Former world champion Terence Crawford recently made headlines with his controversial remarks about Manny Pacquiao, questioning the legendary boxer's achievements. During an appearance on the Pound 4 Pound Podcast, Crawford implied that Pacquiao might have used performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), citing his refusal to undergo Olympic-style drug testing in past negotiations. This accusation has sparked widespread debate within the boxing community, revisiting old accusations from 2009 and shedding light on Crawford's unconventional list of all-time great fighters.

Pacquiao's illustrious career includes victories across eight weight divisions and twelve major world titles. Despite his undeniable talent, Crawford argues that Pacquiao’s power waned after submitting to drug tests, suggesting a possible connection between his performance and PED use. Critics, however, argue that this decline could simply reflect natural aging processes, as highlighted by co-host Kamaru Usman. The discussion delves into broader implications regarding sports integrity and how athletes' legacies are perceived.

The Rise of a Boxing Legend

Manny Pacquiao emerged as one of the most remarkable figures in boxing history, beginning his professional journey in January 1995 with a unanimous decision over Edmund Enting Ignacio. Over the next two decades, he dominated multiple weight classes, securing titles ranging from flyweight to welterweight. His signature victories include defeating Oscar De La Hoya in 2008 and Miguel Cotto in 2009, cementing his status as a top pound-for-pound star alongside Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Pacquiao's journey from humble beginnings in the Philippines to becoming an eight-division world champion is nothing short of inspirational. He achieved unprecedented success, earning twelve major world titles throughout his career. In addition to his athletic prowess, Pacquiao became a cultural icon both in his home country and globally. However, his legacy remains intertwined with controversies surrounding drug testing protocols, particularly during negotiations for a potential bout against Mayweather in 2010. When these talks collapsed due to Pacquiao's reluctance to agree to rigorous testing, it raised questions about his commitment to transparency.

A New Angle on Power and Performance

Terence Crawford's critique of Manny Pacquiao centers around the notion that power, unlike speed or athleticism, tends to endure even as boxers age. Drawing parallels with heavyweight legends like George Foreman, Crawford suggests that Pacquiao's diminished knockout ability post-testing indicates potential reliance on external enhancements. This perspective challenges conventional wisdom about athletic longevity and raises important questions about how we evaluate champions' performances.

While Crawford acknowledges Pacquiao's exceptional skills and accomplishments, his omission of the Filipino boxer from his all-time greats list stems from suspicions rooted in historical accusations. Back in 2009, members of the Mayweather camp had accused Pacquiao of using PEDs, pointing to his extraordinary ability to maintain knockout power across vastly different weight categories. Crawford echoes these concerns, emphasizing the correlation between mandatory drug testing and a noticeable drop in Pacquiao's offensive capabilities. Although alternative explanations such as natural aging exist, Crawford insists that true power should persist regardless of other diminishing factors. This line of reasoning adds another layer to ongoing discussions about fairness, trust, and credibility in professional sports.