The WBO is being criticized by fans this week for the organization that makes Terence Crawford #1 mandatory For the Champion of Canelo Alvarez in their updated ranking on Super Middeeight. Crawford, 37, has not yet fought at 168, and the fighter he replaced on #1, Diego Pacheco, comes with a win over Trevor McCumby.
Canelo vs. Crawford Legitimacy
This move through the WBO is seen as a way for them to legitimize The Canelo Alvarez fight, given their high ranking of Crawford. With the WBO that Crawford makes the compulsory, it pays the organization more attention to this, which has already been announced on September 13 Superfight.
This is a great way for the WBO to increase its marketability by being associated with the Canelo Crawford event. The number 1 ranking by the WBO will help fans to see this collision as a real one, and not the Gimmick surface level that many people consider.
It still seems bad for the credibility of the WBO to give Crawford a number 1 ranking without fighting in the division. Crawford is allowed to jump on two divisions to get a straight title against the undisputed super-middleweight champion, Canelo, is non-sports. It should not be allowed. However, if the WBO gives Crawford a #1 rankings, it makes it look even worse.
It is unfair to have Pacheco downgraded from #1 to #3. In another controversial step, the WBO Hamzah Sheeraz moved to #2 on their 168 pound ranks, despite fighting only once on the super middle weight and beat Edgar Berlanga.
Last updated on 07/26/2025
