Terence Crawford paves way for Canelo Alvarez super fight as he hands fierce rival Errol Spence world title shot

Terence Crawford has reached a resolution with WBO and IBF super welterweight champion Sebastian Fundora.

The WBO ordered Fundora to defend his titles against WBA and WBO ‘interim’ title holder Crawford in August.

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Earlier this month, both men were granted a 10-day extension to strike a deal after struggling to meet the original deadline.

However, one day before the WBO’s cut-off point, ‘Bud’ has agreed to step aside and let Fundora proceed with a voluntary defence of his titles against former foe Errol Spence next.

He did so with the understanding that a unification clash would be explored afterwards.

Crawford defeated Spence to become the undisputed welterweight champion in July 2023 and could end up rematching him in the not-so-distant future if he ends up beating Fundora.

According to ESPN’s Mike Coppinger, Fundora vs Spence is expected to take place in Texas early next year.

Fundora and Spence agreed on terms back in May with the fight originally being targeted for October in Dallas before the WBO’s order.

Crawford’s decision to step aside also paves the way for a super fight with Canelo Alvarez if he chooses to go down that route.

Canelo is expected to return to the ring in May for his usual Cinco de Mayo weekend slot.

The Mexican superstar has declared that he wishes to rematch Dmitry Bivol next, although the Crawford fight is also on the table.

Saudi boxing chief HE Turki Alalshikh has had the contest at the top of his wishlist for some time and called for the blockbuster showdown following Canelo’s victory over Edgar Berlanga last time out.

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HE Alalshikh and Crawford took to Instagram live after Canelo successfully defended his WBC, WBA and WBO super middleweight titles to send a message to the former pound-for-pound king.

“Yo Turki, tell them we are going to go for Canelo next,” said Crawford.

“Yes,” replied HE Alalshikh. “Let’s go! Canelo, come on. We are ready.”

Crawford then added: “You heard it from him. Just put me in the game b****.

“Canelo-Crawford, the biggest fight in boxing. But we stay ready though.

“We stay ready, that way we ain’t got to get ready.”

HE Alalshikh has previously insisted that Crawford is only interested in facing Canelo and may retire if he doesn’t land the fight.