WBC president speaks out on ‘unfortunate’ situation after stripping Terence Crawford of title
One of the more unexpected developments at this year’s WBC Convention is the growing fallout between the sanctioning body and Terence Crawford.
Earlier this week, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed that Crawford had been stripped of his WBC super middleweight title for non-payment of sanction fees. The decision ends his reign as undisputed champion at 168 pounds, leaving him with the three remaining belts. The now vacant WBC title is expected to be contested by interim champion Christian Mbilli and leading contender Hamzah Sheeraz.
Crawford responded with a furious nine-minute rant on Instagram Live.
“I see Mauricio has a lot to say about the fact that I didn’t pay him $300,000 plus another $100,000 something for sanction fees. Then he’s going to tell me I didn’t even apologize. Like, who the hell do you think I am? Dude, you need to slap yourself. I’m not going to pay your ass. What are you talking about, pay yourself $300,000 What makes you so good as any other sanctioning body?
Despite the outburst, Sulaiman insists the door remains open for Crawford to work with the WBC again. Speaking to iFL TV, he said the organization had done “everything possible” to resolve the issue before taking action.
“It’s very unfortunate. Terence’s actions caused the WBC to make a decision. We tried to find a solution and avoid what ultimately happened. But boxing champions have obligations, just as they have great advantages in being WBC champions.”
He also praised Crawford’s career and made it clear that the relationship was not beyond repair.
“If he ever fights for the WBC and wants to play by the rules, he’s more than welcome.”
