Terence “Bud” Crawford’s run as WBC super-middleweight champion has come to an unexpected end, and not because of a loss inside the ring. The World Boxing Council has officially stripped the Omaha-born fighter of his title, citing his failure to pay mandatory sanctioning fees, ESPN reported Wednesday.
Crawford claimed the WBC belt in September after defeating Canelo Alvarez in a stunning unanimous decision that shook up the boxing world. It was a career-defining moment for Crawford, who was celebrated back home with a city-wide parade in Omaha. That celebration is now shadowed by administrative controversy.
According to the WBC, Crawford’s title was revoked due to non-payment of sanctioning fees tied to two recent fights: his bout with Israil Madrimov and the historic win over Alvarez. The organization said it sent several notices to Crawford’s team but never heard back.
“Very unfortunately, the WBC did not receive an acknowledgment of receipt nor any response to any of those communications,” the WBC stated. “The WBC had no choice but to act.”
Sanctioning fees are required for title fights and go toward funding the governing body’s operations and events. Failing to pay those fees can result in disciplinary action, including loss of titles, which is what ultimately happened here.
Crawford responded in an Instagram video, making it clear he was unfazed by the title stripping.
