Terence Crawford is looking to get back into the ring for the first time since July last year but now his latest plans have taken a twist after a dispute between negotiating teams.
A letter posted by the World Boxing Organistion shows that Crawford was contracted to be the next fight for whoever came out on top of the WBO junior middleweight contest between Sebastian Fundora and Tim Tszyu.
We now know that was Fundora, who won on points after Tszyu was hindered by a horrendous cut. The letter states that the teams now have 20 days to negotiate from Friday, April 5th and that a purse bid will ensue if no agreement can be made.
The sticking point is there is plenty of clamour for a Fundora versus Tszyu rematch given the seriousness of the cut. According to Fundora’s promoter Sampson Boxing, a rematch was never entered into the contract. A letter posted on X by Ben Damno confirms this.
“We were all so eager to make this fight that many of our agreements were made verbally. There wasn’t enough time. But I wish to make it clear that Team Fundora will honor the agreement. My word is always equal to a signed contract. Tim Tszyu, your rematch is ready when you are.”
The letter then states that when it happens is up to Tszyu and that if it doesn’t happen next, Fundora will take the WBO mandatory Crawford or a fight with Errol Spence Jr, who was in the ring with Fundora after his win.
Whether the WBO would allow this exception for a rematch is yet to be confirmed.