WBC/WBO 154-lb champion Sebastian Fundora’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, has revealed that WBO mandatory challenger Terence Crawford’s financial demands and desire to be a co-promoter for their potential fight may delay the showdown. Crawford, who is currently a free agent, is seeking a significant payday and co-promotional rights, which Lewkowicz says will not happen.
Lewkowicz believes that the most honorable thing for Crawford to do would be to face Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis at 147 lbs, a fight that Crawford has shown little interest in so far. Instead, Crawford seems to be targeting a lucrative bout against Canelo Alvarez.
Meanwhile, Fundora is expected to be out of action until at least November due to a nose injury he sustained during his thrilling 12-round split decision victory over WBO junior middleweight champion Tim Tszyu last Saturday. When Fundora does return, a rematch with Tszyu is the most likely scenario.
Lewkowicz has stated that he will honor the contract for a rematch with Tszyu, as he believes the Australian deserves another shot at Fundora. Fundora’s manager, Louis DeCubas, will negotiate with WBO president Paco Valcarcel to try and allow Fundora to keep his title while pursuing the rematch.
If the WBO refuses to sanction the rematch, Fundora may have to vacate the title, leaving Crawford to face #1 contender Josh Kelly for the vacant belt. This could be a nightmarish situation for Crawford, as the fight may not generate the same level of interest and financial rewards as his recent bouts.
Fundora’s Promoter Lewkowicz remains committed to making the Fundora-Tszyu rematch, believing that the public will demand it. He also dismissed the notion that Fundora would have lost the fight if not for the cut he suffered during the bout.
