Another example of it honestly being pretty much a foregone conclusion, a matter of time knowing the rematch was contracted. It's why I'm always skeptical now when I hear "undisputed" as really it seems to be the last thing the alphabet boyz want. You just sit there waiting for the undisputed to splinter afterwards. It's enough to leave your head spinning. Crazy times right now. On one hand we have "champs" allowed to hibernate on their belt and use them as pillows for years all the while paying step aside fees to some mandatories. Or worse just having a sanctioning body green light and enable the indifference and ignoring a champ's obligations. Then you have Crawford who faced the top threat and vanquished him. But did so knowing Ennis sat as interim champ and mandatory was on deck with the ibf enforcing the rule. Spence rematch in hindsight is now a match very few actually want. Or 'need'. While when you take favoritism out of the equation (good luck today), a Boots vs Crawford showdown is exactly what fans want and should demand. An "undisputed" champion taking on ALL top contenders especially when they are literally a co-champion of sorts. Tough spot. It's definitely politics to a large degree but it's also not unpredictable. Also it's tarnishing Boots who is now receiving a title with the ease of sitting down to take ownership of a new car. Who wants that? Ala Haney, or even Tszyu though circumstances different as Charlo literally avoided his undisputed champions obligation. To "get paid". And how'd that work out. Feels like the strip needed its own thread . But fighters make decisions and move the pieces on the board accordingly. And also, and most importantly...fans overrate and fawn over shiny trinkets much too easily.