03/13/2025
The yearlong saga surrounding the WBO Junior Middleweight Championship and the futures of Sebastian Fundora and Terence Crawford appears to be nearing a resolution, according to WBO President Gustavo Olivieri.
Photo Credit: Premier Boxing Champions
With Fundora’s mandatory defense overdue, the WBO is prepared to enforce its ruling immediately after Fundora defends his title against Chordale Booker. That decision will put the spotlight on interim champion Terence Crawford, who must decide whether to challenge Fundora for the full title or vacate his position.
“We’ve had discussions with his [Terence Crawford’s] team. We should have more news in probably this week,” Olivieri told Brunch Boxing.
Crawford was first ordered to face Fundora in March 2024. Instead, the three-division champion has been linked to a much bigger opportunity: a September 2025 clash against Canelo Alvarez for the undisputed super middleweight championship.
Photo Credit: Premier Boxing Champions
That looming super fight makes it increasingly unlikely that Crawford will exercise his right to fight Fundora. However, Fundora’s camp remains firm in their stance that Crawford should either accept the fight or be prepared for the consequences.
Fundora’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, did not mince words when discussing the situation.
“Sebastian Fundora, he would love to fight Crawford. Letting [Crawford] continue to be the mandatory, and if he doesn’t take the fight, it will be embarrassing, not for Fundora, for Crawford himself,” Lewkowicz told Brunch Boxing.
Regardless of Crawford’s decision, the WBO appears determined to clear up the championship picture in the coming week. If Crawford declines to face Fundora, the WBO will likely strip his interim title and order a new mandatory challenger, presumably Xander Zayas for the 6’6” junior middleweight champion.
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