Shakur Stevenson has been weighing up a theoretical prime-for-prime match-up between Terence Crawford and Floyd Mayweather.
Comparisons have often been drawn between the two boxing greats, noting that both retired as undefeated five-division world champions.
Contrasting Styles and Potential Weaknesses
Stevenson considered that their skills, while comparable, might be more effective against different styles of opponents. Some observers have noted that Mayweather sometimes struggled against southpaws early in his career.
Crawford, who can switch stances, might have presented significant problems for Mayweather. However, Crawford has also shown vulnerabilities, notably in fights against Yuriorkis Gamboa and Egidijus Kavaliauskas.
Despite winning both fights by stoppage, Crawford had to overcome Gamboa’s slick style. He also had to recover from what was ruled a no-knockdown against Kavaliauskas.
Stevenson’s Verdict: A 50/50 Fight
Based on those performances, and Mayweather’s past difficulties with southpaws, Stevenson told The Agnew Podcast that it is almost impossible to pick a winner at welterweight.
“It’s just hard to say. With both of them guys, they different. I think Floyd, early on in his career, he struggled with southpaws.
“I feel like ‘Bud’ is gonna be a southpaw and probably the best southpaw he’s ever [come up] against.
“But then I’ve seen ‘Bud’ have little issues with guys like ‘Mean Machine’, who was orthodox, and Gamboa was winning some rounds.
“It’s a 50/50 thing [with Mayweather and Crawford] – you just never know who would come in on-point and win that fight.”
Stevenson pointed out Mayweather’s struggles against southpaws. However, it’s important to remember that Mayweather delivered a dominant performance against Manny Pacquiao, who is a naturally aggressive southpaw.