Terence Crawford vs Shawn Porter “likely” headed to purse bid

Top Rank may have avoided a purse bid between Jamel Herring and Shakur Stevenson, but this one looks trickier. Both Dan Rafael and Keith Idec report that the WBO-mandated title fight between welterweight champion Terence Crawford and top contender will “likely” head to an August 20th purse bid that would see Crawford receive a 60/40 split.

Bob Arum had talked about wanting to stage it in November, but he’ll have to work fast.

This certainly isn’t the most surprising outcome; Crawford (37-0, 28 KO) has long been at odds with Top Rank, whose barren welterweight roster has resulted in an uninspiring second reign for the former undisputed 140-pound champ. Barring another BAH GAWD THAT’S KAVANAUGH’S MUSIC moment from Triller, I’d put money on Al Haymon and co. winning the purse bid and subsequently snatching “Bud” up once his current contract runs out.

Whatever the case, I just hope this one gets over the finish line; Porter (31-3-1, 17 KO) is Crawford’s most appealing opponent in ages, a genuine top-flight welterweight who’s given some of the division’s best everything they could handle. I’m cool with any outcome that puts these two in the ring.