THE days of Terence Crawford fighting at welterweight are now definitely over.
After becoming undisputed world champion at 147lbs in July 2023 Crawford was stripped of his IBF title a few months later. A decision which appalled “Bud” but elevated interim belt holder Jaron Ennis to full champion status.
Two months ago Mario Barrios was given a similar reward having held the WBC’s interim bauble for nine months when the sanctioning body upgraded him to official green and gold titlist. On August 12 the WBO followed suit after they were informed by Crawford that he will no longer stay in the welterweight division.
Earlier this month the 36-year-old defeated Israil Madrimov to win the WBA super-welterweight world title in Los Angeles. The points victory added to the American’s impressive list of achievements which includes winning world titles in four weight classes and becoming undisputed in two of them.
Official resolution regarding the WBO Welterweight Division. @terencecrawford #BrianNormanJr https://t.co/sGWhnI446y
— WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) August 12, 2024
Crawford’s decision brings good news for Brian Norman Jr who, just like Ennis and Barrios, is now a fully recognised welterweight champion after the WBO upgraded him to full status. The undefeated 23-year-old had stopped Giovanni Santillan in May which earned him the interim belt. The Georgia fighter may now find himself in the sights of Teofimo Lopez who told ESPN last month he plans to move to welterweight and a bout against his Top Rank stable-mate is now an even greater possibility.
Time to shake up the division 🐺 https://t.co/uPqZd0ERZv
— Brian Norman Jr (@OfficialBNorman) August 12, 2024
After years of welterweight dominance between Crawford and the man he beat to become undisputed – Errol Spence Jr – one of boxing’s most historic divisions is now entering a new phase with new faces. Jaron Ennis, Mario Barrios and Brian Norman Jr are now the fighters to beat at welterweight and it’s expected WBA ‘Regular’ belt holder Eimantas Stanionis will complete the quartet when Crawford is removed of their world welterweight title.