Terence Crawford hasn’t managed to secure the fight he wants just yet, but his second choice has been ordered to take place.
Since becoming a four-division champion with a debut victory in the super-welterweight ranks over Israil Madrimov, the 36-year-old from Omaha has made it clear he wants to face Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez up at super-middleweight.
The Mexican has been relatively dismissive of the fight, though hasn’t ruled it out. In the meantime, the WBO has ordered its champion Sebastian Fundora, who also holds the WBC belt after a bloody battle with Tim Tszyu, to face Crawford.
Speaking to Boxing Scene, Fundora’s promoter Sampson Lewkowicz said he didn’t expect negotiations to truly kick off until Canelo faces Edgar Berlanga on September 14.
“I’m waiting on an offer now, and I’m certain one will not come until after the 14th. I’d like to find out right now if [Crawford’s] going to fight for the money or the titles. I believe he wants the money.”
Canelo has said he will be willing to listen to an offer for the Crawford bout after the defence against Berlanga. If he accepts, ‘Bud’ may just sit on the sidelines until early 2025.
If he doesn’t and decides to take the ordered unification, Lewkowicz is supremely confident in his man.
“[Crawford] is 37 years old, and Sebastian Fundora will kick his f***ing ass. If [Crawford] fights the way he fought [against Madrimov], he has no shot – he will get knocked out by Fundora.”
The pair have a 30-day negotiation period before purse bids are called. Fundora was previously targeting a fight with Errol Spence Jr, the man ‘Bud’ beat to become undisputed at welterweight.
