Just three minutes ago, on September 19, 2025, at 2:45 PM TIC (3:45 AM EDT), boxing legend Manny Pacquiao dropped a bombshell that has sent the boxing world into a frenzy. In a live Instagram session from Manila, the eight-division world champion revealed what he called the “shocking truth” behind the controversial Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford Super Middleweight Fight, declaring: “It’s time to tell the world about this man in disguise.” Pacquiao’s cryptic accusation, hinting at a hidden figure manipulating the outcome of the September 13 bout at Allegiant Stadium, has sparked wild speculation, with fans and analysts scrambling to guess who the “man in disguise” could be. As the scandal deepens, Pacquiao’s revelation threatens to unravel Crawford’s historic victory and expose deep-rooted corruption in the sport.

The fight that triggered chaos
The Alvarez-Crawford clash, watched by 70,482 fans in the arena and 41 million viewers on Netflix, saw Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs) defeat Canelo (63-3-2, 39 KOs) via unanimous decision (116-112, 115-113, 115-113), claiming the WBA, WBC, IBC, and Ring Super Middleweight titles. Crawford’s win made him the first male boxer to hold undisputed belts in three weight classes in the four-belt era. However, the match has been shrouded in controversy, from admitted referee Thomas Taylor bias to Crawford testing positive for a banned substance. Canelo’s claim that he was “forced to lose” has fueled outrage, and Pacquiao’s latest disclosure has only added fuel to the fire.

Pacquiao’s cryptic bombshell
Pacquiao, visibly emotional during his Instagram Live, which peaked at 1.2 million viewers, hinted at a shadowy figure pulling the strings behind the scenes. “It’s time to tell the world about this man in disguise,” he said, pausing dramatically before adding, “He is not who you think. He controls the referees, the judges, even the testing. Canelo fought bravely, but this man made sure he lost.” Pacquiao refused to name the individual, citing “ongoing risks,” but promised more details at a press conference on September 20 in Los Angeles.

The “man in disguise” has sparked wild speculation on X, where #PacquiaoTruth trended within minutes, amassing 5 million engagements. Some fans pointed to Saudi financier Turki al-Sheikh, who funded the fight, suggesting he favored Crawford to create a new star. Others speculated about promoter Bob Arum or even a political figure linked to Crawford’s Nebraska roots. “Pacquiao knows something big. The man in disguise is the master puppeteer #BoxingScandal,” posted one user. Another wrote, “Is it Crawford himself? Hiding his doping? #ManInDisguise.”

Building on scandals
Pacquiao’s revelation follows his earlier accusation that Crawford bribed judge Max DeLuca, backed by video and bank records under investigation by the Nevada Athletic Commission. Referee Taylor’s admitted bias, released by the WBA, confirmed that Canelo was disadvantaged to “crown a new king.” Crawford’s failed drug test for a synthetic testosterone derivative has led to calls for a two-year ban. “This man in disguise ties it all together,” said Pacquiao. “He’s the reason Canelo was robbed.”

Pacquiao, who shares mutual respect with Canelo due to their Filipino-Mexican boxing heritage, pledged to support Álvarez’s pursuit of justice. “Canelo is a brother. I will fight for him until the truth comes out,” he declared. The session ended with Pacquiao challenging the mysterious figure: “Show your face or remain hidden forever.”

Boxing world frenzy
The boxing community is buzzing. Canelo responded on X, writing: “Manny, thank you for the truth. Together, we will expose him #VivaMexico.” Promoter Eddie Hearn called Pacquiao’s words “a wake-up call,” urging the Nevada Athletic Commission to expedite its September 22 hearing. Crawford’s camp dismissed the claims as “fiction,” with trainer Brian McIntyre stating, “Manny is chasing ghosts. Bud won fair #BudTheGOAT.” Crawford tweeted: “Pacquiao, names or remain silent. I am not hiding #TruthWins.”

Reactions on X have been explosive. “Pacquiao is dropping nuclear bombs! Who’s in disguise?” Another Crawford fan defended him: “This is a successful job. Manny is bitter over his own losses #TeamBud.” The hashtag #ManInDisguise has spawned memes and theories, some linking it to broader conspiracies involving Saudi influence in boxing.

Speculation runs wild
Who is the “man in disguise”? Theories abound:

• Turki al-Sheikh: The Saudi promoter, booed during the fight, accused of manipulating it to boost Crawford’s marketability.

• A political figure: Ties to Crawford’s support of certain figures fuel U.S. political interference rumors.

• A shadowy promoter: Some point to a secret advisor in Crawford’s camp.

Pacquiao hinted that the figure has “disguised” their identity through intermediaries, promising “irrefutable proof” at his press conference. Legal experts predict the revelation could trigger lawsuits and further investigations, potentially overturning the fight’s outcome.

A sport on edge
Manny Pacquiao’s three-minute revelation—“it’s time to tell the world about this man in disguise”—has plunged the Canelo vs Crawford fight into deeper turmoil. As the Nevada Athletic Commission prepares for its hearing and Canelo rallies for justice, Pacquiao’s words have galvanized the boxing world. Will the “man in disguise” be unmasked, or is this the latest twist in a saga of scandal? With X on fire and fans demanding answers, the truth behind one of boxing’s biggest nights hangs in the balance. Stay tuned for Pacquiao’s press conference and live updates as this shocking revelation unfolds.