BREAKING NEWS: Floyd Fires Back at Canelo’s “Crawford Is Better Than Floyd!” Claim with Explosive “Don’t Forget Who Beat Yo Ass!” Jab!
The boxing world is buzzing after Floyd Mayweather Jr. delivered a fiery response to Canelo Alvarez’s bold assertion that Terence Crawford surpasses him as a fighter. Just hours after Canelo’s comments sparked debate, the undefeated legend, now 48, took to social media with a blunt retort: “Don’t forget who beat yo ass!” The exchange has reignited the long-simmering rivalry between Mayweather and Alvarez, thrusting the upcoming Canelo vs. Crawford showdown into an even brighter spotlight.
Canelo’s Provocative Claim
The controversy began when Canelo Alvarez, the undisputed super middleweight champion, told The Sun in a recent interview that he believes Crawford is “better than Mayweather because he turns his guard to both sides, he’s more intelligent.” The 34-year-old Mexican star, who faces Crawford on September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, doubled down on his praise, calling the fight “one of the best in boxing history.” This statement, coming 12 years after Mayweather handed Canelo his first professional loss in a 2013 unanimous decision, has been seen by many as a calculated move to hype the upcoming bout, which will stream live on Netflix. [Ref web ID: 3]
Mayweather’s Sharp Comeback
Never one to shy away from a verbal spar, Mayweather responded with his trademark bravado. In a post on his official X account, the 50-0 icon wrote, “Don’t forget who beat yo ass!”—a direct reference to their September 14, 2013, clash at the MGM Grand, where a 36-year-old Mayweather outboxed a then-23-year-old Canelo to claim the WBC and WBA super welterweight titles. The comment, laced with Mayweather’s signature trash talk, has already racked up thousands of retweets and reactions, with fans and analysts weighing in on the escalating feud. [Ref web ID: 7]
Mayweather’s uncle, Jeff Mayweather, also chimed in, dismissing Canelo’s claim as promotional hype. “You will always say that somebody that already beat you is better than the person you’re fighting because you want to make yourself look good,” Jeff told Marca. He defended Floyd’s prime, arguing that at 36, Mayweather was still at his peak, countering Canelo’s suggestion that Crawford’s skills outshine his nephew’s defensive mastery. [Ref web ID: 11]
The Context: Canelo vs. Crawford Build-Up
Canelo’s comments come as he prepares for what many consider the toughest challenge of his career against Terence “Bud” Crawford, a 41-0 fighter with a reputation for dismantling opponents across weight classes. Crawford, who will move up to 168 pounds to challenge for Canelo’s undisputed title, has earned praise for his versatility and ring IQ—attributes Canelo highlighted as superior to Mayweather’s. A victory for Crawford would make him the first male boxer to become undisputed champion in three divisions in the four-belt era, adding immense stakes to the September 13 showdown. [Ref web ID: 9]
The buildup has been intense, with both fighters embarking on a global press tour. However, Canelo’s decision to compare Crawford favorably to Mayweather has shifted the narrative, drawing Mayweather—long retired but still a dominant voice in boxing—back into the fray. Manny Pacquiao, another Mayweather rival, offered a more neutral take, telling Pro Boxing Fans, “It’s a different style, they’re both good fighters. It’s hard to compare yourself to others,” reflecting the complexity of pitting these legends against each other. [Ref web ID: 6]
Fan and Expert Reactions
The boxing community is divided. Posts on X show a mix of amusement and support for Mayweather’s comeback, with some fans cheering, “Floyd still owns Canelo!” while others back Canelo’s perspective, arguing, “Crawford’s skills are next level—Floyd’s time is done.” Analysts are split too. Floyd’s former manager, J Prince, believes Crawford will beat Canelo, citing his adaptability despite the weight jump, while others point to Mayweather’s historical dominance as proof of his enduring superiority. [Ref web ID: 1] [Ref web ID: 7]
What’s Next?
Mayweather’s response has added a personal edge to the Canelo-Crawford narrative, turning it into a three-way saga that could dominate headlines until September. Whether this is a genuine grudge or strategic promotion remains unclear, but it’s guaranteed to boost interest in the fight. For now, all eyes are on Canelo and Crawford as they prepare, with Mayweather’s shadow looming large. Will Crawford prove Canelo right, or will the memory of Mayweather’s victory continue to define the debate? The answer awaits on September 13.
