The renowned trainer may have trained Johnson (18-0, 8 KOs) for just one fight, a lopsided decision over Christopher Guerrero, but that was enough for McIntyre to make one bold claim.

“He’s a young kid and he has so much talent that’s locked in,” McIntyre said on the Last Stand Podcast. “He just needs the right person to bring it out. Him coming to camp, I just lick my chops because I look at that kid like man, he can be another Bud Crawford.”

McIntyre helped build Terence “Bud” Crawford from amateur into an all-time legend. The now 38-year-old captured titles in five divisions, became the first male boxer in the four-belt era to become an undisputed champion in three weight classes, and was The Ring’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter before his retirement.

The Nebaraskan walked away from the sport after beating Canelo Alvarez for The Ring, IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO super middleweight titles in September 2025.

In terms of accomplishments, Johnson has a long way to go before he catches Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs). The 28-year-old is ranked No. 9 by both the IBF and WBO in the welterweight division, and No. 15 by the WBC.

Johnson's talent is eye-catching from McIntyre's point of view, but the main reason he’s comparing his charge to one of the greatest fighters of all time is his work ethic and ambition.

“One, he loves to train. Two, he’s eager to fight any and everybody,” McIntyre said. “He’s always in the gym.”