Terence Crawford’s Temper Tantrum Over Losing the WBC Title
Terence Crawford, one of boxing’s most formidable champions, found himself in a heated argument over being stripped of his WBC super middleweight title. The WBC’s decision to revoke the title was due to Crawford’s refusal to pay the $300,000 sanctioning fee, despite the fact that he was paid $50 million by Turki Alalshikh for the deal. In a series of posts and videos on social media, Crawford expressed his frustration and indignation. He praised The Ring belt, insisting it is “the only belt that’s recognizable as a champion,” and emphasized that it “trumps all belts.” However, this stance is more of a psychological maneuver than a factual one. The reality is that the Ring title, while prestigious, is more about pound-for-pound status and less about actual championship recognition in the eyes of the general boxing fan base.
Negotiating Himself Out of Power
Crawford’s decision to forego the WBC title was a significant miscalculation. The WBC belt, along with the other three major belts from the IBF, WBA, and WBO, is crucial for maintaining his status as an undisputed champion. This status not only elevates his standing in the sport but also enhances his marketability and negotiation power for future fights. By refusing to pay the relatively small sanctioning fee, Crawford has effectively undermined his position. This move could have severe repercussions, particularly when it comes to negotiations with top-tier opponents like Canelo Alvarez. The WBC title is a critical bargaining chip in securing lucrative fights, and without it, Crawford’s negotiating power diminishes significantly.
A Legend Who Won’t Pay the Bill
Despite Crawford’s self-proclaimed status as a legend, his decision to save $300,000 out of a $50 million payday seems shortsighted. The other three sanctioning bodies accepted his negotiated payment terms, but the WBC did not. This discrepancy highlights the WBC’s firm stance and the importance they place on their title. Crawford’s anger and frustration are palpable, but they do not change the fact that he needed the WBC title to maintain his undisputed status. By choosing to be frugal, Crawford has inadvertently hurt his own career prospects. The loss of the WBC title could make it harder for him to command the same level of pay and respect in future negotiations.
Why the Ring Belt Suddenly Matters
Crawford’s assertion that the Ring belt is the “number one belt in the division that trumps all belts” is a strategic move to salvage his reputation. The Ring belt, while highly prestigious, is not recognized by the same broad audience as the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO titles. These major belts are the ones that fans, media, and other fighters recognize as the true markers of championship status. Crawford’s claim that the Ring belt is free and the only one that matters is a way to downplay the significance of losing the WBC title. However, it does not change the reality that being an undisputed champion with all four major belts is more valuable and respected in the boxing world.
Real 168 Sharks
For Crawford to be viewed as the true champion at 168 pounds, he needs to face and defeat the division’s top contenders. His recent victory over Canelo Alvarez, while impressive, came against a fighter who has been carefully selecting his opponents and avoiding the tougher challenges in the super middleweight division. Crawford has yet to face several formidable fighters in the division, including Christian Mbilli, Lester Martinez, Osleys Iglesias, Diego Pacheco, and Hamzah Sheeraz. These bouts would not only solidify his claim as the true champion but also enhance his legacy and marketability.
Conclusion: A Legend in the Making
Terence Crawford’s impassioned defense of the Ring belt and his frustration over losing the WBC title reveal a complex mix of pride, strategy, and perhaps a touch of hubris. While he remains a dominant force in boxing, his decision to prioritize short-term savings over long-term gains could have significant repercussions. To truly cement his legacy and maintain his status as a top champion, Crawford will need to not only hold onto his current belts but also face and defeat the toughest competition in his division. Despite the current setback, Crawford’s talent and reputation ensure that he will remain a significant figure in the boxing world, but the path to undisputed greatness may now be more challenging.
