Mike Tyson outlines the key reason why Terence Crawford trumps Canelo Álvarez

Boxing icon Mike Tyson has made his feelings clear about who reigns supreme in the sport today. The former heavyweight champion dismissed Canelo Álvarez’s status as the world’s top fighter and instead crowned American star Terence Crawford as the best pound-for-pound boxer on the planet.

Tyson backs Crawford over Canelo

For years, Mexican champion Álvarez was widely regarded as boxing’s pound-for-pound king. But his recent loss to Terence Crawford has shifted the narrative. In Tyson’s eyes, Crawford isn’t just the best at super middleweight (168 pounds); he’s the best in every division.

Speaking to Hard Rock Bet, Tyson was asked who he believes deserves the top spot in boxing today. While acknowledging Oleksandr Usyk’s accomplishments, Tyson said Crawford stands alone for one key reason.

The reason Crawford is “the best of his generation”

“Terence Crawford drew 40 million people,” Tyson said. “How many did Usyk draw? Crawford is the best boxer of his generation. You know who the best fighter is? The best isn’t the one with the most skill. It’s the one who puts the most asses in seats. That’s the best boxer.”

Tyson hopes for Canelo vs. Crawford rematch

Tyson also praised the Canelo vs. Crawford bout as one of the best fights of the year and said he’s eager to see a rematch in 2026.

“That’s not a bad idea. Yeah, I’d go with that rematch,” he said. “I picked Canelo last time, but this time I’ve got to go with Crawford.”

The former heavyweight champ’s endorsement adds even more fuel to the ongoing debate about who truly deserves to be called the best in boxing today.

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