Terence Crawford vs. Shawn Porter? WBO orders fight

Terence Crawford told ESPN that he has been trying to lure an elite welterweight into the ring since he moved up from junior welterweight in 2018.

Could the time finally be at hand?

The WBO, whose belt is held by Crawford, has ordered a title defense against No. 2 contender Shawn Porter, according to multiple reports. The fighters have 30 days to reach a deal or the fight will go to a purse bid, meaning it will go to an auction that is open to outside promoters.

“I’ve been begging for a real challenge for years,” Crawford told ESPN. “All the so-called elite welterweights have shown no interest in fighting me. Now one of them is finally being forced to.

“I’ll show once again why I’m the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Be ready.”

Could a fight between Crawford, Boxing Junkie’s No. 1 fighter pound for pound, and Porter, a former 147-pound titleholder, actually be made? That’s anyone’s guess.

They fight for rival outlets, Crawford for Top Rank and Porter for Premier Boxing Champions, which manages most of the top welterweights. Crawford has been on what amounts to an island.

Plus, Crawford and Porter reportedly have had talks about fighting one another in the past and nothing materialized.

Maybe the WBO’s order will finally lead to something.