‘I love this guy, I love his mind’: Sergey Kovalev names boxing’s number 1 fighter

Terence Crawford has only fought once a year, since his ninth-round TKO victory against Egidijus Kavaliauskas. However, this has not stopped him from becoming undisputed in three weight classes (super lightweight, welterweight, and super middleweight). 

Many people have crowned the Omaha native their P4P number one. Former light-heavyweight world champion Sergey Kovalev recently spoke to Fight Hub TV and was asked to name the number one fighter in boxing.

Terence Crawford still on top despite WBC issues

The WBC recently announced at their convention in Thailand, via a statement, that they had decided to strip Crawford of his WBC title, ending his brief reign as the undisputed champion.

A statement from the WBC read:

“The WBC sent multiple communications to Champion Crawford, his manager, and his legal counsel. Very unfortunately, the WBC did not receive an acknowledgment of receipt nor any response to any of those communications.” 

“The WBC had no choice but to act, considering Champion Crawford had received ample notification and multiple opportunities to address and resolve the situation.”

Terence Crawford’s response to the WBC has the whole of the boxing world debating sanctioning fees, with many supporting the Omaha fighter and many criticizing him.

In addition to stripping Crawford of the WBC belt he won against Canelo, they also claimed the Omaha native failed to pay a previous fee for his fight against Israil Madrimov in August 2024.

Sergey Kovalev crowns boxing’s number one

Despite losing his undisputed status following the decision of the WBC, Crawford’s legacy remains unmoved. His intelligent performance against Canelo backed up his tough win against Israil Madrimov and his brutal beatdown of Errol Spence Jr.

His ring IQ, switch-hitting ability, and precise counter-punching has seen him rarely not in control in any fight during his career, and when asked for his opinion on the best fighter in the world, Kovalev said:

“Crawford, for me. I love this guy, I love his mind, his style, yeah, Crawford.

“Crawford for me,” said Kovalev.

It’s difficult to disagree with Kovalev; Terence Crawford is an exceptional fighter, and personally, it’s very hard to split him and Oleksandr Usyk.

Who is boxing’s number one?