In a bombshell that has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, Terence “Bud” Crawford, the undisputed super middleweight champion, is at risk of a boxing ban and the stripping of his WBA, WBC, WBO, IBF, and Ring Magazine titles following allegations of a banned substance violation and a referee corruption conspiracy. The revelations, which surfaced on September 17, 2025, at 10:00 PM PDT (1:00 PM ICT, September 18), stem from Crawford’s historic victory over Canelo Alvarez on September 13 at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas. Explosive evidence, including a failed drug test and alleged communications implicating referee Thomas Taylor, has ignited a firestorm, threatening Crawford’s legacy and shaking the sport to its core.

The Banned Substance Scandal

The Nevada Athletic Commission, in a statement released on September 17, confirmed that Crawford tested positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance in a post-fight drug test conducted immediately after his unanimous decision win over Alvarez (116-112, 115-113, 115-113). While the specific substance remains undisclosed pending further analysis, sources close to ESPN report it is a synthetic testosterone derivative, banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The positive test, verified by a secondary sample, has prompted the commission to summon Crawford for a disciplinary hearing on September 22, 2025.

The scandal has stunned fans, given Crawford’s 42-0 record and reputation as a clean fighter. “If true, this is a betrayal of the sport,” tweeted former champion Andre Ward. The potential consequences are severe: a two-year ban from boxing and the immediate stripping of all five super middleweight titles, which would revert to Alvarez or be declared vacant. The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), which oversaw testing, stated, “We are committed to transparency and will release full findings post-hearing.”

Referee Corruption Conspiracy

Compounding the crisis, explosive allegations of referee corruption have emerged, building on claims first raised by Manny Pacquiao. On September 16, Pacquiao accused Crawford of bribing judge Max DeLuca, presenting a video allegedly showing a meeting between DeLuca and a member of Crawford’s team, alongside bank records suggesting a $500,000 transfer. Now, new evidence obtained by BoxingScene implicates head referee Thomas Taylor in a broader conspiracy.

Leaked text messages, purportedly between Taylor and an unidentified associate, suggest discussions about “ensuring a favorable outcome” for Crawford. One message, timestamped September 11, 2025, reads, “Bud’s team has it covered. Just keep it tight.” Additionally, a whistleblower within the Las Vegas boxing circuit provided The Ring with audio recordings allegedly capturing Taylor agreeing to “manage the fight” in exchange for payment. The Nevada Athletic Commission has suspended Taylor and DeLuca, with a full investigation set to coincide with Crawford’s doping hearing.

These allegations align with fan and analyst criticism of Taylor’s in-ring decisions, including a lenient low-blow warning to Alvarez in round six and a controversial pause after an accidental headbutt in round nine that disrupted Crawford’s momentum. “The referee was in Crawford’s pocket,” Pacquiao reiterated on X, where his post garnered 15 million views and fueled the trending hashtag #CrawfordCheated.

The Boxing World Reacts

The twin scandals have divided the boxing community. Canelo Alvarez, who lost his titles to Crawford, demanded justice, tweeting, “If Bud cheated with drugs and refs, the sport is broken. I want my belts back #VivaMexico.” Promoter Turki Al-Sheikh, who financed the fight, called for a “complete overhaul” of boxing’s regulatory system, while Top Rank’s Bob Arum dismissed the corruption claims as “unsubstantiated gossip.” Crawford’s camp issued a vehement denial, with trainer Brian McIntyre stating, “Bud’s clean, and this is a witch hunt. We’ll prove it in court.”

On X, fans are in an uproar, with #BoxingScandal and #StripCrawford trending globally, amassing over 20 million engagements. “Crawford’s a fraud! Drugs and bribes? He’s done #JusticeForCanelo,” one user posted. Others defended him: “This is a setup to rob Bud of his glory. He outboxed Canelo fair and square #TeamBud.” The controversy has drawn comparisons to the 1988 Seoul Olympics judging scandal and Floyd Mayweather’s 2002 IV controversy, with analysts warning of a “crisis point” for boxing’s credibility.

Evidence Under Scrutiny

The evidence against Crawford is under intense scrutiny. The doping results, confirmed by VADA, appear credible, but Crawford’s team claims the substance could have been ingested unknowingly via contaminated supplements, a defense used in past cases like Saul Alvarez’s 2018 clenbuterol violation. The corruption allegations, however, face questions about authenticity. Forensic Media Review noted inconsistencies in Pacquiao’s video, such as irregular lighting, while the leaked texts and audio lack verified metadata. “We need concrete proof, not speculation,” said Sports Illustrated columnist Chris Mannix.

Despite these concerns, the Nevada Athletic Commission is treating the allegations seriously, subpoenaing financial records and hotel surveillance footage. The WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBF have signaled they may vacate Crawford’s titles if either the doping or corruption charges are substantiated, potentially reinstating Alvarez or triggering a tournament for the belts.

Crawford’s Legacy in Jeopardy

Crawford, hailed as one of boxing’s all-time greats for his three-division undisputed reign, faces the biggest threat to his career. A doping ban would bar him from competing until at least 2027, while title stripping would erase his historic achievement as the first male to hold all four major belts in three weight classes. “Bud’s legacy is on the line,” said ESPN’s Teddy Atlas. “If these allegations stick, he’s looking at a fall from grace.”

Crawford, in a brief X post, remained defiant: “I’m innocent. They can’t take what I earned #TruthWillWin.” His legal team, led by attorney Mark Geragos, is preparing to challenge the doping results and sue Pacquiao for defamation over the corruption claims. Meanwhile, Alvarez’s camp is pushing for a no-contest ruling, which could lead to a 2026 rematch projected to break revenue records on Netflix.

A Sport in Crisis

The dual scandals have cast a dark cloud over boxing, with fans and analysts calling for systemic reform. Proposals include mandatory VADA testing for all title fights, AI-assisted judging, and stricter oversight of officials. “Boxing can’t survive another hit like this,” tweeted Boxing News editor Matt Christie. The Nevada Athletic Commission’s hearings on September 22 will be pivotal, potentially reshaping the sport’s future.

As the world awaits answers, the allegations against Crawford—doping and corruption—threaten to unravel his legacy and the credibility of his victory over Alvarez. With Manny Pacquiao’s evidence, fan outrage, and the boxing establishment under pressure, this saga is far from over. Stay tuned for updates on X and beyond as the truth unfolds.