Crawford Could Await Ramirez vs. Taylor Winner

With Josh Taylor seemingly joining up with Top Rank and ESPN, the way is now paved for an undisputed lightweight title fight between Taylor, the WBA and IBF champion, and Jose Ramirez, the WBC and WBO champion. And with that may also come a prize for the winner in the form of a shot against another former undisputed super lightweight champ — current WBO welterweight champion Terence Crawford.

It was announced on Thursday, Jan. 9, that Taylor had signed a “multi-year” contract with Top Rank, putting him under the same banner as Ramirez and Crawford. He also signed an advising contract with MTK Global, similar to Carl Frampton’s current deal.

This was a bit of a shocking defection from Barry McGuigan’s Cyclone Promotions, who are now locked into a legal battle over Taylor’s contract and promotional rights. A court case is set to take place sometime early this year.

Potential fights with both Ramirez and Crawford were reportedly big temptations for Taylor to sign with Top Rank. Its CEO, Bob Arum, even hinted at the two facing off and the winner going up to face Crawford during promotion for Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury 2 last month.

Top Rank has struggled to find a big-name welterweight title challenger for Crawford, with the division’s other champions — WBA “Super” champion Manny Pacquiao and IBF/WBC champion Errol Spence Jr. — under contract with Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions.

Original Story: Boxing Scene