TERENCE Crawford has been stripped of his WBC super middleweight title in a stunning development.
The 38-year-old only grabbed the belt in September after defeating legend Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez to become undisputed super middleweight champion.
Crawford held all the gold after his super-fight with Canelo AlvarezCredit: Getty
Sheeraz, who defeated Edgar Berlanga last time out, is now in line to pick up the goldCredit: Getty
However, the WBC has now stripped Crawford of their belt for not paying his fees to the organisation.
In fact, the WBC has called Crawford’s refusal to pay for his last two fights a “slap in the face.”
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman read from a news release detailing that the unbeaten Crawford, after defeating Canelo stiffed the sanctioning body of $300,000 in sanctioning fees – a drop in the ocean to his $50m purse (0.6%, in fact.)
He is also accused of previously denying payment from his August 2024 victory over Israil Madrimov down at junior middleweight.
“He forgot how he got to make $50 million,” Sulaiman said.
Crawford was already stripped of his WBA super-welterweight title in the wake of his victory over Canelo after he informed the governing body he would not be returning to that weight class.
The WBC board then voted to make a clash between interim champion Christian Mbilli and England’s in a title fight for the now vacant belt.
Sheeraz, 26, is also unbeaten with 22 wins and one draw to his name.
The Slough-born star fought for the middleweight world title back in February and drew with Carlos Adames, but at 6-foot-3, moving to super-middleweight would be no issue.
He had targeted a showdown with either Canelo or Crawford following the latter’s win.
He told The Ring: “I could still fight Canelo.
“But I’d just like a shot at the titles, no matter who has got them.
“If Crawford has them, if he stays at the weight, then I’ll fight him.
“But if he vacates then I’m mandatory with the WBC.
“I just want a crack at the titles.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
