Boxing fans have come up with a bizarre Canelo Alvarez theory after Terence Crawford‘s WBO belt was stopped by airport security in Colombia, turning the champion’s journey home from the WBO Convention into an unexpected talking point.
Just over a month ago, Crawford made boxing history by becoming the first-ever three-division undisputed world champion, with his victory over Canelo in Las Vegas confirmed his status among the sport’s all-time greats.
The achievement sparked jubilant celebrations in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, where thousands gathered to honor their champion as Crawford‘s triumph further solidified his place as one of the most technically gifted fighters of his generation.
In late October, Crawford traveled to Bogota, Colombia, for the World Boxing Organization’s 2025 annual convention, held from October 27 to 31, where the undefeated champion was recognized as one of the event’s most celebrated guests.
He shared photos from the gathering on Instagram, however, what happened next drew even more attention than the convention itself.
Footage shared by Source of Boxing showed Terence‘s luggage being stopped for inspection as he prepared to leave Colombia. Inside, security officers discovered something unusual – his WBO championship belt.
“Security didn’t know what to do with Terence Crawford‘s belt,” the post’s caption read as the short clip showed a female officer carefully examining the belt’s intricate design while Crawford stood nearby, seemingly amused by the situation.
Though minor, the exchange quickly went viral. Fans on social media reacted with a mix of humor and curiosity.
One X.com, formerly Twitter, user wrote, “They knew, they [probably] just wanted to check it out lol.”
A second said, “They’re checking it out since they know who he is & what the belt represents.”
However, one fan offered a more playful theory, “They said they’re going to give it back to Canelo.”
And finally another shared their own story, writing, “I have a replica WBC belt with a whole bunch of autographs, and this happened to me at the airport, too. They eventually let me take it in my carry-on.”
What’s next for Terence Crawford?
During his appearance at the WBO Convention, Crawford hinted that his ambitions in the sport were far from over.
Speaking to Janibek Alimkhanuly‘s manager, Egis Klimas, Crawford delivered a direct message to the Kazakh middleweight:
“I got my eyes on you, Janibek. Good luck,” Crawford said, pointing to his eyes and clenching his fist.
Alimkhanuly responded online with, “Thank you bro,” fueling speculation about a potential matchup should Crawford move up to 160 pounds.
A victory at that weight would make him a four-division champion – a distinction few have achieved.
Outside of boxing circles, few recognize championship belts at first glance, which may explain the airport confusion.
Yet the incident became another moment highlighting Crawford‘s growing global profile and while his future inside the ring remains the subject of speculation, one thing is certain: Terence Crawford‘s Colombian trip will be remembered as much for the laughter at airport security as for his recognition on the world stage.
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