Terence Crawford angrily responds to WBC over fee dispute: 'Do you know who I am?'

Terence Crawford unleashed a heated response on Wednesday after the WBC stripped him of its super middleweight title due to a dispute over sanctioning fees.

Crawford, widely regarded as the top pound-for-pound boxer by Uncrowned, took to Instagram to address the sanctioning body's decision, directly confronting WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman. The announcement came early Wednesday during the WBC convention in Bangkok, Thailand, with Sulaiman citing unpaid fees for Crawfords recent fights against Saul "Canelo" Alvarez in September and Israil Madrimov in August 2024.

According to Sulaiman, the WBC requested a reduced sanctioning fee of 0.6% of Crawfords purse for the Alvarez fight, instead of the standard 3%, reflecting the scale of the event. Using an estimated $50 million purse, the WBC reportedly asked for $300,000. Sulaiman emphasized that multiple attempts to contact Crawford and his team went unanswered.

In a video appearing to be filmed from his car, Crawford vocally rejected the WBCs claims and demands. He criticized the organization for expecting higher fees than other sanctioning bodies and questioned their authority over fighters.

Mauricio wants me to pay $300,000 plus another amount for sanctioning fees and act like I owe him an apology. Who does he think he is? The real belt is the Ring belt, which doesnt cost a dime. Why should I pay more to you than to other organizations? Im the one risking my life in the ring, not you, Crawford stated emphatically.

He continued, highlighting the disparity between fighters and officials: You fly, stay in luxury hotels, dine at five-star restaurants, and we pay for it. Every time we step into the ring, were taxed while putting our bodies on the line. Its ridiculous.

Crawford also praised Saudi fight backer Turki Alalshikh, who financed his previous two bouts and supports the Ring Magazine belt, which charges no sanctioning fees, contrasting it with the WBC system.

Author: Zoe Harrison