Oleksandr Usyk says he thinks Terence Crawford is the best fighter in the world, not himself. Usyk doesn’t give a reason to back up his choice of Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs), because his resume is thin, lacking victories over quality elite fighters.

Fans view the unified heavyweight champion Usyk as the best fighter on the planet, given his two victories over Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. He also has a win over Daniel Dubois. Usyk did all this despite being smaller and lighter than them.

Usyk: Crawford is Boxing’s Best

“I think it’s Terence Crawford. No, I’m not the best fighter in the world. It’s Terence Crawford,” said Oleksandr Usyk to Carl Froch’s YouTube channel.

Without the resume to back it, it’s impossible to rate Crawford as the best fighter in boxing. He’s an example of the growing trend of fighters who create glittering records without facing any high-level competition. It’s all about building a record to get a big payday.

Crawford’s Praise vs. Weak Record

For the praise Bud gets from fans and the media, it’s surprising that his weak record isn’t mentioned. If you’re saying someone is the best, you want to back up your claims by showing who they beat to prove it. If you can’t back it up with names, then you’re making a superficial eye-test judgment.

You have to look at Terence as a guy who stunted his own career by not fighting often, choosing to fight lesser opposition, and waiting too long before putting his unbeaten record at risk by moving up in weight.

Top Crawford Wins questioned 

1. Israil Madrimov
2. Yuriorkis Gamboa
3. Errol Spence Jr.
4. Viktor Postol
5. Shawn Porter
6. Kell Brook
7. Ricky Burns
8. Jeff Horn
9. Julius Indongo
10. Jose Benavidez Jr.

I don’t see that group as being near good enough to say that Crawford is the best fighter in the world. The best fighter of that bunch is Madrimov, and he arguably beat Crawford but was robbed last August. If we’re just going by the eye test, Madrimov is the best fighter because he got the better of Crawford.

My personal best is Andy Cruz. I see him as far better than Crawford, and other fighters that are hyped by the fans and media.