What's Happening?
Vergil Ortiz Jr has made headlines by naming Terence Crawford as the greatest of all time (GOAT) in boxing, surpassing legends like Floyd Mayweather and Sugar Ray Robinson. Ortiz Jr was asked to rank a list
of fighters, including Crawford, Mayweather, Robinson, and others, into categories of good, great, and GOAT. He placed Crawford alone in the GOAT category, while ranking Mayweather, Robinson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya, and Pernell Whitaker as greats. Ortiz Jr himself, along with Jaron 'Boots' Ennis and Brian Norman Jr, were categorized as good. Crawford's recent achievements, including moving up two weight classes to become the undisputed super middleweight champion by defeating Canelo Alvarez, have solidified his status in Ortiz Jr's view. Crawford holds a 42-0-0 record with 31 knockout wins, making him a formidable figure in boxing history.
Why It's Important?
Ortiz Jr's ranking of Crawford as the GOAT highlights the shifting perspectives in the boxing community regarding the greatest fighters of all time. Crawford's accomplishments, particularly his victory over Canelo Alvarez, have sparked discussions about his place among boxing legends. This recognition could influence public perception and future matchups, as Crawford's status as a top fighter is reinforced. The ranking also reflects the evolving criteria for greatness in boxing, where recent achievements and undefeated records play a significant role. Ortiz Jr's opinion may impact how fans and analysts view the legacy of current and past fighters, potentially affecting promotional strategies and the marketability of upcoming bouts.
What's Next?
Ortiz Jr is set to return to the ring against Erickson Lubin, aiming to extend his undefeated record of 23-0-0 with 21 knockouts. This fight could further establish Ortiz Jr's standing in the boxing world and potentially lead to future high-profile matchups. Meanwhile, Crawford's status as the GOAT could lead to increased interest in his future fights, with fans eager to see if he can maintain his undefeated streak and continue to dominate across multiple weight classes. The boxing community will be watching closely to see how these rankings influence the careers of both Ortiz Jr and Crawford, as well as the broader landscape of professional boxing.
Beyond the Headlines
Ortiz Jr's ranking decision may also reflect broader cultural shifts in how athletes are evaluated, with an emphasis on recent performance and versatility across weight classes. This could lead to a reevaluation of historical figures in sports, where past achievements are weighed against current capabilities. Additionally, the discussion around Crawford's victory over Canelo Alvarez, as noted by Joe Calzaghe, raises questions about the factors contributing to such wins, including the condition and strategy of opponents. These insights could influence training and preparation approaches for fighters aiming to achieve similar success.
