The recent announcement by WBO president Paco Valcarcel on social media has stirred up excitement in the boxing world. The organization will be ordering a fight between the newly crowned Sebastian Fundora and his mandatory challenger, Terence Crawford. This decision has raised questions and speculation about the future of both fighters in the junior middleweight division.
There are doubts surrounding the likelihood of Fundora (21-1-1, 13 KOs) defending his WBO belt against Crawford. It is rumored that Fundora might vacate the title in favor of a lucrative matchup against Errol Spence Jr. on pay-per-view. This scenario leaves Crawford with the unenviable prospect of facing Josh Kelly for the vacant 154-lb strap. It is evident that this is not the ideal situation Crawford anticipated when he made the decision to move up to the junior middleweight division.
Crawford’s Dilemma and Potential Opponents
The impending predicament for Crawford poses a challenge regarding his next career move. As Fundora seeks a lucrative showdown with Spence, Crawford may have to settle for a less financially rewarding bout against Kelly. The prospect of fighting Kelly for the vacant WBO title may not align with Crawford’s aspirations of maximizing his earnings in his limited time in boxing. The decision between pursuing championship glory or financial gains is a significant factor for Crawford at this juncture of his career.
Crawford’s strategic options are ripe for analysis as he contemplates his next move in the junior middleweight division. While a potential matchup against Kelly offers the opportunity to secure the WBO title, Crawford’s long-term ambitions may lie elsewhere. The allure of facing elite contenders such as Fundora or Tszyu may be a driving force for Crawford’s decision-making process. However, the likelihood of those marquee fights materializing in the near future remains uncertain.
In light of the complexities surrounding Crawford’s future in the junior middleweight division, alternative paths present themselves as viable options. One such option could involve Crawford considering a matchup against Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis at 147 pounds. Alternatively, an audacious move up to the super middleweight division to challenge the reigning king, Canelo Alvarez, could be a tantalizing prospect for Crawford. These strategic considerations highlight the importance of weighing the risks and rewards in Crawford’s pursuit of legacy and financial success in boxing.
Terence Crawford’s upcoming decisions in the WBO junior middleweight division will shape the trajectory of his career in the sport. As he navigates the complex landscape of championship opportunities and financial incentives, Crawford must carefully weigh his options to ensure his legacy and financial security in the competitive world of boxing.