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Boxing: Controversy Erupts as Terence Crawford Is Stripped of WBC Crown

Terence Crawford’s historic victory over Canelo Álvarez has been overshadowed by a major setback, after the American boxer was stripped of his WBC super-middleweight title.

Crawford made headlines in September when he moved up two weight divisions to defeat Álvarez in a blockbuster bout streamed globally on Netflix, becoming undisputed champion at 168 pounds and unifying a third weight class. The win was widely regarded as one of the standout performances of 2025.

However, on December 3, the WBC confirmed that Crawford had been stripped of the belt for failing to pay sanctioning fees for his last two fights—his victory over Álvarez and his 2024 bout against Israil Madrimov. The decision ends Crawford’s short-lived status as undisputed champion at super middleweight.

READ MORE: Gervonta Davis’ comeback opponent finally revealed, but it’s

Following the ruling, the WBC announced that interim champion Christian Mbilli will face Hamzah Sheeraz for the now-vacant title. No date has been set for the matchup.

Gervonta Davis

Mbilli, who fought Lester Martinez to a draw on the Crawford–Álvarez undercard, enters the fight with a record of 29-0-1. Sheeraz, meanwhile, is coming off a fifth-round knockout win over Edgar Berlanga and holds a 22-0-1 record.

The WBC also confirmed that Martinez, currently 19-0-1, has been designated the division’s No. 1 contender.

Crawford’s next move remains uncertain. He had been linked to a potential bout with the winner of the planned middleweight unification fight between Erislandy Lara and Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, scheduled for December 6. But Alimkhanuly’s withdrawal due to a positive drug test has forced Lara to instead defend his WBA middleweight title against Johan Gonzalez, eliminating the possibility of a unification clash.

The Wait Is Over: Joshua Finally Opens Up as Details of the Fury Fight Deal Are Revealed

Anthony Joshua: After months of speculation, rumors, and growing frustration among boxing fans, Anthony Joshua has finally broken his silence on the much-anticipated fight agreement with fellow heavyweight superstar Tyson Fury. The potential clash between two of Britain’s biggest boxing icons has dominated headlines for years, but repeated delays, failed negotiations, and public disagreements had left many doubting whether the fight would ever happen. Now, Joshua’s comments have reignited hope that the long-awaited showdown may finally be within reach.

For a long time, Joshua remained noticeably quiet while talk of the Fury fight swirled around him. Promoters, pundits, and even Fury himself filled the airwaves with claims and counterclaims, often accusing the other side of delaying the deal. Fans grew impatient, questioning who was truly responsible for the hold-up. Joshua’s silence only added to the mystery, allowing speculation to run wild across social media and sports news platforms.

That silence has now been broken.

Speaking openly, Joshua addressed the situation and made it clear that he has always been willing to face Fury, emphasizing that his focus has been on getting the right agreement in place. Without getting drawn into insults or blame, Joshua suggested that negotiations in modern boxing are complex, involving multiple parties, financial considerations, and timing issues. His calm and measured tone stood in contrast to the heated exchanges that have often surrounded the proposed fight.

READ MORE : Questions arise regarding Anthony Joshua’s conviction with

Anthony Joshua

Joshua’s comments have been widely interpreted as a signal that progress has been made behind the scenes. While no official date or venue has been confirmed, his willingness to speak publicly has been taken as a sign that discussions are no longer stalled. For fans, this represents a major shift, as silence is often seen as a sign of deadlock, while openness suggests movement toward a final agreement.

The potential Joshua-Fury fight is more than just another boxing match. It is a cultural event, one that would bring together two unbeaten-at-their-peak narratives, contrasting personalities, and massive global audiences. Joshua, known for his disciplined approach and Olympic pedigree, represents power, professionalism, and structure. Fury, on the other hand, embodies unpredictability, charisma, and resilience, having returned from personal struggles to reclaim the top of the heavyweight division. A clash between the two would not only determine bragging rights but also settle debates that have divided boxing fans for years.

Joshua also acknowledged the fans during his remarks, recognizing their patience and passion. He admitted that he understands the disappointment caused by repeated delays and assured supporters that his intention has always been to deliver the biggest and best fights possible. This acknowledgment has helped rebuild trust among fans who feared the bout might never materialize.

RELATED NEWS : Boxing world waits anxiously as Terence Crawford fires

Terence Crawford

Industry insiders believe that Joshua speaking out at this stage is strategic. By publicly addressing the situation, he applies subtle pressure on all parties involved to finalize the deal. It also shifts the narrative, moving it away from rumors and toward accountability. In the high-stakes world of heavyweight boxing, perception matters almost as much as performance, and Joshua’s statement has reshaped how the public views the negotiations.

While uncertainty still remains, one thing is clear: the conversation has changed. Joshua’s silence is no longer an obstacle, and the possibility of facing Tyson Fury feels more real now than it has in a long time. Whether the fight is officially announced soon or still faces further hurdles, fans can take comfort in knowing that the door is firmly open.

For now, the boxing world waits once again—but this time with renewed belief. With Joshua finally speaking out and the long-awaited Fury fight deal coming into clearer view, the stage appears set for one of the biggest heavyweight battles of this generation.

“He’s walking into a knockout” – Former champion’s stark warning for Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul

Anthony Joshua: Former WBC interim lightweight champion Ryan Garcia has sounded the alarm on Jake Paul ahead of the YouTuber’s biggest test yet against Anthony Joshua.

With the fight fast approaching, worrying reports from inside Paul’s camp have raised serious doubts about his readiness for a fully fledged heavyweight showdown.

Jake Paul’s preparation for the December 19 clash at the Kaseya Centre in Miami has been far from smooth. The American was originally set to face world lightweight champion Gervonta Davis in November, only for that bout to collapse following a civil lawsuit involving Davis.

READ MORE :Boxing world waits anxiously as Terence Crawford fires

Now stepping into the ring with a former two-time unified heavyweight champion, Paul faces a steep learning curve, having fought just once at heavyweight, a widely viewed exhibition-style bout with Mike Tyson.

In a bid to get up to speed, Paul brought in experienced heavyweight sparring partners, including Lawrence Okolie, Frank Sanchez and Jared Anderson. However, that decision appears to have backfired. In recent days, Paul has been seen sporting visible injuries.

Terence Crawford

Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, he admitted Sanchez was responsible for damage to his nose, saying: “Sanchez cracked it a little bit, so it definitely had a slight little something in there.”

He was also spotted with a black eye, reportedly inflicted by Okolie, sparking rumours that the fight could be postponed. Former WBC heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne even suggested the contest might be called off, claiming: “Lawrence Okolie gave him a black eye or something.”

“BREAKING: The Heavyweight Showdown That Nearly Died Is BACK! Fury-Joshua Rematch CONFIRMED for Riyadh 2026!”

Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua has long been one of the biggest fights that could be made in boxing.
Now, it’s as close as it has ever been to finally happening.
The Ring has learned that a bout between the former heavyweight champions is planned to headline a Riyadh Season card in 2026. Before that can come to fruition, though, Fury and Joshua will fight in separate bouts in early 2026
Joshua is also set to face Jake Paul on Dec. 19 in an eight-round bout on Netflix in Miami.
The 6-foot-9 Fury would be coming out of retirement again after consecutive defeats to current unified and former two-time undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Joshua, 36, is looking to rebound from his fifth-round knockout loss to former IBF champion Daniel Dubois

READ MORE : Questions arise regarding Anthony Joshua’s conviction with

This isn’t the first time Joshua and Fury have been close to facing each other. In 2021, the British stars were on the cusp of fighting to crown an undisputed heavyweight champion.
Anthony Joshua
Deontay Wilder, however, exercised a rematch clause after Fury stopped him in dominant fashion in the seventh round of their rematch, leading to a third bout between them. Joshua had to face Usyk.
Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) lost a unanimous decision to Usyk, while Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) climbed off the deck twice to stop Wilder in the 11th round in a Fight of the Year contender to defend his WBC heavyweight title. Usyk went on to defeat Joshua in a rematch before beating Fury, 37, twice in 2024, with the first victory making him the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Tyson Fury  vs. Anthony Joshua has been teased throughout their careers. Even if there are no titles on the line, it remains one of the biggest fights that can be made.
And if they don’t step into the ring to face each other next year, it’ll go down as one of boxing’s biggest what-ifs in recent memory.

Questions arise regarding Anthony Joshua’s conviction with Fury and Tate opposing Jake Paul boxing story

Anthony Joshua’s upcoming bout with Jake Paul on December 19 in Miami has quickly become one of the most talked-about matchups in modern boxing

While the former two-time heavyweight world champion has expressed confidence in a fast knockout, several voices from the combat sports world have cast doubt on his prediction, suggesting the fight may be far more competitive than Joshua expects.

Joshua, known for his Olympic pedigree and hard-hitting style, has stated publicly that Paul won’t “see the final bell.” The English boxer has even suggested the fight could end within the first two rounds, implying a decisive victory against a fighter with considerably less professional experience.

This confidence comes as no surprise, given Joshua‘s impressive record and status as one of the top heavyweights of his era.

READ MORE : Boxing world waits anxiously as Terence Crawford fires

However, not everyone shares Joshua‘s certainty. Tyson Fury, former heavyweight champion and longtime rival of Joshua, has publicly rejected the notion of an early knockout. In an Instagram interview with OOOSCHTV, Fury suggested the fight could go the full eight rounds, predicting a strategic, points-based battle rather than a quick stoppage.

Terence Crawford

“I think it will go the distance, and I think it will be a move around and a points job,” said Fury.

Fury‘s perspective highlights that while Joshua‘s power is undeniable, the unpredictable style and unorthodox approach of Paul may challenge even seasoned professionals in ways fans may not anticipate.

Adding further intrigue to the debate, internet personality Andrew Tate offered a detailed breakdown of the matchup. Tate suggested that Jake Paul‘s style and attributes could give him a notable advantage over Joshua, referencing Paul‘s past performances against elite opponents like Gervonta Davis.

According to TateJoshua might be more “scary” at first glance, but Paul‘s consistency, accuracy, and resilience could pose a significant challenge inside the ring.

READ MORE : Gervonta Davis’ comeback opponent finally revealed, but it’s

“Although AJ is a lot scarier, Davis would really make a fool of you, because you are gonna miss the whole time, and he’s gonna land the whole time. And if he keeps landing, eventually you’re gonna get knocked out,” Tate told Seconds Out Boxing.

This endorsement of Paul‘s potential has already stirred online discussions and may influence betting patterns leading up to the fight

Expert doubts and fan reactions

Beyond these high-profile opinions, analysts and fans are split over the likely outcome. Some pundits have expressed concern over the mismatch in experience and size, cautioning that Paul could face serious danger if the fight turns one-sided.

On the other hand, Paul himself has embraced the underdog role, predicting a mid-fight knockout of Joshua, estimating that he could finish the bout around the fifth or sixth round. His confidence, bolstered by his social media following, has turned the bout into a spectacle that blends boxing and entertainment.

Gervonta Davis

As fight night approaches, the clash between Joshua and Paul has sparked heated debate across social media, with supporters of both fighters arguing about potential outcomes. Whether it becomes a showcase of Joshua‘s power, a tactical points battle as Fury predicts, or a shocking upset in Paul‘s favor, the event promises to captivate audiences worldwide.

The fight will be streamed live on Netflix, ensuring fans around the globe can witness one of boxing’s most unusual yet compelling matchups

Gervonta Davis’ comeback opponent finally revealed, but it’s definitely not who fans expected—Jake Paul ruled out entirely

When Jake Paul announced that he would be fighting against Gervonta Davis, no one truly knew what to make of it. Paul was going to step into a boxing ring with one of the most dangerous punchers on the planet, but there was a massive height and weight advantage that complicated matters. Everyone was finally going to see what Paul looks like against an elite boxer. But then came Davis’ mounting legal troubles, which put the fight on the backburner

Paul made the decision relatively quickly to cancel the event and look for a different opponent. He found Anthony Joshua, while Davis was left in limbo, mostly due to his own actions. But there’s been another factor at play with Davis’ impending return to the ring: he’s been dealing with a knee injury that hasn’t quite healed yet. Once it does, he has an opponent on his mind, and it isn’t Paul.

Gervonta Davis wants to fight Isaac Cruz in first return fight

Following the recent Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz vs. Lamont Roach Jr. bout, which ended in a controversial draw, Davis claimed that Cruz is the one he has his eye on.

I’m taking him next, soon as my knee gets better.

A fight between Davis and Cruz would be a rematch of their late 2021 bout, which ended with “Tank” winning by unanimous decision. Cruz is a more seasoned boxer now. With Davis not looking like his old self in his fight against Roach, and now dealing with an injury and out-of-ring distractions, that could even the playing field in Cruz’s favor.

As for Roach, it sounds like he would be open to a rematch with either Davis or Cruz. Roach earned a draw in both fights, which were his last two bouts.

Boxing world waits anxiously as Terence Crawford fires back at Canelo’s September rematch demand

Terence Crawford has shared his first thoughts on Canelo Alvarez‘s hopes of securing a rematch next year.

Terence Crawford made history back in September when he stepped up two divisions to dethrone Canelo of his undisputed super-middleweight crown at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

The American was a big underdog heading into the bout due to the size difference that was expected to be on display, but Crawford proved the doubters wrong to earn a unanimous decision win.

The victory saw ‘Bud’ become the first male fighter to ever earn undisputed status in three separate divisions, after already managing to accomplish it at super-lightweight and welterweight earlier in his career, though he has since been stripped of the WBC super-middleweight title.

READ MORE : In a surprising twist, Terence Crawford allegedly gave the

Many fans believed that Crawford’s next move would see him drop down to middleweight in search of claiming world honours in a sixth division, having also held gold at lightweight and super-welterweight.

While that could still be the case, it has since been reported that Canelo is targeting a rematch with ‘Bud’ in September 2026, one year after their first meeting.

Terence Crawford

Crawford has now reacted to that development, telling FightHype that he hasn’t heard anything about a potential second fight with the Mexican superstar.

“That’s new news to me.”

Canelo is currently recovering from elbow surgery, meaning he isn’t set to compete on his traditional Cinco De Mayo date in May and is instead just focusing on facing ‘Bud’ in September, but if Crawford’s comments are anything to go by, the rematch may not be on the cards

The stakes couldn’t be higher: Just before the jaw-dropping Jake vs. Joshua showdown was announced, Tyson Fury dropped a bombshell—claiming he’d put a staggering £1 million on the line. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

And incredibly, he suggested he would back Paul to record one of the biggest upsets in boxing history and knock out Joshua.

Now the pair have officially announced their stunning heavyweight clash which will take place on December 19 in Miami.

Paul had called out Joshua earlier in the year, and a bout looked a realistic possibility despite their vast gulf in experience.

And when reacting to the reports at the time in August, Fury made a stunning prediction.

He said: “Jake Paul chins AJ, yes. 100 per cent. If they fight, I’m putting a million pounds on Jake Paul.”

Fury later added: “I think that AJ is a spent force, and I think Jake Paul is on the rise.

“I like his new heavyweight look, he is a bit chubby, a bit bulky, he is getting there.”

READ MORE : Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn: Anthony Joshua Set to

The prediction of course came as a huge surprise, but is likely one to spite his long-term rival.

Anthony Joshua

As in any fight, Paul has a small puncher’s chance, but he is a massive underdog against the former two-time world heavyweight champion.

The short answer appears to be no, he will likely need a miracle in the eyes of most boxing experts.

Paul has had just one fight at heavyweight, a bizarre exhibition with 59-year-old Mike Tyson who he beat in lacklustre fashion last November.

The YouTube sensation didn’t have an amateur career and has had 13 professional fights against limited opposition.

Joshua has duelled with the likes of undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk and has wins over Wladimir Klitschko and Dillian Whyte to his name.

Backlash is rife, but the pair will take to the ring in a bout which has received professional sanctioning.

Could Tyson Fury face Anthony Joshua afterwards?

Tyson Fury could have a keen eye on the clash as it could well serve as a tune-up for Joshua if he is to face the ‘Gypsy King’ next year.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn: Anthony Joshua Set to Pocket an INSANE £70M If He Fights Jake Paul — Fans Can’t Believe the Number!”

Anthony Joshua is on course to secure a staggering £70m from a highly anticipated clash with internet star-turned-boxer Jake Paul, as advanced negotiations continue for a blockbuster bout expected to be held in Miami next month.

Insiders familiar with the discussions say a colossal prize purse of roughly £140m is on the table, with both Joshua and Paul projected to receive equal shares should the fight be finalised.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, cautioned on Thursday that the agreement is still being ironed out. The contest would mark the 36-year-old’s return to the ring for the first time since his heavy defeat to Daniel Dubois over a year ago. Yet sources indicate an announcement could arrive early next week.

The event would be recognised as a full professional fight under Queensbury rules, not an exhibition match.

A major driving force behind the negotiations is Netflix’s eagerness to air the bout. The streaming platform, currently producing a documentary on Joshua, previously hosted Paul’s November 2024 fight with Mike Tyson, which attracted more than 60 million viewers.

READ MORE : A shocking claim suggests Terence Crawford wouldn’t

Paul’s collapsed matchup with lightweight champion Gervonta Davis has accelerated fresh talks with Joshua’s camp after more than 12 months of speculation about a potential meeting.

“It is not done yet,” Hearn told Daily Mail Sport.

“There has been a lot of gun jumping on this. I think Jake Paul would be mad to take the fight, but we are in talks. We were discussing a very low-key fight for AJ, but an opportunity has come up to make 50 times more money.”

Terence Crawford

Addressing criticism surrounding the spectacle, Hearn added, “Would it be great for Joshua’s legacy? No. But I’ll tell you what is – two-time heavyweight world champion and an Olympic gold medal. This is an opportunity and fair play to Paul if he wants to get in that ring because AJ won’t be messing about.”

Paul holds a 12-1 record compiled largely against obscure fighters and ageing legends, with his only defeat coming at the hands of Tommy Fury.

Tyson Fury’s promoter, Frank Warren, also weighed in, telling Daily Mail Sport, “People are going to criticise it, but I don’t see it that way. As long as these guys are both fit, which they are, then I don’t have a problem. It will get a huge audience – AJ doesn’t cause a lot of noise in the US, and Paul does. People like car crashes. It will do well.”

Beyond the financial windfall, Joshua is also targeting a chance to shake off ring rust after a lengthy layoff. He began light training earlier in the year, underwent minor elbow surgery in May, and ramped up his conditioning again in October.

Amazing! Crawford stunned by insane BKFC offer to throw down with the promotion’s biggest star — fans erupt: “He’d be crazy to accept this!”

Boxing megastar Terence Crawford has now been offered the chance to fight sans gloves in what would come as a surprise move to the BKFC.

Expected to make his return to the ring next year, Terence Crawford is on cloud nine since winning the undisputed super middleweight title against Canelo Alvarez earlier this year.

And linked with a massive chance to make boxing history in a pursuit of the undisputed middleweight title, Crawford has welcomed a clash with an unbeaten European puncher.

However, with his boxing future somewhat up in the air still, the Omaha native has been named on a hit list of stars by bare knuckle fighting’s biggest name.

Mike Perry reveals pursuit of Terence Crawford fight

Fighting exclusively in the ring during his illustrious combat sports career, Crawford has now been offered the chance to duke it out without gloves against former UFC welterweight star Mike Perry.

 

Taking the David Feldman and Conor McGregor-led promotion by storm ever since his debut three years ago.

And improving to 6-0 in the ring last month, Perry has been linked with massive fights in the time since.

However, according to the Flint puncher, a pairing with stars including boxing’s pound-for-pound king Crawford hugely interests him.

“I think of names when you ask me. Nate Diaz, (Jorge), Masvidal, there’s Darren Till,” Perry told MMA Fighting. “Darren Till don’t have experience in bare knuckle that we haven’t seen at the club, and no kicking. … (Terence) ‘Bud’ Crawford, Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua — he’s a little big.

“…Darren Till’s a big fight,” Perry explained. “He’s doing well in boxing. To have a boxer and MMA fighter, and he finally comes over and does the bare knuckle.”

Terence Crawford receives new offer from boxing star

Eyeing a history-making return to the ring next year, Crawford has also been linked heavily with a pairing against Jaron Ennis — with the super welterweight champion training with Canelo for their September clash.

However, over the weekend, another boxing star emerged in the hotly contested race to fight Crawford, with a WBC interim super welterweight champion staking his claim for a bout with the Nebraska favorite.