Terence Crawford Loses WBC Super Middleweight Title Amid Sanctioning Fee Dispute

Terence Crawford, the highly acclaimed boxer who briefly held the WBC super middleweight title, has been stripped of the belt following a dispute over unpaid sanctioning fees, World Boxing Council (WBC) President Mauricio Sulaiman announced. The move concludes a short but impactful reign at 168 pounds for Crawford, which began with a decisive victory over Canelo Álvarez but has now ended in controversy.

The core of the issue revolves around Crawford’s alleged failure to remit the required sanctioning fees for his last two fights: his August 2024 bout against Israil Madrimov, where he competed at junior middleweight, and his subsequent triumph over Álvarez in September of the same year. According to Sulaiman, the outstanding amount for the Álvarez fight alone totaled $300,000. These fees, typically a percentage of the fighter’s purse, are standard practice in professional boxing and are used by sanctioning bodies like the WBC to cover operational costs, fund charitable initiatives, and ensure the integrity of the sport.

Sulaiman expressed his disappointment with the situation, stating, "He forgot how he got to make $50 million. It’s very unfortunate that the WBC did not even receive an acknowledgement of receipt nor anything in response to any of those communications." He clarified that the WBC had offered Crawford a reduced sanctioning fee of 0.6% instead of the standard 3%, with the understanding that the money would be allocated to the Boxers Fund, a WBC initiative dedicated to supporting fighters in need.

The WBC’s decision to strip Crawford of the title marks a significant turn of events, considering the magnitude of his victory over Álvarez. Crawford, known for his adaptability and exceptional boxing IQ, moved up two weight divisions to challenge Álvarez, who was then the undisputed super middleweight champion. Despite concerns about the size disparity, Crawford delivered a masterclass performance, securing a unanimous decision victory with scores of 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113 on the judges’ scorecards. The win not only added another world title to Crawford’s already impressive resume but also cemented his status as one of the sport’s pound-for-pound elite.

"It is with deep regret, deep sadness, that with all the efforts, support and steps the WBC took in good faith [for Crawford]," Sulaiman said. "… the WBC was instrumental in making that fight, the [championship] ring we made [for him] … just to receive a slap in the face is sad."

"It’s very complicated to withdraw a title from a champion — it hurts deeply. Terence Crawford has been very successful, a [five-division] world champion for 13 years. It is just terrible. Not even a thank you, or ‘I’m sorry.’ No response."

Terence Crawford’s journey to the super middleweight division was relatively brief. Before facing Álvarez, he had only one fight at junior middleweight against Israil Madrimov. Crawford previously held the undisputed welterweight title, making him only the second male boxer in the four-belt era to achieve undisputed status in two different weight classes. The other boxer to achieve this is Naoya Inoue. His dominance at welterweight included victories over notable opponents such as Errol Spence Jr., Kell Brook, and Shawn Porter.

The ramifications of the WBC’s decision are immediate. The interim WBC super middleweight champion, Christian Mbilli, is now slated to face Hamzah Sheeraz for the vacant world title. Mbilli, a Cameroonian-French fighter, has an unblemished record of 26 wins with 22 knockouts. He has been steadily climbing the super middleweight ranks and is known for his aggressive style and knockout power. Sheeraz, a British boxer of Pakistani descent, also boasts an undefeated record of 19 wins with 15 knockouts. He is regarded as one of the UK’s brightest boxing prospects, known for his slick boxing skills and devastating punching power. A date and venue for the Mbilli-Sheeraz fight have yet to be formally announced, but it is expected to take place in the coming months.

The decision to strip Crawford of the title has sparked debate within the boxing community. Some observers have criticized the WBC for what they perceive as a heavy-handed approach, arguing that stripping a champion of his title over a financial dispute is unduly harsh. Others have defended the WBC’s actions, emphasizing the importance of upholding its rules and ensuring that fighters comply with their financial obligations. Sanctioning fees are a crucial source of revenue for boxing organizations, and failure to pay them can undermine their ability to operate effectively.

The sanctioning fees collected by bodies such as the WBC go into numerous projects for the sport. Some of this includes: funding for medical research related to boxing, insurance coverage for fighters, and support for retired boxers who are struggling financially.

Crawford’s representatives have not yet issued an official statement in response to the WBC’s decision. It remains to be seen whether Crawford will attempt to negotiate a resolution with the WBC or pursue other options, such as challenging for a title with a different sanctioning body. He remains a highly sought-after fighter, and his next move will be closely watched by boxing fans and industry insiders.

The situation also raises broader questions about the role and influence of sanctioning bodies in boxing. These organizations wield considerable power, as their recognition is often essential for fighters to secure high-profile bouts and compete for world titles. However, the fees they charge have become a source of controversy, with some critics arguing that they are excessive and place an undue burden on fighters, particularly those who are not at the elite level.

In recent years, there have been growing calls for reform in the way sanctioning bodies operate. Some proposals include greater transparency in how sanctioning fees are used, a reduction in the number of recognized titles, and the establishment of independent oversight to ensure that sanctioning bodies act in the best interests of the sport.

The stripping of Crawford’s title underscores the complex and often contentious relationship between fighters and sanctioning bodies. While the WBC’s decision may be seen as a necessary measure to enforce its rules, it also highlights the need for a more equitable and transparent system that benefits all stakeholders in the sport.

Looking ahead, the super middleweight division is poised for a period of transition. With Crawford no longer in the picture, Mbilli and Sheeraz will have the opportunity to establish themselves as the new kings of the division. Other contenders, such as David Benavidez and Edgar Berlanga, will also be vying for their chance to challenge for the title.