Former undefeated world champion Terence “Bud” Crawford recently claimed he would have “1000%” knocked out boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, alleging the Filipino icon and his team deliberately avoided a fight. Crawford, who retired in 2025 with an unblemished record, expressed his long-held belief that a clash between the two welterweight titans should have happened around 2020.
His comments revive an enduring “what if” scenario that has fascinated boxing enthusiasts for years, highlighting the missed opportunity for what could have been one of the sport’s most compelling matchups. Both fighters were at the top of their game at various points, making their potential encounter a subject of intense speculation and debate among fans and pundits.
Crawford’s definitive claim over Pacquiao
Terence Crawford didn’t mince words when discussing the unmaterialized bout with Manny Pacquiao. He told “Above The Rim” that Pacquiao was “the only person I wish I would’ve got the opportunity to fight,” asserting he would have “1000% knocked him out.” Crawford firmly believes that “numerous times, we were lined up to fight each other. They didn’t want it.”
This statement adds another layer to the narrative surrounding Pacquiao’s career, particularly given his rare knockout losses. The “PacMan” was stopped only three times in his illustrious 73-fight Hall of Fame career.
His first two professional defeats came early in his flyweight career: a third-round stoppage to Rustico Torrecampo in 1996, when he was just 17, and then, around four years later, he lost his WBC flyweight title to Medgoen Singsurat in September 1999 after failing to make weight.
More famously, Juan Manuel Marquez delivered a decisive knockout blow in 2012, a significant moment after Pacquiao had already become an eight-division world champion. For Crawford to claim such a definitive outcome against a fighter known for his resilience speaks volumes about his confidence and belief in his own abilities.
Unfulfilled welterweight championship clash
Talks for a super-fight between Terence Crawford and Manny Pacquiao gained serious traction in 2020. At the time, Crawford held the WBO welterweight title, while Pacquiao was the WBA 147lb champion, setting the stage for a potential unification bout that boxing fans eagerly anticipated.
But the fight never came to fruition. Pacquiao eventually scheduled a unification match against Errol Spence Jr., a fight that also generated considerable buzz. However, after Spence pulled out due to injury, Pacquiao ended up losing his WBA title to late replacement Yordenis Ugas in August 2021.
Pacquiao’s perspective on Top Rank’s role
Interestingly, Manny Pacquiao himself has previously weighed in on the subject of a potential fight with Crawford. He indicated that while he would have welcomed the challenge, it often “felt as though Top Rank promoter Bob Arum was ‘preserving’ him.” This suggests an awareness from Pacquiao’s side that external factors might have been at play.
Bob Arum, who promoted Pacquiao for over 13 years, openly admitted in March 2020 that he “killed the fight” between the two. Arum believed Pacquiao was “not competitive” with Crawford and would likely lose, advising his fighter to avoid the matchup. He even cited the need for a large site fee, suggesting the fight would have to be held outside the US or Philippines.
A pattern of “avoidance” accusations in Pacquiao’s career
Crawford’s recent comments resonate with a long-standing narrative in boxing, as accusations of “avoidance” have often trailed Manny Pacquiao throughout his career. The most prominent example is the years-long saga surrounding his eventual 2015 mega-fight with fellow undefeated legend, Floyd Mayweather Jr.
For years leading up to that highly anticipated clash, Mayweather was frequently accused by critics and fans of deliberately delaying the fight. Many suggested he was strategically protecting his perfect record and waiting for Pacquiao to be past his prime. Mayweather, however, consistently dismissed these claims, stating in September 2011, “I’m not ducking or dodging anybody.”
After their eventual showdown, which Mayweather won, he doubled down. “I fought him at the right time!” he declared, pushing back against those who claimed he “ducked” Pacquiao for years and pointing out he was two years older. The result, Mayweather insisted, “spoke for itself,” a seemingly easy victory for him.
Mayweather’s definitive stance
Floyd Mayweather Jr. went even further in asserting his perceived dominance over Pacquiao. “We fight 10 times, I’m gonna win 10 times. We fight 20 times, I’m gonna win 20 times. We fight 100 times, I’m gonna win 100 times,” he once stated unequivocally. He added, “Manny Pacquiao… you will never be on my level. Period. Simple and plain.”
This history shows that the notion of one elite fighter avoiding another, whether perceived or real, is a deeply ingrained part of boxing lore. Crawford’s recent remarks simply tap into this familiar debate, echoing sentiments previously voiced by another all-time great about the same opponent.
Legacies shaped by unmade mega-fights
The absence of a fight between Terence Crawford and Manny Pacquiao inevitably leaves a lingering “what if” hanging over both their storied careers. Crawford retired from professional boxing in 2025 with a pristine 42-0 record, including 31 knockouts. He was never once knocked down in his 17-year career, a testament to his defensive prowess and chin.
His list of accolades is extensive: 18 major world championships across five weight classes, and undisputed status in three divisions—light welterweight, welterweight, and super middleweight. He’s the first male boxer in the four-belt era to achieve undisputed championships in two and three divisions. This kind of undefeated record commands respect, but also invites questions about the fights that got away.
Manny Pacquiao’s legacy is equally colossal, having concluded his career in 2021 with 62 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws. He remains the only boxer in history to win world titles in eight different weight divisions, accumulating 12 major world titles. A fight with Crawford would have added another layer to his already complex and celebrated career narrative.
Comparing two elite boxing careers
Crawford’s consistent ability to dominate opponents without taking significant damage, culminating in an undefeated retirement, contrasts with Pacquiao’s more rugged path. Pacquiao faced an array of formidable opponents across many weight classes, often engaging in grueling wars that tested his durability.
This difference in career trajectory fuels the debate over how a fight between their prime versions might have unfolded. Would Crawford’s technical brilliance and switch-hitting style have been too much for Pacquiao’s aggressive, all-action approach? Or would Pacquiao’s relentless pressure and power from unorthodox angles have broken Crawford’s defensive shell?
Crawford’s continued presence and predictions in boxing
Even in retirement, Terence Crawford remains a highly respected voice in boxing, often offering keen insights and predictions on current fighters. His continued engagement underscores his deep understanding of the sport and the competitive landscape.
Crawford’s opinions carry weight, given his remarkable career and tactical acumen. For instance, Crawford’s predictions recently included a strong statement regarding a potential clash between Shakur Stevenson and Ryan Garcia, where he sided firmly with Stevenson. This shows his continued relevance in shaping boxing discourse.
