Terence Crawford Loses Undisputed Status
Terence Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs) loses undisputed status after a dramatic shake-up that has stunned boxing fans. The WBC stripped him of its super middleweight title because he did not pay mandatory sanctioning fees. This decision ended his brief reign after dethroning Canelo Alvarez and created one of the year’s biggest controversies.
Why the WBC Took Action
The WBC stated that it contacted Crawford, his manager, and his legal team several times. However, officials say he never responded. As a result, the organization moved forward with the removal. The unpaid fees came from his win over Israil Madrimov in July and his historic showdown with Canelo Alvarez.
The Discount That Fueled the Debate
A major point driving this story is the discount Crawford received for the Canelo fight. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman revealed that the council dropped Crawford’s fee from 3 percent to 0.6 percent. Although Crawford earned $50 million, most of that reduced fee—roughly 75 percent—was directed to the Jose Sulaiman Boxers Fund. The fund supports fighters worldwide, and the discount was considered a special accommodation.
Sulaiman Responds to Crawford’s Silence
Sulaiman openly expressed frustration with Crawford’s lack of communication. He noted that Crawford did not offer “even a thank you” after receiving the reduced fee and special consideration. In addition, he highlighted that the WBC supported Crawford throughout his rise across five divisions and three undisputed championship runs.
What Happens to the Title Next
With Crawford out of the picture, the WBC super middleweight title will now be up for grabs. Interim champion Christian Mbilli will face top contender Hamzah Sheeraz for the vacant belt. Meanwhile, Canelo Alvarez continues recovering from elbow surgery and will likely return in mid-2026.
A Relationship Under Strain
Sulaiman said stripping a fighter “is the last thing an organization wants to do.” Even so, he stressed that Crawford left the WBC with no choice by refusing to respond. He wished the former champion well but warned that many fighters struggle when they step away from established boxing structures.
Watch the Full Breakdown on Noticias Fajador
Watch Felipe Leon’s rapid-fire breakdown of this developing story. Click “Here” or tap the image below to view the segment instantly.
