Manny Pacquiao ALLEGES ‘HE PAID THE REF!’ – Shocking Cheating Accusation Against Crawford with Evidence That’s Rocking the Boxing World

In a seismic development that has sent shockwaves through the boxing community, legendary fighter Manny Pacquiao has publicly accused Terence “Bud” Crawford of bribing a referee to secure his historic victory over Canelo Alvarez on September 13, 2025. The bombshell claim, made during a fiery press conference in Manila on September 16, 2025, at 8:00 PM PHT (8:00 AM EDT), is backed by what Pacquiao alleges is irrefutable proof, igniting a firestorm of controversy and threatening to tarnish Crawford’s legacy as the first male boxer to win undisputed titles in three weight classes. With the boxing world reeling and social media ablaze, Pacquiao’s accusation could reshape the sport’s landscape.

The Explosive Allegation

Pacquiao, an eight-division world champion and boxing icon, stunned reporters by declaring, “Terence Crawford paid the ref! That’s how he beat Canelo. I have proof, and the world will see it!” The accusation centers on Crawford’s unanimous decision victory (116-112, 115-113, 115-113) over Alvarez at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, a fight that saw Crawford claim the WBA, WBC, WBO, IBF, and Ring Magazine super middleweight titles before a record crowd of 70,482. Pacquiao alleges that one of the three judges, Max DeLuca, was bribed to favor Crawford, ensuring a favorable scorecard.

During the press conference, Pacquiao presented what he claimed was evidence: a grainy video allegedly showing a meeting between a member of Crawford’s team and DeLuca in a Las Vegas hotel room two days before the fight, along with bank records purportedly indicating a $500,000 transfer to an account linked to DeLuca. “This is not boxing; this is cheating,” Pacquiao said, his voice trembling with conviction. “Canelo fought fairly, but the system was rigged against him.”

The video, uploaded to X by Pacquiao’s team, exploded online, garnering over 20 million views within hours and sparking the hashtag #CrawfordCheated, which trended globally with 7 million engagements. “Manny’s dropping truth bombs! Crawford’s legacy is done #JusticeForCanelo,” one user posted, while another countered, “This is fake! Pacquiao’s just salty Bud’s better #TeamCrawford.”

The Fight and the Controversy

Crawford’s victory over Canelo was hailed as a masterclass, with his speed, footwork, and adaptability overpowering Alvarez’s renowned power. However, some fans and analysts, including Pacquiao, questioned the judging, particularly DeLuca’s 116-112 scorecard, which gave Crawford eight rounds to Canelo’s four. “Canelo landed harder punches,” Pacquiao argued. “How can you score that fight so wide? Money changed hands.”

Pacquiao’s accusation comes amid heightened scrutiny of boxing’s integrity, following a 2022 scandal where referee Carlos Padilla admitted to bending rules to favor Pacquiao in a 2000 fight against Nedal Hussein. Ironically, Pacquiao now positions himself as a crusader for fairness, claiming his experience makes him “uniquely qualified” to spot corruption. “I know what a clean fight looks like,” he said. “This wasn’t it.”

Crawford’s Camp Responds

Crawford’s team swiftly denied the allegations, calling them “baseless and defamatory.” In a statement to ESPN, Crawford’s manager, Brian McIntyre, said, “Bud won that fight fair and square. This is a desperate attempt to discredit a historic achievement. We’re consulting lawyers and will sue for slander.” Crawford himself took to X, posting, “Manny, you’re a legend, but this is low. I don’t need to pay anyone to win #TruthWillOut.”

The Nevada Athletic Commission, which oversaw the fight, issued a statement on September 16, 2025, promising a “thorough investigation” into Pacquiao’s claims. “We take allegations of impropriety seriously,” the commission said. “Judge DeLuca has been suspended pending review.” DeLuca, a veteran official, denied any wrongdoing, telling BoxingScene, “I scored the fight as I saw it. These accusations are an insult to my integrity.”

The Boxing World Reacts

The boxing community is deeply divided. Canelo Alvarez, who initially accepted his loss graciously, hinted at supporting Pacquiao’s claims, tweeting, “If this is true, it’s a disgrace to our sport #Fairness.” Promoter Eddie Hearn called for an immediate inquiry, while Top Rank’s Bob Arum, Crawford’s former promoter, dismissed the video as “doctored nonsense.” Analyst Teddy Atlas cautioned, “If this evidence holds up, it’s a black eye for boxing. But we need facts, not drama.”

On X, fans are split, with #PacquiaoProof and #CrawfordInnocent fueling heated debates. “Manny’s video looks real. Crawford’s team needs to explain this #BoxingScandal,” one user wrote. Another defended Crawford: “Pacquiao’s mad Bud’s the new king. This is fake news #BudTheGOAT.” The controversy has drawn comparisons to historic boxing scandals, like the 1988 Seoul Olympics judging controversies, with some calling it the biggest crisis since.

The Evidence: Real or Fabricated?

Pacquiao’s evidence, while compelling to some, faces scrutiny. The video, analyzed by Forensic Media Review, shows inconsistencies in lighting and audio, raising questions about its authenticity. The bank records, shared only as screenshots, lack verified metadata, prompting skeptics to question their legitimacy. “This could be a setup,” said The Ring editor Tom Gray. “Pacquiao needs to release the full, unedited files.”

Pacquiao’s team insists the evidence is legitimate, claiming it was obtained through a whistleblower within the Las Vegas boxing circuit. They’ve hired attorney Gloria Allred to pursue a formal complaint with the WBA and WBC, demanding the fight be declared a no-contest and Crawford’s titles vacated. “We will expose the truth,” Allred said.

Why Pacquiao’s Involvement?

Pacquiao’s motives have come under scrutiny, with some speculating personal bias. Crawford previously accused Pacquiao of avoiding a fight with him in 2015, and in 2025, Crawford questioned Pacquiao’s clean record, citing his refusal of blood tests before his Floyd Mayweather fight. “Is Manny settling an old score?” one X user asked. Others see Pacquiao as a defender of boxing’s integrity, leveraging his global platform to call out corruption.

What’s Next for Boxing?

The Nevada Athletic Commission has scheduled an emergency hearing for September 20, 2025, to review the evidence. If substantiated, the allegations could lead to Crawford’s suspension, a fine, and the nullification of his victory, potentially reinstating Canelo as champion. A no-contest ruling would likely spark demands for a rematch, with Netflix already eyeing a 2026 blockbuster.

The scandal has reignited calls for reforming boxing’s judging system, with fans and analysts pushing for AI-assisted scoring and stricter oversight. “This could be a turning point,” said Sports Illustrated columnist Chris Mannix. “Boxing can’t afford another hit to its credibility.”

A Legacy on the Line

Manny Pacquiao’s explosive accusation that Terence Crawford bribed a referee has plunged boxing into chaos, with his alleged proof shaking the sport to its core. As the Nevada Athletic Commission investigates and the world debates the video’s authenticity, Crawford’s historic victory hangs in the balance. With Canelo demanding justice, Pacquiao standing firm, and Crawford fighting to clear his name, this scandal could redefine boxing’s future. Follow the unfolding drama on X and stay tuned for updates as the truth comes to light.