The WBC has wielded the big hammer as it stripped American boxer Terence Crawford of his WBC super middleweight title due to an outstanding financial obligation, the organization announced Wednesday, while ordering a fight between France’s Christian Mbilli and Britain’s Hamzah Sheeraz for the now-vacant belt.
Last September in Las Vegas, Crawford recorded the remarkable milestone of dethroning Mexican star Canelo Álvarez, remaining undefeated and becoming the unified WBA–WBC–WBO–IBF super middleweight champion.
However, according to the Council—currently holding its annual convention in Bangkok—Crawford has failed to pay the mandatory fees required for that victory, as well as for his previous 2024 bout against Israil Madrimov.
“The WBC has sent multiple communications to champion Crawford, his manager, and his legal adviser,” the federation said in a statement.
“Unfortunately, we have not received any acknowledgment or response to these communications. The WBC had no choice but to take action, as champion Crawford had received several notifications and multiple opportunities to resolve the matter,” the World Boxing Council added.
