One of the conditions that Crawford wants if he needs to face Pacquiao after his unification fight against Viktor Postol last Saturday, is for the Filipino star to move down to 140 pounds from the welterweight limit of 147 pounds where he has been fighting for a couple of years.
Facing Pacquiao at 140 could be disastrous for Crawford because it is actually Pacquiao’s natural fighting weight. The reason why Pacquiao has been active in the welterweight limit is the fact that it is the most lucrative division in the sport.
Crawford may not be aware that Pacquiao fought Ricky Hatton of England at 140 and boxing fans know how fast and ferocious he was in his natural weight.
Hatton was the 140 pounds (light welterweight) king at the time he challenged Pacquiao in 2009. It took Pacquiao no more than two rounds to finish Hatton with his dominating speed and power.
Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach said he anticipates no problem with Pacquiao moving down to 140 saying it has always been his natural weight.
“I think 140 pounds is where we would see the best Pacquiao. At 147 pounds he’s not bad but I think his ideal weight is 140, where the speed and power will be combined better. Crawford is a competitive fighter, he could be difficult, and Jessie Vargas is coming off a big fight.” Roach said.
For many years fans have not seen Pacquiao in the ring at 140 and to see him again fight in his natural weight will be worth watching as he could move even faster than Crawford.
Roach, who was at Postol’s corner when the Ukrainian succumbed to Crawford’s relentless assault Saturday night, admitted that it was Crawford’s speed that led to Postol’s loss.
“Crawford was just too fast, he surprised me with his talent,” said Roach, who has guided Postol in his quest for a world title victory over Lucas Matthysse.
Since Pacquiao has been used to fighting at 147 and above, Roach needs to guide him gradually down to 140 once a fight agreement is reached because moving down abruptly could weaken him if not properly supervised.
If done properly, and Pacquiao regains his natural speed and power, Crawford may regret facing Pacquiao at 140 as he demanded.
The earlier Arum can make arrangement for the fight, the better for Roach and Pacquiao as they will have more time for the gradual shift.
