Terence Crawford vs. Vasyl Lomachenko: Sparring Partner Reveals Who Is Better

Judging who is better when two legends face off is difficult. However, someone who has fought both might have a clearer perspective. In this case, Ireland’s Stephen McKenna offers such insight, having sparred with both Vasyl Lomachenko and Terence Crawford. McKenna’s unique experience provides valuable observations on the skills and techniques of these two boxing greats.

Officially, they may never square off against each other, especially since their weight classes are far apart. However, that doesn’t stop dreamers in the community from organizing a hypothetical slugfest. While appearing in an interview with Round Eight on YouTube today, the Irish boxer revealed who’s better! 

McKenna thinks boxers like this one don’t come around too often

On one hand, there is Terence Crawford, who became the first male boxer to achieve undisputed status in two separate divisions simultaneously after defeating Errol Spence Jr. last year. On the other hand, there is Vasyl Lomachenko, a two-time Olympic gold medalist who continued his ascent to greatness after turning professional.

Even he could have achieved the coveted undisputed status had he not become so dominant in the 126 and 130 pound divisions that opponents feared losing their zeros. Having held several world titles in various weight divisions, ‘Loma’ is currently the IBF lightweight champion after defeating George Kambosos Jr.

So, speaking about sparring with the duo, McKenna revealed, “I’ve always thought when sparring Lomachenko that he was the best, but Crawford is in another league! Crawford’s a very special fighter that doesn’t come around too often.”

While McKenna’s theory will never be proven in the ring today, things came close back in 2017!

Promoter says no to Vasyl Lomachenko vs. Terence Crawford 

Lomachenko had just made a successful defense of his WBO super-featherweight title against Jason Sosa, having already attained titles in two weight divisions. At the time he was being linked to another two weight divisions champion Terence Crawford, but Lomachenko’s manager clearly denied any such fight could ever happen, especially since ‘Loma’ will have to claim two weight divisions.

In an interview with Boxing Scene, Egis Klimas said, “Forget about Crawford”. Using Kell Brook’s destruction at the hands of Gennady Golovkin, Klimas said, “Fighting a champion who’s two weight classes [above him], I think that would be suicide. It would be crazy”. Even Lomachenko had refused to fight against Terence Crawford for the same reason.

Even with McKenna’s assessment, the size factor between the fighters shouldn’t be ignored. Of course, a smaller guy may seem easier to fight against, but the real question is, what if Crawford came down in weight? Is he still better than Lomachenko? No one knows, and they might never will!