Terence Crawford: The Most Complete Boxer of Our Era?
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Is Terence Crawford the most complete boxer?
In his last fight, just a few weeks ago, Terence Crawford delivered one of the most dominant and complete performances at the elite level of boxing. This display, against an all-time P4P great in Canelo Alvarez, served as a powerful demonstration of why Crawford can be considered the most complete boxer today.
This performance did more than add to his accolades; it reinforced Crawford's standing not just as a P4P great, but as the most complete boxer of this era, and potentially of all time.
Throughout his career, Crawford displayed an elite skill set and the highest level of IQ. But so have many fighters, so what separates him? Well, Crawford is a switch-hitter, which means he has the ability to fight out of both stances without an issue. Anyone who has boxed will tell you how difficult this is. In his last fight against Canelo, he fought the entire fight as a southpaw (right arm and leg in front). I was under the impression that this approach may favour Canelo as it gives him the opportunity to land the right hand and his left hook, arguably his best punches. However, Crawford used this to nullify Canelo’s Jab whilst still landing his own, having the longer reach, switching from a long guard to a tight guard when Canelo attempted to close the distance. Against Shawn Porter, he changed his stance from orthodox to southpaw, eventually knocking Porter down twice before Shawn’s father and corner man threw in the towel.
More than that, and what I believe to be the true mark of an elite-level boxer ( in fact, any combat athlete) is the ability to adapt and overcome adversity. I would like to preface by saying that I may be doing Terence Crawford a disfavour by trying to put into words his skills, so I do wish you will excuse me. Time and again, Crawford has shown the true mark of greatness by adapting to the task before him. Many people speak of styles and boxing, but the best style is to adapt. One can adapt to the style of the fighter before him through a rigorous game plan and strategy, which was demonstrated perfectly in Crawford’s last fight against Canelo. Canelo, historically, had struggled with movers; Lara, Bivol, Mayweather, and William Scull (although one could give Canelo a pass for that and say that William Scull refused to engage). Keeping that in mind, with the fact that Crawford will be fighting at the 168-pound division for the first time, impelled him to remain light in his fight, stay away from the ropes (as generally predicted) but also to gain Canelo’s respect by landing his heavy shots and showing his strength as in the clinch. But what’s more impressive, and in my opinion, what separates the good from the greats are the fighters who are able to make adjustments during the fight. Those who have the ability to discern what’s working and what’s not and use it to their advantage. A great example of this is
Crawford's victory against Shawn Porter.
Shawn Porter’s relentless pressure is a challenge for any opponent, but Crawford’s ability to shift strategies mid-fight—switching stances and accelerating the pace after corner advice—demonstrates his completeness. His execution, including the timely uppercut and follow-up knockdown, showcases a boxer with not only skills but the presence of mind to control the fight's narrative.
“Be patient...the most effective combinations are the ones that land at the spot you need them to. I’m more of a pinpoint guy instead of throwing unnecessary punches, I wanna hit you in the right spots.” Terrence Crawford interview with Hitfit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLSuotjfRr0
Similarly, agaisnt Errol Spence, a fight all boxing fans thought will be extremely close was anything but. Another dominant world-class performance against a world-class fighter. The use of that jab was incredible, extremely sharp without any telegraphing. Composed under the pressure Spence tried to put on him. So sharp and electric.
Crawford is a fighter in whom you quickly realize has an unlimited skill set and knowledge, which overwhelms and disables his opponents.