Terence Crawford becomes a free agent after PBC deal expires
Terence Crawford, fresh from his impressive victory over Errol Spence Jr last year, is gearing up for his next bout, however a surprising turn of events has emerged that suggest he is now a free agent after his PBC deal has expired.
Despite solidifying his status as one of the pound-for-pound greats with a dominant win over Spence to claim the undisputed welterweight championship, the rematch clause has taken an unexpected twist. Following Spence’s cataract surgery last month, ‘Bud’ seems poised to take a different path.
According to reports from Mike Coppinger of ESPN, the failure to trigger the rematch clause means Crawford was stripped of his IBF title late last year and is now no longer bound to fight under PBC, which signals a potential shift in his future matchups.
“Crawford signed a one-fight deal with PBC to meet Errol Spence last July, and after “Bud” won the undisputed welterweight championship, Spence exercised the rematch clause.
“However, Spence underwent cataract surgery in January and the scheduling window provided by the rematch clause has since expired, meaning Crawford, like Canelo, is also a network and promotional free agent.”
Crawford’s newfound free agency presents several potential avenues for the Omaha fighter as he seeks his next opponent. A return to Top Rank and ESPN, where he spent much of his career prior to facing Spence, might seem plausible though he left on bad terms with Bob Arum so exploring partnerships with Matchroom Boxing or Golden Boy Promotions could offer alternative pathways. Additionally, Crawford could opt to negotiate a new agreement with PBC, maintaining his current trajectory.
This news means Crawford follows Canelo Alvarez who is also poised to exit a deal with PBC after just one bout of his three-fight contract.