Terence Crawford has set the wheels in motion to take the WBO super welterweight title from Sebastian Fundora without a fight.
World Boxing News understands Crawford triggered his option of facing the champion after claiming the interim version against Israil Madrimov earlier this month. Due to his standing with the WBO as a three-weight and ‘super’ champion, ‘Bud’ has sizable pulling power with the organization and was granted his request immediately. That’s despite Fundora having negotiated a deal with Errol Spence Jr. for months.
It’s not secret, and Crawford is well aware, that Fundora vs Spence is on the verge of being confirmed. However, that hasn’t stopped the Omaha man from asking the WBO to give Fundora 30 days to negotiate his challenge. Crawford will know full well that Fundora will not be able to follow through with this request due to his commitment to Spence and the PBC’s forthcoming schedule.
This scenario means Crawford will get the title without facing Fundora in the ring.
In a letter sent to WBN, the WBO said, “Please be advised that the parties herein have thirty [30] days upon issuance of this notice to negotiate and reach an agreement for the above-referenced WBO Jr. Middleweight [super-welterweight] Mandatory Championship Contest.
“If an accord is not reached within the timeframe stated herein, a purse bid will be ordered per the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests. The minimum acceptable bid in the WBO Jr. Middleweight Division is $200,000.00 [Two Hundred Thousand Dollars]. Any of the parties involved may request a purse bid procedure at any time during the negotiation process.
“Furthermore, if a purse bid ceremony for the Crawford/Fundora bout is called, [the rule mentioned above] triggers and governs proceedings per Terrence Crawford’s “WBO Super Champion” status [Rights and Privileges, not a title], with the rights conferred by such provision. The aforementioned rule states as follows: Conversely, this Committee’s “Resolution” dated April 22, 2024, regarding Sebastian Fundora, which all terms and conditions are incorporated hereby and made part of this negotiation order.”
Unless both sides can agree, Crawford will be the full WBA and WBO champion by the end of next month. Fundora vs. Spence will then be for the WBC championship only, as Crawford aims to clean out another division.
Many would have preferred Crawford to take both titles from whoever wins the Fundora vs Spence, but that doesn’t seem like the plan.
The views expressed in this article are the opinions of Phil Jay. Learn more, read all articles from the experienced boxing writer, and follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
