The World Boxing Organization has given Sebastian ‘The Towering Inferno’ Fundora an ultimatum to defend his WBC/WBO junior middleweight titles against mandatory challenger Terence Crawford. The clock is ticking as they have until April 25th to negotiate a deal before a purse bid is ordered. This decision poses a dilemma for Fundora – does he prioritize the money or defend his belt?
If Fundora chooses to vacate the WBO title, he opens the door for Crawford to potentially face #1 contender Josh Kelly for the vacant belt. This decision implies that Fundora may pursue a bigger payday against Errol Spence Jr., leaving Crawford with an unattractive option to fight for a lesser title against Kelly. Fundora’s promoter’s desire to maximize profits adds a layer of complexity to the situation as the focus shifts from legacy to financial gain.
Crawford’s Money-Driven Approach
Crawford’s track record suggests that he prioritizes money fights over title opportunities, as seen in his past reluctance to engage in lower-profile bouts. Facing Kelly for the vacant WBO 154-lb title would not align with Crawford’s goal of securing lucrative matchups against notable opponents like Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and David Benavidez. The financial implications of his decision may overshadow the significance of defending a title against lesser-known contenders.
If Crawford rejects the offer to fight Kelly for the vacant title, the responsibility falls on the next highest-ranked contender in the WBO rankings. The scenario of #2 Erickson Lubin facing Kelly for the belt poses a potential mismatch, highlighting the disparity in skill levels between the two fighters. The prospect of having a less popular champion post-bout raises questions about the WBO’s decision-making process and the ramifications of prioritizing financial gain over competitive integrity.
The WBO’s mandate has created a dilemma for both Fundora and Crawford, forcing them to weigh the pros and cons of their decisions. While the allure of a bigger payday may be tempting, the significance of defending a title and preserving one’s legacy should not be overlooked. Ultimately, the outcome of this situation will reveal whether money or legacy holds greater value in the world of professional boxing.