Joe Rogan expressed strong disappointment over the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) actions in December regarding Terrence Crawford. The renowned UFC commentator had previously praised Crawford for his impressive performance in the ring last September when the American boxer moved up two weight classes to defeat Canelo Alvarez and claim the undisputed super middleweight title. Crawford’s victory in Las Vegas marked a historic moment, making him the first male fighter in the era of four belts to become an undisputed champion in three different divisions.
However, Crawford’s reign as undisputed champion was short-lived after the WBC stripped him of the super middleweight crown due to a financial dispute. The sanctioning body took this action because Crawford allegedly reduced his payment obligation from 3 percent to 0.6 percent of his reported $50 million purse, equating to a $300,000 fee. In response, Crawford openly criticized the WBC, an outburst that Rogan recently supported during an interview on the Joe Rogan Experience. Rogan emphatically stated that stripping Crawford of his title over a money dispute was absurd and unjust, emphasizing that Crawford earned the championship through his victory and should not lose the belt due to unpaid fees.
Shortly after losing his WBC title, Crawford announced his retirement. He later clarified in a livestream with Adin Ross that the decision was unrelated to losing the undisputed status. At 38, Crawford said he sees himself as old in boxing terms, having started the sport at age seven, and feels he has nothing left to prove or achieve. Moreover, he expressed frustration that no matter what he accomplishes, he would receive little credit, thus influencing his decision to retire.
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Fan Take: This controversy highlights the persistent issues of governance and money in professional boxing, frustrating fans and fighters alike. For the sport, it underscores the importance of transparent and fair management of titles to preserve the integrity and respect of champions within the boxing community.
