The World Boxing Organization has announced that the anticipated clash between Sebastian Fundora and Errol Spence Jr. will not be sanctioned as a world title fight. While Fundora holds the WBO junior middleweight title, the organization has ruled that Spence does not meet the necessary criteria to challenge for the belt.
Spence has been inactive since his ninth-round TKO loss to Terence Crawford in July 2023, a fight in which he suffered three knockdowns. Additionally, the Texas native has never competed at junior middleweight and is not ranked in the WBO's top 15 for the division. Despite petitioning for eligibility during the recent WBO Convention in Puerto Rico, the governing body determined that granting Spence a title shot would set an unfavorable precedent.
If Spence defeats Fundora, the WBO title will not be transferred to him. Instead, it will be vacated and awarded to Terence Crawford, who currently holds the WBO interim junior middleweight title.
Watch Spece vs. Crawford highlights: Watch
The WBC belt, which Fundora earned in his narrow victory over Tim Tszyu earlier this year, is expected to be on the line in the bout. Although an official date and venue have not been confirmed, Fundora has stated that the fight is next for him.
"Spence was a champion for a long time," said Fundora. "He defended his title multiple times and unified against top fighters. We’re not overlooking him. Everyone should expect a great fight."
Read more about Errol Spence here.
Image Credit: PBC