Promoter Names the Only Boxer Standing in Crawford's Way to Division King Status

George Rose, promoter of former champion Tim Tszyu (24-1, 17 KOs), stated that WBA and interim WBO super welterweight champion (up to 69.9 kg) Terence Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) must face his client to become the king of the division.

“We will be fighting for the IBF world title. Terence Crawford doesn’t hold this title; it belongs to Bakhram Murtazaliev. So we will fight Bakhram and take that world championship title.

Crawford has belts now. He's someone we would like to talk to in the future, but right now we are focused on Bakhram. Terence will never be the king of the division if he doesn’t face Tim Tszyu. Tim Tszyu is the king of the division,” Rose said.

In early August, the International Boxing Federation (IBF) mandated that Bakhram Murtazaliev defend his title against Tim Tszyu. Tszyu last fought in late March against Sebastian Fundora (21-1-1, 13 KOs) and lost by split decision.

On August 3rd, Terence Crawford won a unanimous decision against Israil Madrimov (10-1-1, 7 KOs).