The World Boxing Organisation has ordered lanky Super Welterweight kingpin to face Omaha Nebraska's very own Terence ' Bud' Crawford.
Sebastian Fundora the WBC and WBO 154lb world champion has been ordered to face Terence Crawford. Crawford recently moved up to 154lbs in his last fight where he beat Israil Madrimov in a close fight. With that win Crawford became the WBA super champion and WBO interim champion. As a result of becoming WBO interim champion Crawford essentially became Fundora’s mandatory. This is what led to the WBO ordering Fundora to face Crawford. Both men have 30 days to come to deal.
A unification such as this is always great news for a division defragmenting the belts. The winner of this bout will posses three of the four major world titles putting himself in a great position. The winner would be 1 of 2 world champions in the 154lb division. The other champion would be Bakhram Murtazaliev the IBF world champion at 154lbs. This would perfectly set up an undisputed fight at 154lbs.
In terms of a match up the fight is very intriguing. Fundora became WBC and WBO champion when he won an upset victory over Tim Tszyu who at the time was the WBO champion. Prior to their fight Tszyu was undefeated and had soundly beat Brian Mendoza to become champion. In contrast prior to their bout Fundora has just lost to Mendoza by KO in round 7 after being dominated.
Then when it came to the fight between Tszyu and Fundora the fight seemed to be going Tszyu’s way.
However, Tszyu after sustaining a horrific cut in round 2 on the top of his head really started to struggle. Fundora was successfully use his his reach and range as Tszyu struggled to see through the curtain of blood. Tszyu was still able to have some success but not enough to get the decision. As a result Fundora became WBO and WBC champ.
Crawford’s fight to claim a championship at 154lbs was a bit more of technical struggle. This was a high level chess match where both men had success. Many thought Crawford did just enough to get the win. Many were surprised at Crawford’s struggle partly due to Crawfords dominance at 147lbs and Madrimov being underrated. An observation people also came away with is Crawford’s power doesn’t seem to be as devastating at 154lbs. Crawford was able to stun Madrimov a couple of times but not able to massively put a dent in him.
So the fight could go either way. Fundora would have the significant size advantage which could give Crawford problems. And with Crawford’s power not being quite the same at 154lbs this fight could be very tricky. However, Fundora has issues with punch resistance as seen against Mendoza.
Crawford may also have began to fill into the weight class more and be used to the extra weight. Fundora also isn’t the technician Madrimov is. We await the official fight announcement and look forward to this unification.
Stylistically this could be a tricky and intriguing duel.
Whoever wins the tactical war carries the day.
By Samuel Opoku Amoah.
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