled.
“I got Usyk number one, and that’s only fair from my assessment. What Usyk was able to do… I mean if Crawford becomes undisputed at 154 then he’s gonna be in the number one spot for sure. To me, Crawford is the best fighter in the world skill-wise.”
‘Bud’ Crawford is a four-weight world champion having most recently moved up to super-welterweight. He boosted himself up the pound-for-pound list last year after becoming undisputed at welterweight with a statement victory over Errol Spence Jr. The switch-hitter from Omaha is yet to be bested in 41 fights and 31 opponents have been knocked out trying.
In a separate interview with Fight Hub TV, Bradley praised his skills in further detail.
“I think that his skill level is up there with the greatest. I don’t think we’ve ever seen anything like Terence Crawford. I do study history. I never seen anybody that has everything. Good speed, power, timing, can switch the way he switches. The meanness that he has, the way he finishes guys, the way he breaks down guys. He’s one of the smartest guys that I’ve ever seen in the ring, right up there with Floyd Mayweather.”
