Whitaker built his reputation on extraordinary reflexes, head movement and the ability to make opponents miss by inches during a Hall of Fame career. Mayweather later developed his own defensive style, relying on timing, positioning and his trademark shoulder roll to neutralize opponents while creating counterpunching opportunities.

Asked to compare the two legends, Crawford explained why he gives the nod to Mayweather.

“I think Floyd had the best defense in boxing history. Yeah definitely [better than Whitaker]. I’d say he got more defense than Sweet Pea because he got hit less,” said Crawford in a YouTube video.

“‘Sweet Pea’ [Whitaker] had more head movement, so was better at slipping punches and making you miss, but Floyd on defense. He’d make you pay catching counter, catching slipping, hitting you with shots you don’t see. That’s where Floyd is the master, hit and don’t get hit.”

Rather than dismissing Whitaker’s defensive brilliance, Crawford separated the two by style. He credited Whitaker with superior head movement and evasiveness but argued that Mayweather’s ability to avoid clean punches while immediately countering made his defense more complete.

Mayweather retired with a perfect 50-0 record and won world titles in five weight classes, rarely absorbing sustained punishment during his professional career. One of the few moments he appeared seriously hurt came against Shane Mosley in 2010, when he recovered from a crushing right hand before taking control of the fight and winning a unanimous decision.

Whitaker also built a reputation as one of boxing’s greatest defensive technicians, winning world championships in four divisions and producing a style that continues to influence elite fighters decades after his retirement. Crawford’s verdict simply comes down to effectiveness: Mayweather got hit less and consistently made opponents pay for every mistake.