The negotiations for a unified title bout between interim WBO super welterweight champion Terence Crawford, and WBO 154 lbs champion Sebastian Fundora, appears to have received an extension by the WBO on the behest of both parties. The two had been ordered to face each other on at least two occassions since April, with the WBO recently re-announcing the urgency to see the WBO interim and world 154 lbs titles unified.
Aside from both Terence Crawford (41-0, 31 KO’s) and Sebastian Fundora (21-1-1, 13 KO’s) holding their respective versions of the WBO super welterweight (154 lbs) title, they further are in possession of the WBA and WBC title respectively, paving the way for a 3-belt unified champion to emerge if they would face each other.
However, this significant unification fight appears to be less preferred by Fundora and his team. His manager, Sampson Lewkowicz, had previously indicated clear interest in matching Fundora with Errol Spence Jr.—and this was further corroborated by an in-ring appearance by Spence following Fundora’s March 30 victory over Tim Tszyu. ESPN also indicated the two would fight this month, but this now appears a very distinct possibility following the WBO’s latest press release.
Within the official letter sent to both Crawford’s and Fundora’s representatives yesterday on October 1, the WBO has decided to extend the negotiation period for the two fighters which had previously been set from August 28 to September 27. As both parties indicated the need for an extension of the deadline on September 30, the WBO has now opted to grant the two parties an additional 10-day period to reach an agreement.
This now sets the new deadline at October 10, whereafter purse bid proceedings will be arranged if the two parties fail to positively conclude talks by this date.
The recent news now practically confirms the Fundora-Spence Jr. bout has met its expiration date, further compounded by the fact Spence has not yet indicated whether he has found a new trainer after splitting from former coach Derrick James earlier this year.
