They are back! Speculations about a potential matchup between Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez have resurfaced. Whether it will see the light of day is something fans will have to wait and watch. But in the meantime, given the way things are shaping up in the light middleweight division, in all likelihood Crawford may once again become a full champion. Till April, the Nebraskan southpaw held the welterweight division’s unified title.

But things changed once he moved up a division. A win over Israil Madrimov made him the WBA titleholder. Additionally, he secured the vacant and interim WBO belt as well. What has brought an inadvertent focus on him is the probable outcome of a potential matchup. Initially, news of a prospective face-off between the reigning unified champion, Sebastian Fundora, and Errol Spence Jr. turned many heads. But it fizzled out as time passed. After a brief spell, the possibilities of a showdown have reemerged. But there’s a catch. And notwithstanding the impact it would have on them, the outcome may not entirely be one Crawford and fans will cringe about.

The road ahead narrowing for Errol Spence Jr.

Award-winning journalist Lance Pugmire shared that the Puerto Rico-based World Boxing Organization (WBO) may be unwilling to extend a recognition to Errol Spence Jr.’s contention as title challenger for Sebastian Fundora’s WBO belt.

Fundora currently holds both WBC and WBO titles. So with Spence Jr. gaining acknowledgment, he will be the title challenger for a unified championship. However, WBO has an objection. Since his decisive loss to Terence Crawford last July, Spence Jr. hasn’t stepped into the ring. More so during the last eighteen months or so, he has been through an eye surgery, thus raising questions about his physical fitness.

The fight against Fundora will mark his debut in the light middleweight division. Perhaps the most significant reason behind WBO’s discomfort could be the fact that Errol Spence Jr. doesn’t hold any position in their top 15 rankings. Maybe letting Spence Jr. fight for their belt may open the doors to problematic trends.

But new paths are emerging for Terence Crawford

So how does the situation bode for Terence Crawford? Incidentally, in August, the WBO had ordered both Crawford and Fundora to begin talks for a fight. They received thirty days to reach an agreement; otherwise, the fight would proceed to purse bids.

What will happen if, despite the WBO not accepting his title challenge, Spence Jr. and Fundora teams settle for a fight? Let’s say Spence Jr. loses the bout, which incidentally many expect; then as far as the WBO is concerned, it will be a non-title fight. Thus, the result won’t affect Fundora at all, as he will continue to retain the belt.

What will happen if Errol Spence Jr. wins? In case of an upset, then the Texas native will gain only the WBC title. Terence Crawford will reap the benefits. As the interim champion, he will occupy the now vacant title. The Nebraskan will become the division’s new unified champion, but subject to future title defense.

Crawford may be looking forward to the monumental clash with Canelo Alvarez. But he may not be averse to the prospect of division unification either.

What is your take on WBO’s stand? Do you think they should extend some leniency towards a boxer of Spence Jr.’s caliber?