Unified welterweight champion Terence Crawford is yet to fight since his dominating win in July, but it seems that an announcement is imminent as ‘Bud’ seeks to dazzle under the bright lights once again and further cement his legacy in the sport.
Crawford has held the WBO version of the world title at each of the three weights that he has conquered thus far, utilising the ‘WBO Super Champion’ rule that allows a title-holder to become mandatory challenger if they move up in weight.
Once again, the 36-year-old switch-hitter will use this to his advantage, as it has been revealed that he has enforced this option and can therefore be expected to appear at 154lbs in his next fight.
The Ring has confirmed that Crawford has enforced his ‘WBO Super Champion’ status during a visit with the sanctioning body last month in San Juan. The designation allows its claimants to immediately challenge for a WBO title at another weight class.
Meanwhile, WBO super-welterweight champion Tim Tsyzu was expected to face Keith Thurman next Saturday, but the latter has been forced to withdraw.
He has since been replaced by Sebastian Fundora, who was due to appear on the undercard in a bout for the WBC crown against Serhii Bohachuk.
On social media, WBO President Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcarcel confirmed that the winner of Tszyu-Fundora must take on the WBO mandatory challenger within 180 days and that negotiations for the title defence must begin five days after their upcoming fight.
“WBO will sanction Tszyu – Fundora ,the winner must face wbo mandatory challenger with in 180 days..Negotiations for wbo mandatory commitment must be started 5 days after the fight”
This means that Crawford’s move to super-welterweight is perfectly timed, with the WBO poised to call their mandatory and enforce talks for a fight between ‘Bud’ and either Tszyu or Fundora that would likely take place in the summer.