Terence Crawford’s undefeated streak has made him a legend in the boxing world, but could one fighter have shattered his flawless record? Oscar De La Hoya thinks so, and his pick might just surprise you. Crawford, a boxing phenom, has dominated every division he’s stepped into—lightweight, super-lightweight, welterweight, super-welterweight, and most recently, super-middleweight. His historic achievement as the first male fighter to become undisputed champion in three separate weight classes (140lbs, 147lbs, and 168lbs) cemented his legacy, especially after his stunning victory over Canelo Alvarez last September. But here’s where it gets controversial: De La Hoya believes a former welterweight champion could have knocked Crawford out cold—none other than Manny Pacquiao.
In a recent interview with MailSport Boxing’s Knockout series, De La Hoya was asked to choose between Crawford and Pacquiao at their peaks. Without hesitation, he declared, “At their prime, Pacquiao knockout.” This bold statement raises eyebrows, especially considering Pacquiao’s recent return to the ring at 46 years old, where he fought to a majority decision draw against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. Pacquiao’s storied career, which includes becoming boxing’s only eight-weight world champion and defeating legends like De La Hoya himself, Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, and Marco Antonio Barrera, certainly backs up De La Hoya’s claim.
But this is the part most people miss: Pacquiao’s next move remains a mystery. Rumors swirl about a potential rematch with Floyd Mayweather or a clash against WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero. Could Pacquiao still have what it takes to prove De La Hoya right? And more importantly, does Crawford’s dominance deserve this kind of challenge, or is De La Hoya underestimating the undefeated champion?
This debate isn’t just about boxing—it’s about legacy, timing, and the unpredictable nature of the sport. What do you think? Could Pacquiao have knocked out Crawford in his prime, or is De La Hoya’s claim a stretch? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
