Terence Crawford’s retirement at the end of 2025 cemented a legacy many regard as the standard of his generation. An unbeaten 42-0 record, titles in five weight classes and undisputed status in three divisions have led many to label him the defining fighter of the era.
But WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez sees it differently.
Speaking to Fight Hype, Benavidez made it clear that, in his view, one man stands above Crawford. “I think Usyk number one without a doubt,” Benavidez said. “I don’t think nobody even comes close to Usyk because of the amount of big fights he’s taken back to back to back. Even at cruiserweight he was fighting the best fighters. Then he went to the heavyweight division and nobody really gave him that much of a chance and he went and took everybody out.”
Oleksandr Usyk is one of only two fighters to become undisputed at both cruiserweight and heavyweight, achieving the feat twice in boxing’s marquee division with wins over Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois. While Crawford’s résumé is historic, Benavidez believes Usyk’s willingness to consistently face elite opposition separates him from the pack.
Usyk is expected back in action in the coming months, with a bout against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven reportedly in play after a clash with Deontay Wilder failed to materialize. Meanwhile, Benavidez will seek to make his own history in May, moving up to cruiserweight to challenge WBA and WBO champion Gilberto Ramirez in Las Vegas as he aims to become a three-weight world champion.
Image Credit: PBC