In a strategic maneuver that has piqued the interest of boxing enthusiasts, Terence Crawford, currently the mandatory challenger for the WBO 154-pound title, has opted to step aside. This significant decision allows the reigning WBO/WBC champion, Sebastian Fundora, to take on the highly ranked Errol Spence Jr. in a voluntary defense early in 2025 in Texas. Crawford, with an undefeated record of 41-0 and 31 knockouts, has made it clear that he intends to fight the victor of this bout later that same year. This decision highlights Crawford’s keen understanding of the boxing business and his desire to position himself for a major payday.
The WBO had instructed Fundora and Crawford to negotiate and finalize terms for a fight, with impending deadlines creating tension around purse bids. However, by allowing Fundora to fight Spence first, Crawford has effectively sidestepped immediate expectations while setting the stage for a potentially lucrative clash against the winner—the sort of long-term thinking that could define a fighter’s career.
Sebastian Fundora, boasting a professional record of 21-1-1 and 13 KOs, is now gearing up for a pivotal showdown with Errol Spence, a fighter who has been a perennial draw in pay-per-view markets. Fundora’s decision to prioritize a fight with Spence, rather than face Crawford directly, seems prudent given the circumstances. Spence has established himself as a sizeable pay-per-view attraction, often drawing better numbers than Crawford, a factor that undoubtedly influenced Fundora’s decision-making process.
If Fundora wins against Spence, as many experts anticipate, it paves the way for a significant financial encounter with Crawford, solidifying Fundora’s standing in the sport while simultaneously enhancing his financial security. The stakes are undeniably high; however, Spence faces his own set of pressures as he comes back from a tumultuous period marked by injuries and a crushing knockout defeat to Crawford.
Errol Spence, now 34 years old, finds himself in a delicate situation. After an 18-month hiatus and a damaging loss, many are questioning his ability to reclaim the form that once made him a fearsome competitor in the ring. His previous fight against Crawford illustrated the toll both weight and inactivity can take on a boxer’s performance. Despite the daunting landscape in front of him, Spence has not indicated that he will take a less demanding bout to ease back into competition—a decision that could be viewed as both commendable and reckless.
With Spence fighting at 154 pounds, there’s hope that he can find the energy and stamina to compete effectively against Fundora. However, the risk is high; a defeat could usher in discussions surrounding retirement or, at the very least, a reevaluation of his career trajectory.
The boxing scene, particularly within the WBO 154-pound division, is witnessing a period of transition filled with strategic decisions and high stakes. Crawford’s calculated approach, Fundora’s risk-reward strategy, and Spence’s uncertain future create a dynamic arena that reflects the complexities of boxing as a sport and business. As the matchup between Fundora and Spence approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these factors play out, ultimately shaping the future of a division that has captured the imagination of the boxing world.