Manny Pacquiao refused to back calls for a Terence Crawford vs Errol Spence Jr. rematch but did pick ‘Bud’ as the pound-for-pound number one.
Attending the fight at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Pacquiao was there to cheer on Isaac Cruz – a fighter his promotional company represents.
Cruz fought in the co-main event, snatching a close victory to keep his pursuit of a lightweight title shot intact.
But Crawford captured the attention with a dominant display against a frail and weak Spence. He battered his welterweight rival in nine painful rounds.
Airing his views on the fight and a potential second fight due to a clause in the contract, Pacquiao was unsold on the pair meeting again before the end of the year.
Manny Pacquiao is not sold on a Crawford vs Spence rematch
“I didn’t think the fight would end like that. I thought it would finish twelve rounds, but Crawford did good, he did a good job,” Pacquiao said in a video captured by FightHub TV.
Asked if he was now number one pound for pound, Pacquiao added: “I think so, I think so.”
“I don’t know if there’s a rematch clause, but it was a one-sided fight.”
Concluding with his response to being asked if Crawford was an all-time great, the eight-weight world champion added: “He’s still in his career. So we will see.”
The consensus of fans on social media also agrees with Pacquiao that Spence should regroup. He needs to get a win at 154 to allow Crawford time to defend the belts once or move up.
Could Terence Crawford fight Jermell Charlo?
Jermell Charlo was a target for Crawford before the Spence fight. Reigniting that event would be a high priority for many media and boxing supporters worldwide.
The chance for Crawford to become a three-weight undisputed champion is an opportunity that may never come again between 140 and 154 pounds. Therefore, capitalizing on it now, even at the expense of Canelo vs Charlo, would be welcomed.
That would give Spence time to dust himself down and acclimate to 154. Then, subsequently, he earns a shot at Crawford’s super welterweight titles if he can dethrone Charlo and repeat his feat.
What it does mean at 147 is a certain title shot for Jaron Ennis and Keith Thurman. Also, the others who have patiently waited for their opportunity. Once Crawford vacates, the welterweight division will become a breeding ground for new champions as 140 did before it.
Crawford is now the frontrunner to be named WBN Fighter of the Year. The nod comes after a stellar victory saw him overtake Naoya Inoue and Oleksandr Usyk on the Pound for Pound list.
Phil Jay is an experienced boxing news writer.
