Former five-division champion Floyd Mayweather is largely regarded as the best boxer in the world. ‘Money’ Mayweather has not only defeated the biggest names in the sport but also became the richest boxer ever. His undefeated record and worldwide popularity are a testament to his success. However, Mayweather’s former promoter Bob Arum seems to think there’s someone else currently boxing level above. 

Remember the history between Mayweather and Arum? Mayweather cut ties with Arum’s Top Rank in April 2006 after exercising a provision in his contract that allowed him to become a free agent by paying the promotion $750,000. Mayweather had bought himself out after Arum had offered ‘Money’ $8 million to fight welterweight titlist Antonio Margarito, which would have become his highest purse at that point. 

Mayweather claimed he felt constrained under Top Rank, believing they failed to promote him adequately. He was also frustrated for not being able to control where his career was heading or the opponents he faced. Not to mention, the five-division champion had claimed that Bob Arum owed him money from his previous fights, like the bout against Arturo Gatti.

Mayweather’s move to separate from the them paid off significantly, as he went on to secure major paydays, including $25 million in his fight against Oscar De La Hoya. It’s unclear whether there is still some lingering animosity between the two, but recently, Arum claimed Terence Crawford, who is slated to fight Canelo Alvarez in September, is a much more talented fighter than Mayweather. 

When asked by Sean Zittel about Prime vs. Prime, who would win a fight between Mayweather and Crawford, Arum didn’t waste a breath to say, “Crawford.” When asked to justify his response, the Top Rank head highlighted Crawford’s skills and ability to switch stances. “Because Crawford is a unique kind of fighter that other fighters haven’t seen, and the ability that he has to switch,” Arum told the reporter.

“Fighters aren’t used to that. They don’t train for that. I just think Crawford is a very, very unique talent.” However, did you know that, just like Mayweather, Crawford used to fight under the Top Rank banner and he also had some issues? 

Terence Crawford files lawsuit against Top Rank and accuses the promotion of ‘Racial bias’

In January 2022, Terence Crawford filed a lawsuit against his former promoter and its CEO, Bob Arum, accusing them of “revolting racial bias” that he claims damaged his career. The lawsuit, which sought over $5 million in damages, alleged breach of contract and negligent misrepresentation. Crawford, who signed with Top Rank in 2011, argues that the promotion failed to secure a highly sought-after unification fight with WBC and IBF champion Errol Spence Jr. This was despite a 2019 agreement promising a $900,000 payment if the fight was not arranged by 2020.

Crawford also accuses Arum of making racist remarks and damaging the reputations of black fighters. Arum, however, strongly denied the allegations, dismissing the lawsuit as “frivolous” and defending his long history of supporting black fighters. The friction between Crawford and Top Rank escalated over the years. Mainly as Crawford expressed frustration with the promotion’s inability to secure big-money fights, including the Spence matchup.

After his successful defense of the WBO welterweight title in 2021, Crawford parted ways with Top Rank, seeking more control over his career. His departure ultimately led to the lucrative Spence fight in 2023, solidifying his legacy as an undisputed champion. During the same interview with Thrill Boxing, Arum addressed this lawsuit as well, noting, “[The lawsuit] has nothing to do with his ability as a fighter. Maybe his ability as a litigator, I can say things. But as a fighter, he’s a unique [and] superior guy.”

Having said that, even though Bob Arum and Terence Crawford have been at odds in the past, the Top Rank head doesn’t want to take away from the generational talent that Crawford is. Do you agree with Arum?