Roy Jones Jr has made his pick for the best current boxer – but he’s settled on two names rather than one.
The former four weight world champion officially hung up the gloves in 2018 and now enjoys the sport as a trainer, pundit and fan.
As a man well-qualified to be in the discussion for one of the greatest fighters of all time, who does Jones believe is the best of the best in today’s era?
Asked by iD Boxing, the hall of famer couldn’t settle on just one name.
“You’ve got to throw it between Terence Crawford and Tyson Fury.”
Both undefeated champions in their respective weight classes, Crawford and Fury certainly have claims to be the best in the business.
‘The Gypsy King’ is currently in his second stint as heavyweight champion of the world following a hiatus from the sport and monumental comeback. 2022 saw stoppage wins over Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora, both showing Fury’s elite level.
He’s one fight away from becoming undisputed in the division – Oleksandr Usyk the only man who stands in his way.
That fight, thankfully, does look like it will be made. All news is positive from both camps, and a date in the Middle East looks likely for the legacy contest to take place.
Like Fury, Crawford holds one title in his class – welterweight. To become undisputed he’d have to face Errol Spence Jr – a fight that has repeatedly fallen through despite being one of the most intriguing the sport has to offer.
He’s coming off the back of a dominating knockout win over David Avanesyan, and has remained adamant that he’s open to the Spence fight in the future. If that doesn’t materialise, many fans feel that he has to build on his resume by taking on challenges from up and comers such as Jaron Ennis.
With a big year in boxing ahead, perhaps by the end of 2023 Jones will be able to narrow down his selection even further.