On September 13, 2025, Terence Crawford achieved a historic milestone by winning the WBC World Super Middleweight Championship after a remarkable victory over Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez. This fight was particularly significant as it was contested for the prestigious WBC, WBO, IBF, and WBA titles, ultimately crowning Crawford as the Undisputed Champion of the world.
The financial implications of this fight were enormous, with reports indicating that Crawford earned $50 million. In light of the event’s significance, the WBC amended its rules, reducing the Boxer’s Bout Fee sanction fee to 0.6%, a notable decrease from the standard 3% mandated by their regulations. Furthermore, the WBC announced that 75% of Crawford’s Bout Fee would be directed to the José Sulaimán Boxers Fund, which is managed by the Nevada Community Foundation. This fund plays a crucial role in supporting boxers globally who require humanitarian aid.
The José Sulaimán Fund has made a substantial positive impact, aiding hundreds of fighters and their families. It has provided invaluable financial and medical support for those facing difficult circumstances. Recent beneficiaries include fighters such as Iran Barkley, who is battling cancer, and the late Vanes Martirosyan.
However, despite these positive developments, the WBC has found itself in a challenging situation regarding Crawford. The organization put the champion on notice due to his non-compliance with certain mandates outlined in the WBC Rules & Regulations. Specifically, Crawford failed to pay the Boxer’s Bout Fees for his last two fights against Israil Madrimov and Saúl Álvarez. The WBC has expressed its disappointment in the lack of communication from Crawford, his manager, and legal counsel despite multiple attempts to reach out for resolution.
This situation highlights the importance of accountability in professional sports and the need for champions to adhere to established regulations. The WBC, in its commitment to supporting fighters through initiatives like the José Sulaimán Fund, continues to play a vital role in ensuring that the sport not only celebrates its stars but also cares for its fighters in need. Terence Crawford’s journey as champion and his contributions to the sport remain a beacon of hope for aspiring boxers worldwide.