Terence Crawford wildly backed to overthrow Muhammad Ali as greatest boxer ever on one condition

Oscar De La Hoya believes Terence Crawford can become the greatest fighter ever if he beats Canelo Alvarez.

Heavyweight legend Muhammad Ali is widely viewed by the boxing fraternity as the greatest to ever lace up a pair of gloves.

The American icon transcended both the sport and society with his incredible personality outside of the ring, and achievements beyond the ropes as a true champion.

Many have come close to matching his legacy with the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Sugar Ray Robinson going close to emulating his impact globally.

In the current era some true greats are still plying their trade, in particular pound-for-pound stars Canelo Alvarez and Crawford.

The pair will meet in a mega showdown in September, arguably the sport's biggest fight on US shores in several years.

And Crawford is climbing up two weight classes to challenge the Mexican, an almost 'Rocky' style bid to reach new greatness.

As a result, former champion and current promoter De La Hoya believes it is enough to make him the best ever, though he can't see him having his hand raised.

He incredibly suggested: "If Crawford can do it, Jesus Lord, I mean give this man the title of being the greatest ever.

"But I just don’t see it. Canelo is a big puncher. Yeah, he walks on quicksand and that’s one thing that Crawford can use against him, but the pressure of the heavier guy.

"Canelo will be 200 pounds in that ring. It’s a tough fight but, look, I give all the credit to Crawford.

"If he pulls it off he’ll be the messiah of fighters.”

Crawford already has a list of achievements in boxing rarely comparable in the modern era.

'Bud' has won world titles in four different weight classes, including the undisputed crown at super-lightweight and welterweight.

But he has yet to register his name on the biggest of nights, with a lack of global superstar dance partners.

His showdown with Alvarez will be both the biggest challenge of his career and the biggest commercial fight he has been involved with.

Crawford has been compared to Mayweather in the current climate.

And the American champion himself believes his name automatically enters the discussion for top three fighters ever if he tastes victory.

He said: "[Right now] yeah I think I would definitely rank my resume in the top five.

"I'm really moving up three weight classes in all reality, and fighting arguably one of the best Mexicans to ever fight.

"It's at his weight, no rehydration clause, I am just fighting the guy at his best.

"My body of work that I have put together, I feel like I can compete with anybody at any era.

"If I win this fight, it will solidify myself as an all-time great because there isn't many fighters who have done what I did.

"Coming from 135lbs to 168lbs it is crazy."