Stevenson says both unbeaten champions would create major stylistic problems for each other
Shakur Stevenson believes a prime-for-prime fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Terence Crawford would be extremely difficult to predict stylistically. Stevenson pointed toward Mayweather’s past issues with southpaws while also mentioning moments where Crawford looked vulnerable against certain orthodox fighters.
Shakur Sees Problems For Both
“It’s just hard to say. With both of them guys, they different,” said Shakur to The Agnew podcast.
“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 against.”
Crawford’s ability to switch stances has long fueled debate about how he would match up against elite fighters from previous eras, particularly at welterweight, where both he and Mayweather enjoyed major success.
Stevenson, however, also pointed toward moments where Crawford appeared uncomfortable during certain fights despite eventually winning them.
Crawford’s Tough Moments Mentioned
“But then I’ve seen ‘Bud’ have little issues with guys like ‘Mean Machine’, who was orthodox, and Gamboa was winning some rounds,” said Shakur.
“It’s a 50/50 thing [with Mayweather and Crawford]. You just never know who would come in on-point and win that fight.”
The debate remains one of the more popular fantasy matchups in boxing because of the similarities between the two unbeaten multi-division champions and their ability to adapt against elite opposition.
Although Stevenson mentioned Mayweather’s history against southpaws, the former five-division champion also produced one of the defining performances of his career against fellow left-hander Manny Pacquiao in their 2015 welterweight showdown.
The fantasy matchup continues generating debate because both fighters retired unbeaten and were considered among the smartest boxers of their era. Crawford’s ability to switch stances and Mayweather’s defensive precision have kept discussions about a possible prime-versus-prime fight active among fighters and fans alike.
