Terence Crawford is set to face Canelo Alvarez in one of the biggest boxing fights of 2025.
The bout will mark the first TKO boxing event promoted by UFC CEO Dana White. Crawford will move up in weight class to challenge Alvarez, who many consider the best pound-for-pound fighter in boxing.
During an appearance on the Full Send Podcast, Crawford was asked who he believes is the best boxer in the UFC. Surprisingly, the undefeated champion didn’t pick lightweight titleholder Ilia Topuria. Instead, he named former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt.
“It’s my guy, Cody [Garbrandt],” Crawford said. “He’s the best UFC boxer.”
Crawford will put his undefeated boxing record on the line in what is set to be one of the sport’s defining moments of 2025. “Bud” has already cemented himself as one of boxing’s top pound-for-pound fighters and now looks to extend that reputation in his matchup with Alvarez, who rides a six-fight win streak.
Despite the podcast host pushing hard for Topuria, Crawford stuck with his choice and explained why Garbrandt stood out.
“Yeah, but I don’t know, man, Cody’s got those hands,” Crawford said. “When you’re talking about straight boxing, not MMA or anything else, just pure boxing skills, I think Cody’s the best in the UFC. That’s just my opinion.”
In recent years, the UFC has surged in popularity, closing the gap with boxing. The promotion recently signed a $7.7 billion deal with Paramount as its new broadcasting partner, further proving its dominance in combat sports.
