Terrence Crawford used his WBO “super champion” status at 147 to jump over the line to become the mandatory winner of the March 30th fight between Tim Tzu and Sebastian Fundora.
Crawford could make a lot of money from the Australian PPV market by fighting Tszyu, who is 147 years old and has never faced another fighter. The downside to Crawford's decision is that he will be out of action until the summer.
Terrence has been out of the ring since July and is probably considering a year on the shelf until Crawford gets a chance to fight the winner of the Tszyu vs. Fundora fight.
cost of inactivity
This doesn't bode well for the 36-year-old fighter, as Crawford hasn't been able to capitalize on the increased popularity he gained from his win over Errol Spence Jr. last July. Crawford wasted more time in his campaign fighting Canelo Alvarez than getting back in the ring and fighting his best opponent, Jaron “Boots” Ennis.
But Crawford doesn't want to fight him, so he ends up sitting around doing nothing for another year, making no money, watching his popularity decline and losing his career. He's too dangerous, Crawford might lose. As such, he is focused on a more winnable fight with the slow but powerful Tszyu, who is untested as a pro and struggles at times.
The move makes the 36-year-old the next contender to compete for the WBO 154-pound title against the winner of the Tszyu vs. Fundora fight, which many are predicting to be Tszyu.
Calculated risk or missed opportunity?
It's a logical move for Crawford, a Nebraska native. Crawford won't accept a rematch with Errol Spence, has no interest in fighting 147-year-old Jaron “Boots” Ennis, and undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez is giving him a fight. It's because they're being treated coldly.
This is wrong for Crawford to receive a golden parachute severance package for his fight against Canelo. He wouldn't have anything to prove by winning the belt at 154 pounds, which is far too far from the 168-pound weight class, to improve his chances of winning a prizefight. Crawford needs to move up to 168 and knock off a big dog or two.
The winner of Tszyu vs. Fundora probably won't complain too much about having to fight Crawford. Because it's a fight that costs good money.
