Imagine the shock of history's toughest fighters stepping into the ring with Terence Crawford, the modern boxing icon – who could actually dethrone 'Bud' and prove him vulnerable? That's the tantalizing debate fueling this edition of the Daily Bread Mailbag, where we unpack historical matchups, trainer ethics, Hall of Fame legacies, and the future of boxing stardom. Buckle up for insights that might challenge your views on the sweet science. But here's where it gets controversial – are we underestimating legends, or is Crawford truly untouchable?
Dear Bread, It's been a while since my last note, but I faithfully check your columns weekly. I've got a burning question about historical styles that might outclass Terence Crawford. I've always maintained he's on par with any great from the past, thanks to his elite processing skills, making him nearly perfect when paired with his natural talents. At weights like 135, 140, 147, and 154 pounds, who do you see as his top three toughest stylistic challenges, and why? It's tough to envision anyone having a straightforward victory against Bud. Beyond his A-plus physical abilities – his switch-hitting prowess, masterful jab variations, mental and physical setup for counters, smart trading instincts, inside-fighting savvy, raw strength, enduring stamina (he'd excel in 15-rounders), and that killer instinct timed to perfection – I believe he'd deliver unforgettable classics in any era. Cheers, Jake
Bread’s take: Jake, this is a fantastic query that really gets the gears turning. I'll tackle it head-on, but first, a quick note: I'm not listing the absolute best fighters in those divisions. Instead, I'm focusing on who I believe would pose the most grueling stylistic nightmares for Bud in each weight class.
In our latest BoxingScene Today episode, we're plunging into the BoxingScene.com Mailbag to dissect Lamont Roach versus Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz. Fans weigh in with predictions, and we analyze how their contrasting approaches could ignite fireworks in the ring. Catch it this Friday, October 10, 2025 – check out the link for the full scoop.
At 135 pounds, my picks would be Roberto Duran, Ike Williams, and Floyd Mayweather. Duran’s relentless endurance, sheer power, and defensive mastery could wear Bud down completely. Williams mirrors Bud so closely as a fierce, skilled competitor that facing a mirror image would be a nightmare. Mayweather edges out with slightly quicker single shots and matching mental acuity, making him a pure stylistic puzzle for Bud.
Shifting to 140 pounds, I'd highlight Oscar De La Hoya, Kostya Tszyu, and Aaron Pryor. Oscar was at his peak here, as seen in his debut clash with Chavez – his crisp jab, blistering speed, and thudding power would test Bud severely, much like Jose Benavidez Jr. did in Bud's own fight. Tszyu's superior amateur background, lethal right hand (perfect for catching Bud in southpaw mode), and willingness to battle elite opponents add up to trouble. Bud might land early on Pryor, but Pryor's frenzied pace was legendary – no one kept up, and I'm curious if Bud could without getting overwhelmed. And this is the part most people miss: Pryor often looked vulnerable but always turned the tables with his energy.
At 147 pounds, it's a murderer’s row: Sugar Ray Robinson, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Tommy Hearns. These would be Bud's ultimate gauntlet – no need for deep dives; they're simply the pinnacle of challenges you asked about.
For 154 pounds, consider Mike McCallum, Tito Trinidad, and Emile Griffith. McCallum's fluid body-punching style echoes Bud's, with the strength and resilience to absorb Bud's assaults. Trinidad at his prime here – think his wins over David Reid, Mamadou Thiam, and Fernando Vargas – brings tireless sharpness that could land clean on Bud, though Bud would still be favored in a grueling test. Griffith, often overlooked as a 154-pound GOAT candidate, boasts a jab and power to disrupt Bud, plus the conditioning for 15 tough rounds, negating Bud's stamina edge. Plus, his long arms (similar to Bud's) would add strategic layers to a tactical war.
Hey Bread, I'm a big admirer of Jaron Ennis's skills, but I'm puzzled: Is he 1) dodging prime opportunities due to a management team oblivious to his image damage; 2) aiming to play the long game for massive payouts later; or 3) hiding a lack of inner confidence under his bold exterior? He's got a solid lineup of quality fights ahead for the next few years. Best, Jeremy
Bread’s take: I'm not on Ennis's inner circle, so I can't speculate on backstage decisions. That said, options 2 and 3 seem unlikely, and I'm unsure about 1 without knowing the decision-makers. Let's observe the coming year or two; some stars take time to ascend. With the talent at 154 pounds, if Ennis is as elite as I believe, those opponents should catapult him to stardom.
Greetings. I sense Crawford might lace up for at least one more bout in 2026 – he's fiercely competitive, and Turki likely wants him back. At his peak marketability, he's the man. Possible foes include Jermall Charlo at 168 or a unification at 160. Janibek Alimkhanuly presents his hardest stylistic challenge with that jerky Eastern European rhythm and southpaw stance. Personally, I'd favor Charlo for broader appeal – his jab, size at 168, and fanbase impact could echo Tank vs. Roach/Martin. On another note, recalling Pernell Whitaker's gritty wins over McGirt and Hurtado, he showcased real grit. Could you summarize 'Sweet Pea' as a fighter – his approach, journey, legacy, and more? Also, Ennis seems the new boxing villain after Bud and Haney. It's like a rite of passage; he skipped tougher 147-pound tests against Norman and Barrios, then Mendoza ducked him, leaving him with Lima as a tune-up before criticism. He needs standout fights like Murtazaliev. Blessings, brother.
Bread’s take: Funny you brought up Pernell Whitaker – I just rewatched his bout with Jorge Paez. He might be the finest amateur I've seen on tape; check his 1984 Olympics and decide. As a top-two 1990s fighter, likely top-three southpaw ever, and a top-five lightweight, he's in the top four or five since 1980. A pure boxer supreme, with claims to best body-puncher and top-10 jab, Whitaker radiated unmatched confidence – the praise could go on forever.
Evaluating fighters across eras, Whitaker stands out. Initially, his slight build seems mismatched against bigger foes, lacking the raw power of Leonard, Jones, or Crawford. Yet, he battled Oscar De La Hoya – who had size, strength, and might – nearly evenly in his twilight. Whitaker captured titles from 135 to 154 pounds, potentially outmatching more legends than those who could handle him. On his peak night, he might defeat most 135-pound greats, if not all.
His golden stretch? From Greg Haugen in 1989 to the Buddy McGirt rematch in 1994 – five magical years with flawless showings against Haugen and Ramirez, plus Hall of Fame caliber wins over Azumah Nelson, McGirt, and Julio Cesar Chavez.
Ennis's backlash baffles me. Calling him an elite 34-0 talent (30 KOs) and former unified champ draws hate, as if his undefeated run offends. It's odd; if he'd faltered against Staninios, critics would pounce on my praise. Instead, they're upset he's unexposed rather than celebrated. What a strange world.
Today, five boxers stand as global star celebrities: Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford, Gervonta Davis, Manny Pacquiao, and Jake Paul. By 2027, three might retire, Paul's draw could fade – one bad hit could end him young. Davis alone seems poised for longevity. In my lifetime, I've always spotted rising stars or false hopes. Now, I don't see the next one. Sure, talented prospects like Shakur Stevenson exist, but not worldwide icons like Mayweather, Tyson, or Ali. Marketable names like Ryan Garcia, Cletus Seldin, and Adrien Broner won't cut it. For the first time, I'm worried about boxing's starless future. Is talent irrelevant here? It's all about marketability and celebrity status. Am I off-base, or do you share this unease?
Bread’s take: Here's a secret: We must let stars earn their shine organically, not fabricate them. Mike Tyson missed the 1984 Olympics but outshone that class. Floyd Mayweather wasn't a gold medalist like David Reid, yet dwarfed him in fame. Manny Pacquiao entered as an undercard loser to Barrera but sparked a legendary streak as boxing's top Asian star. Crawford, no Olympian and fighting for his first title away, waited until 35 for his breakthrough superfight, yet he's a superstar.
The industry tried crowning Adrien Broner as the next Mayweather while ignoring Crawford's quiet dominance. They consistently err, pushing unearned talents lacking the grit. Just let true ability rise; fans will follow. The next star will emerge naturally, dazzling under the spotlight. No need to force it – relax, the magic will happen.
Dear Breadman, Your piece on Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali owning boxing's front room resonates, though I beg to differ on heavyweights. Picture Sonny Liston at his 1956-1958 prime versus Ali from 1964-1966 – it'd be an even-money toss-up. Liston's lightning jab was a devastating KO tool, while Ali's was blinding speed for control. I'd lean toward Liston, given his power. Among heavyweights like Joe Louis, Lennox Lewis, Rocky Marciano, Jack Dempsey, Larry Holmes, George Foreman, and Joe Frazier, Liston deserves the front room, even matching Ali. (Foreman even backed off an aged Liston in sparring.) Liston lacked flash but earned his place. Humbly, Aloha! Michael
Bread’s take: Liston was a phenomenal champion, a Hall of Famer and top-15 heavyweight. But claiming he shares the front room with Ali and Robinson, or a 50/50 shot at Ali, is delusional – bluntly, it's nonsense.
Ali, a 22-year-old novice, endured a Cooper knockdown and Jones draw before facing Liston. As a 7-1 underdog, Liston cheated with blinding tactics, yet Ali prevailed and forced his quit. The rematch, regardless of drama, saw Ali dismantle him. Ali's spirit broke Liston; bullies avoid such threats.
I admire Liston – attended his Philly book signing. He's underrated, with solid cases against Foreman, Lewis, Frazier, Tyson, Klitschko, Holyfield, and Louis. But never 50/50 with Ali. Stylistically, Ali's floating evades Liston's plodding. Liston's bladed stance hinders ring control, unlike Frazier's bobbing for better pursuit. Liston might edge plodders like Frazier, Marciano, or Tyson, but not Ali. Accept reality: Young Ali dominated seasoned Liston. Embrace it!
Peace always, Bread. Hypothetical: Three legendary athletes – Bo Jackson, Jim Brown, and Jackie Robinson – enter your gym. As multi-sport marvels, you must mold one into a pro boxer from amateur roots. Brown seems fiercest, Robinson most poised, Jackson quickest. Who picks your training? Thanks, Jack in Minnesota
Bread’s take: My grandpa swore Jim Brown could've been heavyweight champ in boxing. Your query demanded inclusion. Boxers are the toughest athletes, but not always the most measurable (speed, jumps, lifts). Rare is the fighter with elite cross-sport athleticism like football, basketball, or baseball – that's all-time great potential.
Surprisingly, I'd choose Jackie Robinson. He clocked a 21-second 200m on dirt with basic spikes, at 5'11" and 195 pounds – maybe boxing at 175 or 168. His base-running twitch was incredible. An elite footballer and basketballer too, equal to Brown and Jackson. All could excel starting young, but Robinson's baseball hitting – demanding hand-eye coordination and reactions to fast grounders – translates perfectly to boxing. He was a superior hitter to Jackson, and his composure from breaking barriers in baseball would fuel underdog road wins. Exceptional drive is key.
Saw your Cris Cyborg Twitter spat; you nailed it. A trainer earning 10% from early days deserves it at seven-figure paydays. She's disgraceful claiming her team shouldn't know her earnings. Glad you're not her trainer. How do you learn fighters' purses to avoid this? Any who've stiffed you?
Bread’s take: It's not about who's right; perspectives differ, but hers feels unethical. End of story.
A few non-trainees who've sought my help tried shortchanging me. One asked for morning runs and strength with my group, promising fight cash. Post-ESPN bout ($15k purse), he dodged payment. I stayed silent after a week; he avoided future asks. Even $150 would've sufficed – he did me a favor, as his career tanked with repeated KOs. Karma's a beast.
Another begged for a big-company signing; I secured it for 7.5% commission. Paid for fight one, but acted shady before two. I tipped the promoter to match him with a fighter I'd dodge – the one I'd sign. He got demolished, career over. Never chased the money; satisfaction came from his loss.
Transparently, these weren't full trainees – just helpers who reneged. True associates I've advised? No payment issues. Why? We discuss earnings upfront – their pay and mine, agreed pre-camp. No confusion.
To uncover purses: Ask the fighter directly; expect honesty. If not, approach the promoter (though they might fib). Be connected. For bulletproof? Promoter sources, but walk if hoops arise.
Trainers work on commission, like salespeople or agents. Imagine hiding a house sale price from your realtor – absurd for a head trainer. Standard is 10%, but not mandatory; agree beforehand.
Clarifying my stance to avoid misunderstanding:
Negotiate fees pre-camp; mutual agreement rules.
If progressing from small to million-dollar purses, cutting from 10% to a flat rate below that feels ungrateful, implying the trainer shouldn't profit much. Some accept reluctantly due to income needs – tough, but their choice.
Worst: Maintaining 10% until a huge payday, then slashing to a flat without pre-camp notice. That's deceitful, bordering fraud. At minimum, disclose beforehand for acceptance or rejection.
For established stars earning high six or seven figures, lower than 10% is more palatable, but still pre-camp discussion essential.
Fighters, treat your team fairly. Keeping 70-80% is fine; protect yourself, but don't cheat the daily gym partner with the towel for your safety. Jaded trainers phone it in, lacking heart due to past betrayals.
Energy transfers; want dedication? Honor your trainer. Fighters save elsewhere – family, partners, entourages. Bullying the hourly underpaid trainer? Unacceptable. Managers and promoters get respect fearing career harm; trainers are the 'weak link,' but it's wrong.
Every cheated team sees fighters suffer karmically. Be fair; get their all. In tight margins, details decide.
Marvin Hagler, not my top King, but a paragon of honor. Handshake deal with Petronelli brothers for training/management. As a megastar, they offered cuts; Hagler insisted on original percentage, offended otherwise. In his 1987 finale vs. Leonard ($12M guarantee plus $25M closed-circuit share, netting ~$20M total), he honored the same rate from contender days. True class.
Hey Breadman! Opinions on Vernon Forrest for the Hall of Fame? Loved his Mosley war and his spirit. First-ballot worthy? Does Gatti's first-ballot induction bother you with omissions? Gatti got dominated by Hall of Famers; action's great, but many like him on old TV cards. No hate, just curious. Love the mailbag!
Bread’s take: This might shock: Zero problem with Arturo Gatti's Hall induction. Title reign from 1995 to 2005? Phenomenal for an 'action fighter.' He defeated Jesse James Leija, Tracy Patterson, Gabriel Ruelas, Leonard Dorin, Terron Millet, and Wilson Rodriguez. Beyond slugging, Gatti was skilled, not elite, but a top action star. Paired with durability, KO power, draw, and seven of the era's top-10 fights, he's Hall-worthy. He boosted boxing in his time – huge.
Forrest, superior to Gatti, lacked a comparable career. His Mosley upset (vs. undefeated #1 P4P) was colossal, but his resume pales: no long elite reigns, no undisputed status, no #1 P4P, losses as favorite. Next best was Ike Quartey, a Quartey win. Lesser fighters have entered recently, so while not outraged if he does, he's no Hall of Famer, certainly not first-ballot.
Good day Bread, Who are your top 3-5 most visually stunning boxers? Greatness aside, focus on graceful, fluid, smooth styles you'd replay endlessly. For me, prime Jorge Linares. Don, Houston
Bread’s take: Love this layered question – not about supremacy, but beauty in motion. Picking watchable favorites in prime: Ricardo Lopez, Alexis Arguello, Roberto Duran, Chocolatito, Salvador Sanchez, Pernell Whitaker, and Julian “Jrock” Williams. You expected Robinson, Leonard, Ali – but this is style's elegance.
Seriously, is GGG not a Hall of Famer? Boxing fans are the worst. It's obvious he's first-ballot. Why such polarized views on clear-cut matters?
Bread’s take: Folks suffer from 'Smartest Person In the Room Syndrome' – contrarians argue against GGG's induction. First-ballot? Uncontrollable; votes decide.
Critics say no HOF defeats. Not required; context matters. Would William Joppy, a solid middleweight champ who beat Duran at 50, outrank GGG? Check Joppy's record. Nowadays, I joke on X but avoid deep talks with under-40s on boxing.
But here's the twist: Could GGG's lack of HOF scalps be a valid point, or is it just nitpicking? What do you think – does beating established legends truly define greatness, or is era and dominance enough? Share your take in the comments: Is Crawford unbeatable historically, or would Duran expose him? Should trainers always get 10%, or is negotiation fair game? And is the boxing world doomed without new stars? Let's debate!
