Manny Pacquiao Ducking Terence Crawford 'Even When I Was Still Promoting Him,' Arum Says

Manny Pacquiao’s former promoter and Top Rank boss Bob Arum said “Pac-Man” was ducking Terence Crawford even when he was still promoting him.

Several years ago, Pacquiao used to rub shoulders with his former promoter Arum. The pair won an array of title fights together under the Top Rank banner but eventually, the partnership collapsed and Pacquiao left the promotion because of disagreement regarding a promised rematch against Floyd “Money” Mayweather.

Since parting ways, Arum has never been a fan of Pacquiao. In fact, in a recent interview with Fight Hub TV, Arum took a dig at Pacquiao by calling him “old man.” The 88-year-old CEO even revealed that the Filipino legend doesn’t wanna fight Terence Crawford even when he was still with Top Rank.

“Leave Pacquiao alone. He’s an old man. He doesn’t wanna fight Crawford. He doesn’t wanna fight him [Crawford] (even) when I was (still) promoting him. Pacquiao is not competitive with Crawford. He’s a great fighter still but he is not competitive,” Arum said.

Last year, Arum already commented on Pacquiao’s eagerness to still fight given his age. Arum reflected on Pacquiao’s legacy and what he sees happening to boxers when they reach their 40s, an age bracket in which the fighters are already past their prime.

According to Arum, Pacquiao should finally call it a career and finally hang the gloves or else, he might end having brain damage just like former boxing champ Zab Judah.

"When they get older the cranium is thinner, and when you get hit it affects ? that would be the worst thing in the world if Manny Pacquiao suffered brain damage at this point. Zab Judah is a perfect example of how dangerous it is for a guy to continue fighting into his 40s,” Arum said of Pacquiao.

Crawford on the other hand, remains focused on sealing a deal to fight Pacquiao. Between McGregor and Pacquiao, “Bud” prefers Pacquiao and believes that beating the legend is like “the passing of the torch” as the eight-division title holder is last great fighter of his generation. Given Pacquiao’s age, Crawford still respects the Filipino’s power and experience and doesn’t want to underestimate what the legend can do.

“It would be like the passing of the torch. He’s the last great fighter in this era left. Floyd [Mayweather] retired. [Miguel] Cotto retired. Erik Morales, [Marco Antonio] Barrera, whoever you name, they all retired. He [Pacquiao] is the last man standing right now,” Crawford pointed out.