Amir Khan believes Terence Crawford, not Canelo Alvarez, is the best boxer in the world: “I feel like Crawford is the only one”

By: Hans Themistode

There is a never-ending debate around the names that occupy the top of most lists. In most cases, both Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford continue to race for the title of best boxer in the world.

While the discussion is ongoing, Amir Khan believes his conjecture on the subject is not up for debate.

“I actually think Crawford is the better fighter in a recent interview with FightHype.com,” said Khan.

With both Crawford and Alvarez competing about three to four weight classes apart, it is rare for anyone to go head-to-head with both fighters. However, in Khan’s case, he has achieved that rarely.

In May 2015, after reeling from three straight wins in the welterweight division, Khan ventured forward to challenge Alvarez for the WBC middleweight crown in the lucrative 155-pound weight division. Despite his early success, Alvarez had a forehand serve midway through the sixth round, immobilizing Khan shortly after.

Four years later, Khan found himself facing Crawford as he challenged the welterweight star for his WBO title. Before being brutally stopped in the sixth round, Khan was also boxed very thoroughly.

As Khan continues to think back to the time he shared in the ring with both men, it can be seen with the former 140-pounder that Crawford is simply a better and more all-round fighter.

“I think Crawford, in my opinion, is the better fighter, the better fighter. Also, he’s someone who can make you miss and it can get you kicked out of your game plan. When I played against Crawford, I couldn’t settle because he had some great movements. When I played against Canelo, I had some good combinations where I hit him. With Crawford, I really couldn’t let go. Obviously Canelo is a very strong, powerful boxer. But when it comes to the victory you fight for is timing and technique. I think Crawford has those things, has good power but not as much power as Canelo.”

Crawford, 34, has continued to pass her competition. On his most recent trip to the ring, the three-division player scored the most important victory of his career, a tenth round victory over two-time weight champion, Shawn Porter.

Meanwhile, Alvarez did not sit still. The Mexican star has only cemented his weight position since taking on Khan, winning the world championships at both 168 and 175 pounds. Most recently, Alvarez has carved his name into boxing chronicles. The 31-year-old registered an explosive 11-round knockout victory over Caleb Plant in November 2021. In the process, Alvarez claimed Plant’s super-middleweight IBF crown, making him the became the first boxer in history to hold all four 168-pound world titles at the same time.

When neither Crawford nor Alvarez slowed down, Khan took his hat off to both of them. Although it is difficult to put them together, the former Olympic silver medalist simply believes that Crawford has the upper hand.

“Overall, both fighters are great and do great in the sport of boxing but I just feel like Crawford is one of them.”