Manny Pacquiao finally spoke about a possible fight with Terence Crawford, revealing his true thoughts.
The Filipino legend reacted after Oscar De La Hoya predicted a dream matchup. Crawford responded angrily on social media.
“@OscarDeLaHoya said @MannyPacquiao would have beat me because he got stopped by him,” Crawford tweeted. “Look, I would have handled you, Pacquiao, and anyone else who thought they could beat me. Just because I’m responsible doesn’t mean I hold back.”
Pacquiao initially stayed polite but later made his opinion clear.
Manny Pacquiao responds to Terence Crawford
A day after Crawford claimed he would “handle” Pacquiao, the boxing icon sent a respectful message.
“All love, champ. God bless you and your family always,” Pacquiao tweeted earlier this month.
The 46-year-old grew less diplomatic this past weekend. Speaking to ES News, he said, “I think he’s lucky that he didn’t fight me.”
Both fighters remain active, so a matchup could still happen in 2026. Pacquiao last competed at 147 pounds and wants to stay at that weight to win another world title. Crawford, however, beat Canelo Alvarez at 168 pounds and holds multiple world titles, making a return to lower weights unlikely.
Manny Pacquiao rules out Jake Paul
Pacquiao is also unlikely to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. His manager explained why a $35 million offer would not tempt him.
Sean Gibbons said, “Manny is different from other fighters. He is a real fighter and a man of honor. Manny fights for money when it makes sense, not just for cash.”
Gibbons added, “Even if offered $35 million, Manny would decline. He wants genuine fights at his weight, unlike others chasing paydays. Manny never seeks freak show bouts.”
He also emphasized the size difference. “Manny is 147 pounds, Jake Paul is 200. That fight won’t happen. Manny will face real competitors like Ryan Garcia or Gervonta Davis.”
