The World Boxing Organization has mandated that current WBC/WBO junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora must face interim champion Terence Crawford in his next bout. This decision comes after Crawford’s recent victory over Israil Madrimov, where he captured the WBA 154-lb title and interim WBO belt. Both fighters now have a 30-day negotiation window to agree on the fight terms, or else it will proceed to a purse bid.
Potential Roadblocks
Despite the WBO’s order, there is uncertainty surrounding whether the Crawford vs. Fundora fight will materialize. Both fighters have expressed interest in facing other opponents, with Crawford specifically eyeing a lucrative showdown against Canelo Alvarez in the super middleweight division. This raises questions about Crawford’s willingness to commit to pursuing undisputed status at 154 lbs, given the challenges presented by facing Fundora and the potential winner of the Tim Tszyu vs. Bakhram Murtazaliev bout.
At 6’6″, Fundora presents a unique challenge to Crawford due to his towering height and ability to absorb punishment. Fundora’s relentless offensive output and durability make him a formidable opponent, capable of wearing down even the most skilled fighters. Crawford, on the other hand, is coming off a lackluster performance against Madrimov, raising doubts about his ability to compete effectively in the 154-lb division.
Fundora’s original plan was to defend his WBC and WBO titles against Errol Spence, a fight that promises significant financial incentives. However, if Crawford chooses to accept the challenge, Fundora may opt to vacate his WBO title in pursuit of a potentially bigger payday. The prospect of facing Spence still looms large for Fundora, especially if external parties like His Excellency Turki Alalshikh are willing to contribute to the purses and elevate the fight to a grander scale.
For Crawford, the road to becoming undisputed at 154 lbs is riddled with obstacles, including the formidable presence of Fundora and other top contenders in the division. The prospect of engaging in high-risk, high-reward bouts poses a significant dilemma for Crawford, who must carefully weigh his options and consider the potential consequences of each decision. Moreover, Crawford’s age and recent performance against Madrimov suggest that he may have reached his limit in terms of moving up divisions and facing elite competition.