Terence Crawford has named his favourite fighter of all time, firmly believing that the pound-for-pound legend could not be beaten in his prime.
When analysing the multi-faceted style of ‘Bud’, it is clear that not one fighter, alone, is responsible for inspiring his dynamic approach in the ring.
Rather, it is both Roy Jones Jr and Floyd Mayweather, Crawford says, that heavily influenced his love for boxing when he was younger.
In the case of former multi-weight world champion Jones, perhaps it was the American’s high-risk strategy that really struck a chord with Crawford.
So confident in his speed and athleticism, was Jones, that, even when he appeared to be in a vulnerable position, the explosive technician just always seemed to find a way out of trouble.
Not only that, but his razor-sharp reflexes allowed him to fire attacks from angles which, more often than not, would only enhance the devastating impact of his fists.
The same, albeit to a lesser degree, could be said for Crawford, whose elite footwork allows him to create angles that most other fighters would struggle to discover.
At the same time, though, the more measured side to his style could perhaps be explained by the influence of Mayweather, whose defensive capabilities are studied and revered in gyms across the world.
In that sense, it is almost as if ‘Bud’ has merged the styles of his two boxing heroes, giving himself the best possible offensive and defensive skills.
But still, while speaking with Piers Morgan, Crawford insists that a prime Jones will always be his all-time favourite fighter.
“My boxing hero? Roy Jones Jr.
“He was unbeatable in his prime. Outside the ring, he loved to fish, he loved to play basketball – everything about Roy Jones Jr, I idolised.
“And then, when Floyd Mayweather came on the scene, as a young kid I used to run to the house and watch [Jones] and Floyd.
“But, for me, Roy Jones Jr will always be my favourite fighter of all time.”
