On X, Kellerman informed Ring that Crawford stands among those pugilists from his generation whom admirers will adamantly declare were unassailable. Over forty bouts. Across five weight classes. Rarely did an opponent rattle him nearing the final rounds. This is the core claim.
This narrative seems neat. Yet, boxing seldom follows such a clean script.
The issue isn’t Crawford’s talent itself; rather, it lies in the omissions surrounding his career. He bypassed a significant number of formidable contenders for the assertion that “no one could ever defeat him” to withstand scrutiny. Outperforming the adversaries you face only reveals a fraction of the narrative when the roster of opponents is handpicked.
Numerous individuals featured on Crawford’s record were either past their prime, never truly top-tier from the outset, or encountered him at an inopportune moment. This doesn’t invalidate his victories, but it certainly restricts the inferences one can reasonably derive from them.
Kellerman posits that one never found themselves in the eleventh round pondering whether Crawford was on the verge of defeat. This holds largely true. Largely.
The Madrimov Encounter That Persists
Israil Madrimov represents the bout that consistently shatters the illusion.
During 2024, Madrimov didn’t merely compete with Crawford; he challenged him forcefully. He inflicted damage at various points. He secured rounds unequivocally. The close scoring reflected a genuine contest: two judges scored it 115–113, and one 116–112. This outcome hardly signifies superiority.
Many observers believed Madrimov narrowly won. Madrimov himself was convinced of it. Furthermore, it wasn’t a disputed result that has since been forgotten. It lingers, an uncomfortable and unsettled point, whenever the term “invincible” is applied.
Had Crawford genuinely been unassailable, that particular match would not have unfolded in such a manner. It’s that straightforward.
Canelo Displayed Competitiveness
Next, we consider Canelo Alvarez.
Crawford emerged victorious, which is acknowledged. However, anyone asserting that contest was entirely one-sided is fabricating the history. Entering the championship rounds, it was fiercely contested, incredibly close. Crawford concluded with significant momentum, a crucial factor.
Of additional significance was Canelo’s impaired condition. He competed with an injured left elbow, utilizing it minimally. The majority of his offensive force originated from his right side, as his left was essentially incapacitated. He underwent surgery merely a month thereafter. This is not subjective belief; it is verifiable fact.
A debilitated Canelo, aged 35, does not represent a definitive peak challenge. While overcoming him remains an accomplishment, to declare it evidence that no one could ever overcome Crawford is an exaggeration.
This discussion is not intended to disparage Crawford. He is undeniably an all-time legend. His array of talents was precise, versatile, and methodical. He seldom appeared perplexed. Opponents legitimately held him in awe.
However, the annals of boxing history are not solely constructed from sentiments and recollections. They are shaped by specific encounters, situational timing, and the adversaries one avoided just as much as those one confronted.
Kellerman correctly identifies how admirers recall Crawford. He errs, however, if that collective memory is considered definitive proof.
Exceptional pugilists are still susceptible to defeat. Occasionally, they may have already experienced it, yet the judges’ scorecards simply failed to declare it explicitly.
