Is Terence Crawford Looking To Leave Top Rank?
Terence Crawford (36-0, 27 KOs) is just days ahead of his upcoming defense of the WBO World Welterweight title against former IBF World Welterweight champ Kell Brook (39-2, 27 KOs) on November 14 at the MGM Grand Bubble in Las Vegas. However, much of the talking surrounding Crawford has seemingly been about other than his upcoming fight against Brook.
Media and fans have loudly asked when we will see the 33-year-old from Omaha, Nebraska face the elite fighters in the division like current unified IBF/WBC Welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr and former 147-pound world titleholders Keith Thurman (29-1, 22 KOs) and Shawn Porter (31-3-1, 17 KOs).
On the surface, the prevailing issues seem to be that promotional issues are impeding those fights. Crawford is on the dotted line with Top Rank while Spence, Thurman, and Porter are all with PBC.
An interesting backstory is Bob Arum. During an interview on Barbershop Conversation, the CEO of Top Rank Promotions admitted there is a possibility that Crawford could leave Top Rank for PBC. Appearing on The Last Stand With Brian Custer, Crawford was asked about Arum’s comments.
“Well right now, like I said, I’m with Top Rank and that’s the promotional company that I’m with, and who knows what the future may hold. Right now, that’s my promoter and that’s who I’m fighting for.”
Crawford feels nothing is standing in the way of a fight happening between himself and the prominent welterweights over at PBC. He argues since they technically do not have a promoter and captain their ships, that is preventing them from coming to the negotiation table and hammering out a deal.
TROUBLE IN PARADISE?
Custer followed up on the issue, asking if he were to leave Top Rank, what would be the reason?
“Business, it’s all about business. At the end of the day, it’s all about business, that’s what it comes down to.”
The WBO 147-pound champ further said to Custer that his current deal with Top Rank ends in a few months. Also, he says he has put pressure on his promoter to get him the fights he wants and to maximize his dollar. Otherwise, he may look to move on.
In a very subtle (or not so subtle) way, this is Terence Crawford laying down his gauntlet to Top Rank. For Arum to admit that his fighter may seek greener pastures with another promotional company, coupled with what Crawford said to Custer, is there possible tension between the two behind the scenes?
“Bud” Crawford’s focus is on his upcoming fight against Brook. Although, it would not be simple speculation to suggest he is privately thinking about possibly moving on from his current situation.
Stay tuned to 3KingBoxing for this developing situation.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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