Terence Crawford’s Canelo Snub Sparks Debate Over Boxing Legends

In the lead-up to the event, both fighters have been making the media rounds. During an interview with Ring Magazine , Crawford was asked a pointed question: could he name a fighter he believes is better than Canelo Álvarez? As the interviewer rattled off names like Carl Froch, Chris Eubank Jr., Félix Trinidad, Bernard Hopkins, Artur Beterbiev, and Manny Pacquiao, Crawford remained quiet—until three names caught his attention.

When Floyd Mayweather and Dmitry Bivol were mentioned—two men who’ve beaten Álvarez—Crawford acknowledged their superiority. But it was the name Oscar De La Hoya that truly raised eyebrows. Crawford didn’t hesitate: ‘Oscar’s better than Canelo.’
That comment lands squarely in the middle of an ongoing feud between Álvarez and De La Hoya.

The two have publicly clashed since Álvarez parted ways with Golden Boy Promotions in 2020, with Canelo calling De La Hoya ‘disloyal’ and De La Hoya questioning Canelo’s opponents and career decisions.

Naturally, fans had plenty to say. Some took Crawford’s side—‘Oscar and Floyd are better. Manny and Bernard are on the same level. The rest are clearly worse or haven’t done enough.’ Others weren’t having it: ‘Oscar is NOT better than Canelo’ and ‘Bum Crawford is delusional.’

Regardless of opinion, all fighters mentioned—past and present—have earned their place in the sport’s legacy conversations. But the irony is clear: the winner of the September 13 clash will have an even stronger case for all-time greatness.