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The Hall of Fame champion says he would be the one to beat Terence Crawford

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Hall of Fame champion says he would have been the man to beat Terence Crawford

The pound-for-pound icon turned down Terence Crawford in a fantastic 168-pound bout, firmly believing that his speed would prove too much for the naturally smaller man.

Crawford made a monumental statement by moving up to super middleweight and toppled Canelo Alvarez to become the undisputed three-division champion.

This remarkable feat took place in September when “Bud” delivered a career-defining performance to decisively overtake Canelo and capture his four major belts.

But while his performance was truly impressive, there’s no denying that the 38-year-old’s frame has always been better suited to the lower weight classes.

For example, the 147-pound Crawford finished in the distance in each of his appearances before finally dethroning Errol Spence Jr. a decisive ninth-round stoppage victory in 2023.

With the Omaha fighter winning world titles at 135 pounds, 140 pounds and 154 pounds, many suspected that his assignment against Canelo would simply be a step too far.

But that night, Crawford used virtually every weapon in his arsenal to prove that size is only half the battle in fights like this.

Nevertheless, former multi-weight world champion Roy Jones Jr remains confident he could beat “Bud” at 168 pounds.

Not only would Jones boast about his glaring size advantage, but he also believes his speed was perhaps beyond what Crawford had ever experienced before.

That, combined with his largely enigmatic style, led Jones to tell Boxing News that unlike Canelo, he would ultimately be a step too far for the five-division world champion.

“I like Terence – Terence is a very good player – but he grew up on Roy Jones. It’s tough to say that these guys [would have] Roy Jones shouted as they keep asking Roy Jones questions about how he did it.

“It’s tough to beat Roy Jones if you don’t fully understand him. It would be an intriguing fight [with Crawford] because he has heart and confidence and is a very demanding guy – that’s why I knew he would beat Canelo because he can rise to the challenge.

“But I was a different guy. I was a lot faster than 99 percent of the people I fought.”

Crawford’s next move is currently unknown, but it seems likely that he will drop down to middleweight in search of world trophies in another division.

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Ryan Garcia signals doubts about Benn’s fight, calling Rolly to reserve

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Image: Ryan Garcia Won’t Accept Terms For Stevenson Fight

In recent comments, Garcia said that Benn is the fight he wants. At the same time, he openly announced the emergency plan.

“If Conor doesn’t want it, we’ll go back to it with Rolly,” Ryan Garcia told Ring Magazine, referring to Rolando Romero.

That alone was revealing. Players who believe that an agreement is imminent tend to limit their message. When alternative opponents are publicly mentioned, it often means that there are still obstacles related to money, timing, broadcasters or promotional control.

Then another wrinkle appeared when Óscar De La Hoya publicly supported a completely different fight.

“I’m most interested in a rematch with Devin Haney,” De La Hoya said, adding that it could be massive enough to accommodate Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Now Garcia’s public trail includes three separate names: Benn, Romero and Devin Haney. Rarely does a finalized fight sound like this.

Benn’s matchup still makes sense on paper. Benn has become one of the more recognizable names in the UK and has now added to his profile after signing with Zuffa Boxing. Garcia remains one of boxing’s biggest social media attractions and continues to attract attention regardless of the results.

Put these names together and you have clear commercial value.

But picking a fight and liking the fight are two different things. Garcia has ties to the Golden Boy. Benn’s modern setting creates fresh business layers. Place also matters. An event in the US, an event in the UK, or support from Saudi Arabia would change the economy.

This helps explain why backup options are already provided.

A rematch with Haney also remains valuable as unfinished business continues to sell. Their first meeting generated headlines, controversy and debate. Whether fans loved the event or not, they remember it. In state-of-the-art boxing, remembered fights are often easier to sell than fresh ones.

Meanwhile, Romero proposes the simplest, practical way. It is known, accessible and connected to Garcia’s recent history.

Ryan may really prefer Benn, but preference doesn’t always dictate the schedule. This is usually what promoters, networks and time do.

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Ryan Garcia and Oscar De La Hoya disagree on who he should fight next

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Ryan Garcia and Oscar De La Hoya disagree on who he should fight next

Ryan Garcia and Oscar De La Hoya have offered conflicting perspectives on a potential rematch with Devin Haney, while rumors of a Conor Benn fight become more likely.

Garcia won the welterweight world title in February, dethroning Mario Barrios by unanimous decision following a first-round knockout.

Since then, his name has been most closely linked to Benn, the WBC No. 1 contender at 147 pounds, whose last fight was at 150 pounds against Regis Prograis.

In a recent interview with Fighting Hub TVGarcia confirmed that this is the fight he wants.

“Devin Haney never wanted this. He doesn’t want a rematch at all… [I’m going to return in] August. Can’t wait. I just want Conor [Benn]”

Unlike Garcia, said Golden Boy promoter De La Hoya Fight the noise that he “would like” to make a rematch with Haney a priority.

“I’m most interested in the rematch with Devin Haney. It could be a blockbuster event.

“I would love for this fight to take place in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium – it could be such a substantial fight.

“I believe this fight is the best fight that can be had right now.”

Garcia reached a majority decision against Haney in April 2024, but the result was declared a no contest after he tested positive twice for the banned substance Ostarine. It remains one of the most intriguing fights in boxing, especially considering the doubts surrounding the first result and the fact that it is currently a unification fight in the welterweight ranks.

But it appears Benn will take his shot despite recently signing a contract with Zuffa Boxing, the latest major promotion of the sport whose frontman Dana White has no interest in working with the four customary sanctioning bodies.

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Tim Bradley wonders if Inoue is tired of fighting

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Image: Tim Bradley Wonders if Inoue Is Becoming Battle-Worn

Tim Bradley raised modern questions about Naoya Inoue ahead of a possible fight with Junto Nakatani, saying the undisputed champion has been hit too tough recently and could be he’s starting to get tired of fighting.

“I was hesitant on what to choose,” Bradley said on his channel while talking about Saturday’s Inoue vs. Nakatani fight. “I don’t know who I’m going to favor yet. I’ll let you know later, man. I don’t know. I really don’t know.”

Bradley explained that Nakatani’s length, timing and counters give him the tools to give Inoue more trouble than recent opponents. “Nakatani got a chance to bat,” Bradley said. “In any case, she needs to close the distance from him. The question is, will she do it safely?”


He also pointed out a recurring error in Inoue’s style, noting moments where the undisputed champion can be caught stepping in.

“He’s defenseless. He’s getting hit. That’s what it is,” Bradley said. “Like Nakatani.”

Bradley praised the way Nakatani uses his range and setup play, saying it all starts with his lead hand.

“It all depends on the leading hand and whether he can get his opponent into the action,” Bradley said. “He wants you to reach so he can teach.”

Still, Bradley sees Inoue as a more adaptable player and therefore can’t fully engage in an upset conversation.

“You can never predict. You look at Inoue’s fights and you see this guy doesn’t fight the same,” Bradley said. “He always adapts his game to the style he is dealing with.”

Bradley also questioned whether years of activity could compensate Inoue after his recent struggles.

“He was hit too tough,” Bradley said. “I wonder if he’s getting tired of fighting?”

Even with these concerns, Bradley expects both men to be in top shape should the fight happen.

“It’s going to be a hell of a fight, man,” Bradley said. “These guys are going to beat the living [expletive] from each other.”

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Categories Naoya Inoue

Last updated: 26/04/2026 at 17:17

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