WBO Names Terence Crawford Mandatory Challenger
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has officially positioned Terence “Bud” Crawford as the mandatory challenger for Saul “Canelo” Alvarez’s Super Middleweight title, a decision that could significantly impact fan interest ahead of the anticipated bout. Crawford, who recently vacated his previous WBO mandatory standing at the 154-pound category, now claims the top spot in the WBO’s 168-pound rankings, marking a crucial step toward a matchup with Alvarez, the current champion in that division.
The WBO declared, “Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford has been recognized as the WBO Mandatory Challenger at 168 pounds after relinquishing his Interim junior middleweight title. This acknowledgment highlights Crawford’s remarkable boxing legacy, placing him as the foremost contender for Canelo Álvarez’s Super Middleweight title.”
Crawford’s impressive record of 41 wins with 31 coming by knockout, alongside his status as a champion across four weight classes and his undisputed reign in two divisions, reinforces the WBO’s move. The organization underlined Crawford’s extraordinary achievements in a detailed five-page release.
Timing and Implications of the Announcement
However, the timing of this announcement raises questions, especially since the fight is already underway and tickets for the event were just released last week. This decision adds another layer to an already intricate narrative, prompting curiosity as to who requested this elevation of Crawford, who has yet to compete at this weight class and has surpassed all other contenders.
Crawford’s Legacy and Future Prospects
Crawford’s accolades are impressive; he is one of only three male boxers to have become undisputed across two weight categories in the four-belt era. Should he succeed in defeating Alvarez, a future Hall-of-Famer and the reigning undisputed champion at 168 pounds, Crawford would cement his legacy further—becoming a five-weight champion and a three-time undisputed titleholder. This victory would place him in an elite historical category, one of the most distinguished in modern boxing.
With this development, the spotlight shifts to Canelo Alvarez, who faces the mounting pressure of defending his title against one of the most decorated challengers of his career, despite the existing weight differences.
