In a confession that has detonated the world of boxing, Terence “Bud” Crawford has admitted the shocking truth behind his controversial victory over Saul “Canelo” Álvarez on September 13, 2025, revealing the dark belly of the $ 500 million contract that orchestrated the fight. In an explosive interview withBOXEO OF ESPNOn September 19, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. EDT (10:00 a.m., ICT, September 20), Crawford dropped the bomb: “He paid me and asked me to use …” The incomplete prayer, interrupted by a dramatic pause, has left fans and analysts who staggered, promoting speculation about bribes, expelled substances and a result placed. While the Nevada Athletic Commission hasten to respond, the admission of Crawford threatens to destroy its legacy and expose a conspiracy in the heart of the largest boxing event.
The fight that was supposed to be historical
The fight for the median weight title Alvarez-Crawford at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas obtained a record of 70,482 fans and more than 41 million viewers in Netflix, generating $ 500 million in ticket revenues, transmission and sponsorship. Crawford, intensifying two kinds of weight, won a unanimous decision victory (116-112, 115-113, 115-113), claiming the titles of the WBA magazine, WBC, WBO, IBF and Ring and become the first male boxer to have undisputed belts into three divisions in the time of four rear. But what was acclaimed as a master class has been unbelievable in the scandal, with the admitted bias of the referee Thomas Taylor, the positive drug test of Crawford and now this confession of pumps.
The $ 500 million contract, negotiated by the Saudi Financial Turki al-Sheikh through its Zuffa Boxing Association, was the largest in the history of boxing, and, according to the reports, Crawford won $ 150 million and Álvarez $ 100 million. Critics had questioned the opacity of the agreement, but Crawford’s admission suggests that it was more than financial: it was a vehicle for manipulation.
Crawford bomb confession
In itBOXEO OF ESPNThe interview, conducted remotely of Omaha, Nebraska, Crawford seemed gloomy, his usual confidence replaced by repentance. “It’s time to clarify,” he said. “The victory over Canelo … It was not all of me. He paid me and asked me to use …” Crawford left, his voice cracked, before adding: “I cannot say more at this time, but the world needs to know. The contract was a cover for something bigger.” He hinted at the “external forces” by pressing him to ensure a victory, linking to previous scandals: his failed test for a synthetic testosterone derivative and Taylor’s confession to favor Crawford to “crown a new king.”
Crawford refused to name “he”, but the context points to Al-Sheikh or a high-level promoter. “The money was too good to say no,” Crawford admitted. “But my soul cost me.” The interview clip exploded in X, accumulating 30 million visits in minutes and causing #CrawfordConfesion, which they tended worldwide with 15 million commitments. “Bud has just admitted that he was bought! Boxing is dead #Crawfordcheated,” a user published. Another wrote: “This is huge. The $ 500 million contract was a bribe? #Exposethetruth.”
The dark secret of the $ 500 million contract
The “real purpose” of the contract, as Crawford referred to, seems to be a facade of influence. Sources close to the agreement saidThe ringthat the clauses buried in the small print allowed “performance incentives” linked to the results, potentially including the use of substances. The incomplete prayer of Crawford, “asked me to use …”, has fed mandatory doping theories to level the play on the power of Álvarez. “They wanted a show, not a fair fight,” said Crawford. “The contract guaranteed Crawford’s victory, whatever happens.”
This revelation is based on the accusation of Pacquiao of the admission of prejudices of Judge Max Deluca and Taylor. The Nevada Athletic Commission, already investigating the fight, has cited contract documents, with a now extended hearing to include Crawford’s testimony on September 22.
Boxing community shock
The reaction has been seismic. Canelo Álvarez, responding in X, wrote: “Bud’s confession shows me. The promoter Eddie Hearn called it “the biggest scandal in the history of boxing”, demanding that the fight be annulled. Manny Pacquiao, who first exposed the statements of bribery, tweeted: “He knew. The disguised man is unmasked #pacquiaotruth.” The Crawford camp issued a denial, claiming that the interview was “edited out of context”, butESPNHe launched the complete footage, not showing manipulation.
X fans are in uproar. “Crawford sold out for $ 500 million? #Striphetitles disgusting,” reads a publication. The supporters replied: “Bud is being coerced. Protect it #teambud.” The scandal has drawn international scrutiny, with the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, condemning “foreign interference” in sports.
Research increases
The Nevada Athletic Commission has accelerated its investigation, calling Al-Sheikh for questioning and freezing $ 50 million in contract funds waiting for review. The AMB, WBC, WBO and IBF have threatened to vacate Crawford’s titles if their admission is justified, potentially restoring Álvarez. Legal experts predict demands from Canelo and Pacquiao, with damages greater than $ 100 million.
Crawford faces a possible prohibition for life if it is guilty of contract fraud or doping collusion. “I regret everything,” he said. “But the truth had to leave.” Your full confession at the audience is expected, where you can appoint names.
A ruined legacy
Terence Crawford’s admission that “he paid me and asked me to use …” has exposed the rotten nucleus of the Canelo vs. contract. Crawford of $ 500 million, turning a historical fight in the darker chapter of boxing. As the Nevada Athletic Commission deepens, and Canelo demands justice, Crawford’s legacy as an undisputed king of three divisions hangs from a thread. With the theory of “Man in Disune” of Pacquiao apparently validated, sport faces a calculation. Who is “he” and what “used” Crawford? The answers could break the boxing forever. Follow the saga in X for live updates as the shocking truth develops.
