I'd say Bud. Just the very rare combination of handspeed, athleticism, skill, two-fisted power, insanely high ring IQ, versatility, mental toughness, composure, switch hitting -- in totality the other two dont have as many traits. A very clear number two would be Hopkins, at his peak, from about 97-02. Dead last is Ward.
Crawford is better at boxing than these other two. Obviously they'd beat his ass, but you know what i mean.
1. Bud - most versatile of the 3, can compete with the other 2 in terms of pure skill but unlike them is also a genuine puncher and offensive genius. 2. Hopkins - while I think he'd lose to Ward in a fight at 168 or 175, P4P I'd rate him as a better fighter though not by a whole lot. Just a bit more efficient and durable, with more tools in his bag. 3. Ward - not that far behind Hopkins imo, but I just don't think his skills were quite as varied. The two are pretty interchangeable.
In terms of technique and skills Crawford is the most skilled. In terms of who they beat Hopkins is the best there.
Resume wise I personally think Hopkins has the best when considering his long championship run and fighters he's beaten such as Trinidad, Wright and Tarver. H2H wise I think Bud is the best and most complete out of the lot.
Hopkins went to 175 as an old person. Got to go with him. Terence Crawford had a chance to do the same he passed.
Hopkins is a level above the other 2: longevity, multi-weight dominance, and ring IQ send him way ahead. Crawford and Ward's resumes have nothing on Hopkins. One of the greatest reigns ever seen at 160, before going up to light heavyweight and dominating in his 40s, we'll probably never see anything like that again.
B-Hop certainly had the best, most impressive career. I think He was probably the best head-to-head at his peak also, but here it's up for debate since all 3 were excellent. Gun to the head, I'd have the same order as @Noel857 above.
P4P Crawford is the best, imo. I'd need to do a thorough analysis in a few years time to determine who I thought had the greatest career. It will be either Hopkins or Crawford.
Crawford by a wide margin. The other two were dirty fighters who relied heavily on clinching, low blows, headbutts, elbows, etc.
