Undisputed super middleweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford is no longer the WBC titleholder at least not on paper. Days after President Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed that Crawford had been stripped of the WBC 168-pound belt, the pound-for-pound king delivered a blistering response on Instagram, making it clear he believes the sanctioning body crossed the line.
The move ends Crawford’s reign as a four-belt titleholder at super middleweight, though the Nebraskan insists he remains the true undisputed champion in the eyes of boxing fans.
Crawford Goes Off: “Who the f* do you think I am?”**
Terence Crawford didn’t hold back while addressing Sulaiman’s claim that he failed to pay the required sanctioning fees figures that reportedly exceeded $300,000 plus an additional six-figure amount tied to the WBC’s structure. In a profanity-laced video, Crawford blasted the organization’s financial demands:
“I saw Mauricio had a lot to say about me not paying him $300,000, plus another $100,000 something for sanctioning fees. Then he gonna tell me I ain’t apologise? Who the fk do you think I am? Boy, you better slap yourself. I ain’t paying your ass st.”
According to Crawford, the issue isn’t the fee itself it’s the WBC expecting more money than the sport’s other sanctioning bodies.
“Everybody accepted what I was giving them and the WBC think you are better than everybody. You have the green belt, which don’t mean f*ing st.”
“You should be paying me” Crawford Says Sanctioning Bodies Live Off Fighters
Crawford further accused the WBC of operating with a sense of entitlement while fighters shoulder all the risk:
“You want me to pay you more than the other sanctioning bodies because you feel like you’re better than them. You can take the f*ing belt. It’s a trophy anyway.”**
He criticized Sulaiman for benefitting from fighters’ labor while enjoying luxury accommodations and travel:
“This dude gets on a plane, gets a hotel suite… five-star meals… Guess who gotta pay for it? Us fighters.”
Crawford argued that sanctioning bodies profit off athletes who put their lives on the line in the ring:
“I’m the motherf*er that’s putting my life on the line, not you… You should be paying me.”**
Crawford Accuses Sulaiman of Favoring Canelo
In one of the most pointed parts of his rant, Crawford suggested Sulaiman never wanted him to dethrone Canelo Alvarez in the first place:
“Mauricio, everybody in the world know you was going for Canelo. You was mad that I beat Canelo. It’s okay. It happens. Say congratulations instead of having that little smirk on your face.”
Crawford claimed the WBC president failed to acknowledge his historic victory and instead resented his tenure as champion.
“Take the belt” Crawford Unbothered by Being Stripped
Despite now being down to three belts at 168, Crawford remained unfazed and said his legacy speaks for itself:
“I been stripped before, it doesn’t matter. I’m still considered the undisputed champion.”
He reiterated that belts are symbolic, while greatness is proven in the ring:
“It’s a trophy anyway.”
What’s Next for Crawford?
While Crawford insists the WBC title doesn’t define him, the organization’s decision introduces uncertainty into the super middleweight landscape. Whether he pursues mandatory obligations with the remaining sanctioning bodies, vacates other titles, or prioritizes mega-fights such as a potential defense against David Benavidez or a second clash with Canelo remains unknown.
But one thing is clear: Crawford’s war with the WBC has only just begun, and his latest comments highlight a growing tension within boxing over sanctioning fees, transparency, and the power of governing bodies.
Oleksandr Usyk Keeps Future Open, Eyes Return to Undisputed Status Despite Belt Changes
Welcome to Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
