Overview
- CMB/WBC officials voted at their Bangkok convention to vacate the 168‑lb title and approved Christian Mbilli vs Hamzah Sheeraz for the championship, with Lester Martínez mandated to face the winner.
- The sanctioning body says Crawford failed to pay required fees for the Canelo Álvarez and Israil Madrimov bouts despite a cut from 3% to 0.6% of a reported $50 million purse and ignored multiple notices.
- The WBC states the fees support the José Sulaimán fund administered via a Nevada community foundation; Crawford remains 42‑0 but loses undisputed status at 168 lbs.
- Crawford fired back on social media refusing to pay and disparaging the WBC belt, intensifying a public rift with council president Mauricio Sulaimán.
- Rematch prospects are uncertain as Álvarez recovers from elbow surgery and Crawford’s camp insists on a $100 million purse, with the WBC saying Canelo will receive priority for a title shot when he declares readiness.