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Undisputed welterweight champion Terence Crawford has recently shared his thoughts on the legitimacy of a legendary fighter’s career, casting doubt on whether their accomplishments were entirely natural.
While many boxing fans revere this Hall of Famer as one of the greatest to ever lace up the gloves, Crawford believes there is reason to be skeptical about their meteoric rise in the sport.
His comments have reignited long-standing debates within the boxing community about performance-enhancing drugs and whether their use has tainted certain legacies – In this case, Pacquiao PED use.
Crawford Questions Manny Pacquiao PED Allegations
Crawford recently addressed the suspicions of Manny Pacquiao PED use. The eight-division world champion has long faced speculation regarding the possibility of PED use, particularly due to his rapid ascent through multiple weight classes.
Crawford didn’t outright accuse Pacquiao of doping but made it clear that he has his doubts: “Manny is a generational talented fighter. He’s accomplished what no other fighter is ever going to accomplish again, but I don’t feel like he did it on his own. That’s me personally for the simple fact when Floyd made it a point for him to do the blood test, he didn’t want to do the blood test, but then when he did do the blood test, he haven’t got a knockout since.”
The Pacquiao PED allegations have circulated for years, with Paulie Malignaggi stating years ago: “You have to be a moron not to see what I’ve seen – or you just don’t want to believe it. Maybe [Pacquiao is] your hero and you don’t want to believe a guy like that would want to do something like that.”
“To each their own, we’re all entitled to our own opinion. You’re entitled to your prerogative. And that’s my prerogative and my opinion of Pacquiao. I just didn’t pull it out of my a**.”
Crawford’s remarks highlight what many in boxing have wondered for years. Pacquiao began his career as a light flyweight, yet managed to become the only eight-division world champion. His ability to knock out much larger opponents, even well into his 30s, has led some to question whether he had any assistance.
Despite the speculation, Pacquiao has never tested positive for PEDs, and his supporters argue that his success was due to an unparalleled work ethic and natural ability. There is no evidence Pacquiao has ever cheated, only the skepticisim of names like Crawford, Mayweather and Malignaggi.
As the conversation around doping in boxing remains a hot topic, Crawford’s comments add yet another layer to an already complex discussion. Whether fans agree or not, the questions surrounding Pacquiao’s legendary career don’t seem to be going away anytime soon.
