Many see the WBO's move as forced and politically motivated. The decision raises eyebrows because Crawford jumped two full weight classes to get the top spot. This leap ahead of fighters who battled their way up the rankings doesn't sit well with boxing purists.
The WBO's decision comes just before Crawford's September 13 fight against Saúl 'Canelo' Álvarez at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The sudden ranking boost turns what some saw as a potential mismatch into a fight with championship stakes. It's now set to be one of the year's biggest boxing events.
Fans remain divided on the decision. Some doubt Crawford's ability to succeed against bigger opponents, especially someone of Canelo's caliber. Canelo, known as a high-caliber fighter, has been training hard for this bout.
The WBO's rankings have stirred up more controversy beyond just Crawford. They've also pushed Hamzah Sheeraz to No. 2 at 168 pounds after just one win in the division against Edgar Berlanga. This move displaced Diego Pacheco, who recently beat Trevor McCumby, from the top spot.
These ranking decisions have people questioning the integrity of the WBO's system. It's a reminder that in boxing, rankings can be influenced by factors beyond what happens in the ring.
The controversy might rally more Mexican fans to Canelo's corner, turning the event into a cultural spectacle. It's clear the WBO's decision has added fuel to the fire, generating maximum buzz for the Crawford vs Canelo showdown.
"Crawford has proven himself as a champion at lower weights, but this jump to super middleweight is unprecedented," said boxing analyst Joe Martinez. "The WBO's decision certainly adds intrigue to the fight, but it's hard to ignore the questions it raises about the ranking process."
As September 13 approaches, all eyes will be on Crawford to see if he can live up to his new ranking against one of boxing's biggest stars.