Why Terence Crawford Was Stripped of His WBC Title

Austin Jones
8 minutes ago
4 min read

Why Terence Crawford Was Stripped of His Super Middleweight WBC Title And How the Boxing World Is Split

The sanctioning fee controversy shaking the 168 lb division

When the WBC announced they were stripping Terence “Bud” Crawford of his Super Middleweight world title for non payment of sanctioning fees, the combat sports world erupted.

One of the greatest fighters of this era is a man who conquered multiple divisions, dethroned Canelo Álvarez, and remains undefeated at 168 yet suddenly found himself without one of his belts. FIGHT.TV explains why Terence Crawford was stripped of his WBC Title.

Why did this happen And more importantly… was it justified?

Let’s break down the full story, the fallout, and what’s next for Crawford and the division.

Why Crawford Was Stripped: The Sanctioning Fee Battle

Here are the confirmed key facts:

The WBC stripped Crawford for failing to pay their sanctioning fees, which apply to championship bouts.
These fees typically come out to 3% of a fighter’s purse, but for Crawford’s massive payday against Canelo (approx. $50M), the WBC reduced the fee to just 0.6%, about $300,000.

According to WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán, Crawford’s team:
- did not pay
- did not respond
- did not acknowledge any WBC communication

As a result, the WBC declared his title vacant, scheduling a title fight between Christian Mbilli and Hamzah Sheeraz to crown a new champion.

Crawford still holds the WBA, WBO, and IBF belts but the green strap is now off his waist.

Crawford’s Response: “You Can Take the F*ing Belt”

Crawford did not stay quiet. His response was sharp, emotional, and blunt:

He criticized the WBC for demanding fees from fighters who risk their lives.
He argued that sanctioning bodies make millions off fighters while contributing little.
He pointed out inconsistencies between what other organizations charge.
He essentially rejected the legitimacy of the WBC fee structure as a whole.
And finally, he told the WBC publicly: “You can take the f---ing belt.”

It was a line that shook boxing’s political system and has forced a larger conversation about whether sanctioning bodies are outdated, predatory, or simply mismatched with modern fighter economics.

The Bigger Issue: Boxing’s Broken Sanctioning System

This situation exposes long-standing problems:

Sanctioning Fees Are Controversial

They were created to support fighter pensions, medical protections, safety regulations, and organizational structure, but many argue the system has turned into a pay-to-play bureaucracy.

Different Bodies Charge Different Fees

The lack of standardization leads to:

confusion
frustration
distrust
resentment from fighters

The Higher the Purse, the Higher the Fee

For pound-for-pound stars like Crawford, sanctioning fees can be mid-six figures for a single fight. Fighters increasingly question whether the value is worth the cost.

Crawford’s Outburst Touched a Nerve

Because he said out loud what many fighters whisper in private: Why are we, the ones risking brain damage, paying the organizations instead of the other way around?

What Happens Next for the Super Middleweight Division?

The WBC title will now move forward without Crawford. Here’s what fans can expect:

1. Mbilli vs. Sheeraz Will Crown the Next WBC Champion

A new face may rise, but they will forever carry an asterisk: “You didn’t beat Crawford for the belt.”

2. A Potential Unification Fight Is Now More Complicated

Without the WBC strap, the path to undisputed at 168 is fractured.

3. Crawford May Simply Move On

He still holds three belts. He still has superstar drawing power. The WBC may need him more than he needs them.

4. Crawford Could Be Done With Sanctioning Politics Entirely

This may accelerate his exit from the boxing bureaucracy and influence other fighters to challenge the system.

FIGHT.TV Breaks It Down

At FIGHT.TV, we analyze facts first, but we also recognize patterns. And the truth is:

We side with Terence Crawford on this one.

Here’s why:

Crawford gave fans everything: legacy fights, masterful performances, multi-division dominance.
He risked brain cells for decades, something no sanctioning body employee has ever done.
He already proved himself at 168 by beating Canelo, one of the greatest boxers of the modern era.
His career does not hinge on one organization’s approval.

The WBC followed its rules, but rules don’t always mean fairness or logic.

Crawford has reached a level where:

✔️ He’s already cemented as an all time great

✔️ He doesn’t need belts to validate his legacy

✔️ His name alone sells fights

✔️ He has nothing left to prove

And maybe, just maybe it’s time to think about his next chapter.

Is Coaching Crawford’s True Final Act?

If Crawford walked away tomorrow and decided to become:

a head coach
a strategist
the mentor of the next generational talent

…would anyone doubt he’d excel?

Crawford’s mind is elite. His discipline is elite. His skill is timeless.

He might be the perfect architect for the next GOAT, not just the next champion.

Fighters don’t fight forever. Icons evolve.

Crawford might be entering the phase where he shapes new legends instead of defending belts from old systems.

👉 Read more combat sports insights at www.fight.tv/fight-report

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By Austin Jones — CMO & Lead Editor at FIGHT.TV

Austin Jones is a business strategist and combat sports expert. As Chief Marketing Officer and Lead Editor at FIGHT.TV, he covers everything from behind the scenes controversies to dynamic industry breakdowns of promotions, to the satirical side of fight culture. He is also the founder of Business Goals Group LLC, a marketing and consulting powerhouse that provides businesses with expert guidance.