Terence Crawford criticized WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman after losing his WBC super-middleweight title. Crawford, known as ‘Bud,’ achieved undisputed 168lb champion status by defeating Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas, making him the first male fighter to hold undisputed titles in three weight divisions. However, Sulaiman confirmed Crawford’s title strip due to unpaid sanctioning fees, leading to a heated response from Crawford during an Instagram live session.
In a bold statement, Crawford questioned Sulaiman’s actions, expressing his refusal to pay the fees and criticizing the WBC for its perceived superiority over other sanctioning bodies. Crawford emphasized the value of The Ring belt over the WBC’s green and gold belt, highlighting the financial burden placed on fighters for the organization’s activities.
Following the controversy, Sulaiman characterized Crawford’s non-payment as a significant disappointment, citing the WBC’s role in facilitating lucrative fights like Crawford-Canelo. Despite the setback, the WBC swiftly organized a vacant title fight between Hamzah Sheeraz and Christian Mbilli to fill the void left by Crawford’s dethroning.
The developments mark a shift in the super-middleweight division, with new contenders vying for the vacant title. Sheeraz and Mbilli, both with recent victories under their belts, are set to compete for the interim title, showcasing the dynamic nature of the boxing landscape.
The ongoing saga underscores the complexities of boxing governance and the financial obligations faced by fighters in pursuit of championship glory. As the sport continues to evolve, the focus remains on the athletes and the challenges they face both inside and outside the ring.