Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight champion and widely considered the sport’s preeminent fighter, has publicly declared fellow pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford as the ‘Greatest Of All Time’ (GOAT) among his rivals. Usyk, whose own decorated career has seen him conquer both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, offered high praise for the recently retired American boxer during an interview on ‘Ring Champs with Ak & Barak’.
This pronouncement from Usyk adds another layer to the ongoing “GOAT” debate in boxing, particularly as the Ukrainian prepares for what is anticipated to be his final professional bout. Crawford, who hung up his gloves in December 2025, amassed a pristine 42-0 record and secured undisputed championships in three different weight classes, achieving iconic wins against major names like Canelo Alvarez and Errol Spence.
What makes Oleksandr Usyk the GOAT?
Usyk’s admiration for Crawford isn’t new. He had previously identified Crawford as the “number one pound-for-pound fighter in the sport of boxing” and the “best fighter in the world” as early as December 19, 2024, during an appearance on Carl Froch’s YouTube channel. In that discussion, Usyk humbly stated, “No, I’m not the best fighter in the world. It’s Terence Crawford.”
The Ukrainian extended his commendation during the ‘Ring Champs with Ak & Barak’ interview, stating, “[Crawford is an] amazing fighter, amazing man, father and guy.” He recounted an interaction: “My fight, Terence come and I say ‘Hey, champ, hello!’, and I say, ‘You back boxing?’, and [he says], ‘What! No!’. He is the GOAT.”
This recent declaration cemented his view of Crawford as the ultimate competitor.
Usyk’s comments about Crawford come despite some critics questioning the American’s overall resume due to a perceived lack of victories over a wider pool of elite fighters. However, the mutual respect between Usyk and Crawford is well-documented, with both champions holding each other in high regard.
Terence Crawford’s unparalleled boxing career
Terence Crawford concluded his professional career last December with an immaculate 42-0 record, a rare feat in modern boxing. His journey saw him become a five-division world champion, cementing his status as one of the most versatile and dominant fighters of his era. Crucially, Crawford achieved the distinction of being a three-weight undisputed champion, unifying all major titles across three different divisions.
His impressive run included memorable victories that solidified his legacy. Crawford famously defeated rivals such as Canelo Alvarez and Errol Spence, showcasing his exceptional skill, adaptability, and power against top-tier opposition. These wins contributed significantly to his reputation as a truly special talent, capable of adjusting his style to overcome any challenge.
Crawford’s retirement marked the end of an era for many boxing enthusiasts, leaving a void at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings. His tactical brilliance and ability to switch stances seamlessly made him a nightmare for opponents, and his undefeated record stands as a testament to his consistent excellence throughout his career.
Usyk’s own legendary path and future
Oleksandr Usyk has built an undeniable legacy himself, establishing himself as the standout heavyweight of his generation. He initially rose to prominence in the cruiserweight division, where he became its first four-belt undisputed champion following a dominant victory over Murat Gassiev. This achievement alone would have secured his place in boxing history.
Despite doubts when he ascended to the heavyweight division, Usyk replicated his cruiserweight success. He became the heavyweight division’s first four-belt undisputed ruler, a feat achieved through a legendary run that preserved his undefeated record.
This included two decisive victories over former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and a momentous win against Tyson Fury, further cementing his elite status. Last year, Usyk secured his second undisputed heavyweight championship by knocking out Daniel Dubois for a second time.
However, Usyk, now 39, subsequently vacated all of his belts after his most recent performance, a challenging bout where he was pushed to his limits by kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven. The Ukrainian veteran is now expected to make one final appearance before retiring from the sport.
Sources indicate that this farewell fight could come against Deontay Wilder in New York in March, offering a high-profile send-off for one of boxing’s modern greats.
The “GOAT” vs. “Pound-for-Pound” distinction
Usyk’s recent statements highlight the nuanced nature of boxing’s “Greatest Of All Time” discussions. While he champions Terence Crawford as “The GOAT” among his contemporaries, Usyk maintains a separate, broader view for the sport’s all-time greatest.
On May 14, 2026, following an interview with Mail Online, Usyk reaffirmed his personal overall GOAT in boxing as Muhammad Ali, a view he also expressed in a YouTube short on December 12, 2024.
In the Mail Online interview, Usyk categorized fighters into four tiers: good, great, God, and GOAT. He specifically reserved the “GOAT” honor for Muhammad Ali and notably did not assign “God-status” to any fighter. This distinction is crucial; it suggests Usyk views Crawford as the pinnacle of modern, active competition, particularly in a pound-for-pound sense, while acknowledging Ali’s overarching historical impact and legendary status.
Usyk also shared his categorization for other prominent boxers. He placed Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, George Foreman, and Tyson Fury in the “Greats” category, recognizing their significant contributions and formidable careers. For fighters like Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua, he assigned the “Good” tier, indicating strong, but perhaps not all-time legendary, careers.
This provides a fascinating insight into the mind of a reigning champion and his perspective on his peers and predecessors.
The everlasting “GOAT” debate and Usyk’s influence
The debate over boxing’s “Greatest Of All Time” is a perennial one, fueling countless discussions among fans and pundits. Fighters, past and present, often weigh in, and their opinions carry significant weight due to their unique understanding of the sport’s demands. Usyk’s dual recognition of Crawford as a contemporary “GOAT” and Ali as the historical apex underscores the complexity and subjective nature of such labels.
His statements resonate deeply within the boxing community. Usyk, himself a two-time undisputed champion and a top pound-for-pound fighter, brings a rare authority to the discussion. His accolades and undefeated record lend credibility to his assessments, influencing how many fans perceive the legacies of other fighters. This type of endorsement from an active legend can elevate a retired fighter’s standing even further.
The ongoing discussion about who holds the ultimate GOAT title will likely continue indefinitely. However, Usyk’s clear distinction between current and historical greatness, exemplified by his praise for Terence Crawford and Muhammad Ali, offers a thoughtful contribution to the ultimate GOAT discussion.
It highlights that greatness can be measured in different ways, from dominating one’s era to leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s history.
Such pronouncements often spur renewed interest in the careers of the honored fighters, prompting new generations to discover their achievements. It also reinforces the camaraderie and mutual respect that can exist even among the fiercest competitors in a brutal sport.
As boxing continues to evolve, these debates ensure that the legacies of its greatest practitioners, like Crawford and Ali, remain central to its narrative, much like the discussion around a greatest career rival.
