From the time I started working as the boxing writer at USA Today in early 2000 until leaving ESPN in April 2020, one of my responsibilities was to provide divisional rankings for each outlet.
The only problem I have with this list is that 9 out of 10 fighters next opponent is listed as TBA. There are so many great fights to be made, but red tape is preventing us from knowing the true rankings.
There is no number one, its either Crawford or Spence and its hard to split the 2. Spence's resume at 147lbs is better but Crawford's is better overall and its not his fault he cant get opponents in the ring with him. Finally i'd add some of Spence's comments on purse splits go beyond ego or greed but sound more like evasion. Hopefully this fight is made for the first month that we get herd immunity and fans are allowed back into stadiums. Fingers crossed Top rank and PBC get their act together and the bout we all want happens this summer.
Hard to see Spence over Crawford, but I understand the logic with Spence having a little better resumé. I know! They should have a boxing match and settle it in the ring! What a novel idea.
I agree. Crawford is limited to what Bob Arum is able to get for an opponent. I wish all fighters were free agents that way it didn't matter if they were with Top Rank, Golden boy, or PBC. I have been watching Bud and he is like a King Cobra. He will impose his will on Spence or whoever he fights.
Crawford should be number1 that's why they all avoiding him at all costs mean machine would beat porter and buds opposition only looked weak because he is really good time will prove me 100% correct
I understand that, but because Spence was already #1 in the division when Crawford came in, he will have to beat Spence to take it. But I agree, Crawford wins.
Crawford has No. 1 level talent. Yes politics are the main reason for his level of opposition, but you can't get credit for what you haven't done. Only him having victories over other fighters on this list will prove you right. Really hope he gets the chance, some really good fights to be made. His ranking at 2 is fair.
The only problem I have with this list is that 9 out of 10 fighters next opponent is listed as TBA. There are so many great fights to be made, but red tape is preventing us from knowing the true rankings.
Yep
Sir MR. RAFAEL You were the only reason I use to visit espn. Always classy and highly knowledgeable.
Thanks!
As usual, another spot on top 10. What are your thoughts of any of these 10, beating a prime Leonard, Hearns, Duran, Mosely, or Dela Hoya?
I see a prime Duran beating all on my list. How fun would that have been to watch. Leonard already lost to a prime Duran.
The top 3 would smoke everyone in the same night. As f as r as Shane and Oscar? It would depend which judges were at ringside.
My take IMO, all of todays welters would be KO,d by all of the early welters I listed.
Spence might beat up Duran on sheer size.
Duran went on to win a middleweight title. He would be able to handle the size of any welterweight.
True - just thinking of how big a welter Spence is and Duran getting erased by Hearns ... but it'd be a great fight either way.
Impossible. But it would be good. KO Duran. I see Crawford KO over Spence.
But Spence is a big welter.
Another awesome ranking.. hopefully the top 3 will fight soon
My first thought as well. I'm OK with Spence at #1, but we need to see these three go at it.
I agree on your list. Would love to see Ennis vs spence.
Ennis vs Ortiz will be THE fight in 2 years
There is no number one, its either Crawford or Spence and its hard to split the 2. Spence's resume at 147lbs is better but Crawford's is better overall and its not his fault he cant get opponents in the ring with him. Finally i'd add some of Spence's comments on purse splits go beyond ego or greed but sound more like evasion. Hopefully this fight is made for the first month that we get herd immunity and fans are allowed back into stadiums. Fingers crossed Top rank and PBC get their act together and the bout we all want happens this summer.
Hard to see Spence over Crawford, but I understand the logic with Spence having a little better resumé. I know! They should have a boxing match and settle it in the ring! What a novel idea.
I agree
Top 9 'Next': TBA. And yet promoters/broadcasters tell us that boxing has never been in better health...
Great to see the Rankings back Dan!
Lipinets certainly not top 10 material. Clayton won and is still unable to get a follow up fight
Mike Tyson vs Spence. 200 oz gloves.
Boots Ennis is about to climb his way up this list fast...starting April 10th after he beats Lipinets
Bud Crawford will smoke Spence and makes it look easy.
Maybe - but it'd be nice for Crawford to face one opponent to make it more obvious - Crawford-Porter would be an excellent barometer
I agree. Crawford is limited to what Bob Arum is able to get for an opponent. I wish all fighters were free agents that way it didn't matter if they were with Top Rank, Golden boy, or PBC. I have been watching Bud and he is like a King Cobra. He will impose his will on Spence or whoever he fights.
I agree, and would be exciting.
8th rnd or 9th, Crawford KO
Thanks for this Dan. What other divisions are you considering doing rankings for?
Crawford should be number1 that's why they all avoiding him at all costs mean machine would beat porter and buds opposition only looked weak because he is really good time will prove me 100% correct
Porter would be a terrific opponent though. He is just a tough dude to fight.
I agree. Bud Crawford will smoke Spence and makes it look easy.
He can't control the opponents he has, but Spence has beaten better 147s
I understand that, but because Spence was already #1 in the division when Crawford came in, he will have to beat Spence to take it. But I agree, Crawford wins.
Crawford has No. 1 level talent. Yes politics are the main reason for his level of opposition, but you can't get credit for what you haven't done. Only him having victories over other fighters on this list will prove you right. Really hope he gets the chance, some really good fights to be made. His ranking at 2 is fair.
Marinating for Cra ffg or to get older. He's 33 already
It is silly, and very typical of boxing that the fighters and camp screw up a legacy fight like that