Without question, Terence Crawford is amongst the interchangeable trio of fighters that can be considered as the current pound-for-pound number one. In his next fight, ‘Bud’ may be able to cement his position at the head of the table and the WBC have confirmed a decision that both hinders and helps the American’s claim to the throne.
Crawford became the first man to become a four-belt undisputed champion in multiple divisions when he dominated and stopped Errol Spence Jr. back in July, six years on from when he officially conquered the super-lightweight scene with a victory over Julius Indongo.
The 36-year-old southpaw has recently been linked with an unprecedented three-division jump to face Canelo Alvarez for the undisputed super-middleweight title, but instead it has been confirmed that Crawford will seek to rule the super-welterweight division, with an announcement that he will take on Israil Madrimov for the WBA 154lb title in August.
Additionally, the WBO interim belt will be on the line, meaning either Madrimov or Crawford will become the mandatory challenger for a shot at Sebastian Fundora’s world title, although ‘The Towering Inferno’ is expected to vacate this title imminently, in order to accept a showdown with Errol Spence Jr.
Now, the WBC has announced that the winner of Madrimov-Crawford will become mandatory for the WBC title, also currently held by Fundora – possibly opening the door for a rematch between Crawford and Spence.
However, the WBC added that Crawford has been named as a ‘champion in recess’ as far as his welterweight title is considered, meaning he will need to confirm whether he will campaign at 147lbs or 154lbs during the aftermath of the Madrimov fight.
“The WBC Board of governors has voted in favour to accept our proud WBC welterweight champion, Terence Crawford, to be placed as champion in recess in the welterweight division.
Terence Crawford conquered the WBC Welterweight championship with a spectacular performance knocking out previously undefeated Errol Spence Jr. on July 29th, 2023.
Crawford will fight on August 3rd at the BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, California, in the debut promotion of Riyadh Season in the United States. His upcoming fight will be at Super welterweight against Israil Madrimov.
“The WBC Board also voted in favour of officially sanctioning the Crawford vs Madrimov as a final elimination bout for the mandatory position in the Super Welterweight division.
Terence Crawford will inform the WBC which division he wishes to compete after the August fight.”
As a result, the winner of Madrimov-Crawford is well positioned for a chance to become a three-belt unified title-holder, with every chance that they will fight for the WBO title by the end of the year and hold the position as mandatory challenger for the WBC belt.
Meanwhile, the IBF title would be the finally piece of the undisputed puzzle, currently held by Bakhram Murtazaliev – who defeated Jack Culcay last month in a bout for the vacant belt.
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