Oscar De La Hoya says 28-year-old world champion is ‘the best he’s ever seen’

Oscar De La Hoya has named a current world champion, known for his silky skills and remarkable distance judgment, as the “greatest fighter” he has ever seen.

Of all the pound-for-pound stars parading in the sport today, Alexander Ousyk and Naoya menoue has undoubtedly established itself as one of the best.

But Usyk, in particular, is now widely considered the best boxer in the world, especially after the recent announcement of Terence Crawford’s retirement.

Having become a three-time undisputed champion in two weight classes, the Ukrainian has little left to prove, but he still seems keen to improve on his glittering legacy.

With two wins over Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, respectively, Usyk also showed that an ambitious move up to heavyweight was never beyond his capabilities.

As for Inoue, the undisputed king of both divisions is, like Usyk, a masterful technician, but also possesses enough power to knock out any fighter in the lower weight classes.

And yet, while these two are rightly considered the star competitors of the sport, De La Hoya seems to believe that Shakur Stevensonthe WBC lightweight champion, is ultimately the best.

The three-weight world champion barely lost a round as a professional, triumphing over Oscar Valdez, Jamel Herring and William Zepeda in mostly one-sided fights.

And now, with him preparing to face WBO world welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez on January 31, Stevenson had the opportunity to achieve his most notable victory.

But in fact more than a year ago, De La Hoya, while speaking with Shay Shay Clubpraised the American for his “beautiful style” and “great technique”.

“[Stevenson is] the greatest fighter I have ever seen. Nice style, good technique, has the punching power, has the chin… but he needs confidence to fight.

“he must believe in himself to put on a good show and sell [tickets]. That’s his problem: he’s not selling seats.”