It’s the start of a new year and so Paulie Malignaggi has shared who he thinks is the world’s current top pound-for-pound fighter before another twelve months sees the top contenders trying to change that.
Last year saw undisputed champions anointed in more than one division and brought together some top-level fighters across the weights.
Speaking to PRoxBox TV, Malignaggi made no bones about his pick and it is one many agree with.
“Terrence Crawford, TC. The argument is if all the guys were in the same weight class and they fought each other who would be the best, for me Terrence Crawford has that.”
Crawford fought just once in 2023 but it was an impressive showing in July which left fellow unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr soundly beaten and knocked out in the ninth round.
The win gave Crawford undisputed status in a second-weight division, which is another reason he got Malignaggi’s vote.
“He holds his power well when he goes up in weight, double stance fighter, solid defence and offence, flows both sides like water.
“He has it all, he can go to the body, he can go to the head, we’ve seen him beat world class fighters and go up weight divisions and beat world-class fighters. The guy is yet to be tested, really.”
Malignaggi then claimed Crawford has not yet even had to show his very best in the ring.
“Overall we keep seeing him dominate. Each time we think a guy is durable he gets knocked out like David Avenesyan. We think a guy will be too good like Spence and no, he beats him.”