Terence Crawford has been stripped of his WBC super middleweight title following a dispute over unpaid sanctioning fees, in a decision that has reshaped the immediate future of the division. The World Boxing Council confirmed the development, stating that repeated attempts to resolve the issue with the American boxer and his management went unanswered.
Crawford made history in September when he defeated Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, becoming the first fighter to hold undisputed world titles in three separate divisions. The victory was considered a monumental moment in modern boxing, elevating the 38-year-old to legendary status and strengthening his unbeaten record.
However, the WBC revealed that sanctioning fees from the bout with Alvarez, as well as Crawford’s earlier fight in 2024 against Israil Madrimov, remained unpaid. The organisation said it had reached out multiple times to Crawford, his manager, and his legal representatives before taking action.
According to the WBC, its repeated communications did not receive acknowledgment or a response. The governing body said the lack of engagement left it with “no choice but to act,” adding that Crawford had been given ample time and opportunity to address the matter.
With the title now vacant, Britain’s Hamzah Sheeraz and France’s Christian Mbilli have been approved to fight for the world championship. Both fighters are currently among the most promising contenders in the weight class, and their matchup is expected to draw strong international interest.
Crawford remains undefeated with a professional record of 42 wins, including 31 knockouts, and has held titles across five divisions. His achievement of becoming undisputed in three weight categories is unprecedented, but his current dispute with the WBC places his future at super middleweight in uncertainty.
The announcement has triggered debate among fans and analysts, with some criticising the governing body’s decision and others pointing to the importance of regulatory compliance. The WBC, however, maintains that sanctioning fees are a contractual obligation for all champions, regardless of their stature.
Crawford has not issued a public response, and it remains unclear whether he will contest the decision or shift focus to other sanctioning bodies. What is certain is that the landscape of the division has changed quickly, opening the door for new contenders and storylines in early 2026.
