“Yeah, I think Shakur for sure. Shakur hands down. I think, you know, given the opportunity, he’s going to show the world that he’s the best,” said Crawford to Fight Hub TV.

“I think, you know, his mental, his defense, his attributes, you know, just him taking his craft serious. He’s the type of fighter that you got to pull out the gym because he don’t want to not be in the gym.

“Everybody beatable, but I don’t see nobody beating him.”

Crawford’s comments come with important context. Shakur has described him as a mentor, and the two have shared a close relationship throughout much of Shakur’s professional career. That history makes Crawford’s support easy to understand.

His prediction also depends on the direction of Shakur’s career. Some critics have questioned his willingness to pursue the most dangerous opposition at 140 pounds, while discussions about future welterweight fights have included catchweight proposals.

If Shakur consistently faces the biggest threats available, Crawford’s prediction will receive a far sterner test than if matchmaking continues to favor opponents viewed as less risky.