What’s Next For Terence Crawford?
Terence Crawford is no longer the WBA Welterweight Champion after vacating his belt, leaving question marks over his next steps.
Crawford made the decision after becoming the WBA Junior Middleweight Champion with a win over Israil Madrimov. The victory made Crawford a four-weight world champion as he sought a fight with Canelo Alvarez. The Mexican will face Edgar Berlanga on September 14 in a defense of his super middleweight titles. Canelo has given a mixed response to the Crawford fight.
He first ruled out the fight, saying he would get no recognition for beating a 147 fighter. Canelo then stated that the fight could occur, leaving the door open. Crawford has been ordered to box Sebastian Fundora for his WBO Junior Middleweight Title. That unification also offers Crawford the WBC belt, allowing him to unify. While that is a big fight, reports stress that Bud could retire. Canelo reacted to the WBO order, stating that a fight was not out of the question.
Crawford Vacates
“According to what he formally communicated to the pioneer organization, Terence Crawford decided to remain champion in the super welterweight division of the World Boxing Association and vacate his welterweight belt. The American sent a letter in which he informed his decision to keep the 154-pound belt and vacate the 147-pound belt, which will leave Lithuanian Eimantas Stanionis as the only welterweight champion.
“Crawford won the title last August 3 with his victory over Israil Madrimov in Los Angeles. At that time, he was the champion of two different divisions. He has decided to stay in super welter and continue his career in that category. The WBA received the communication and responded to Crawford with a letter signed by the director of the championships committee, Carlos Chavez, in which he acknowledged receipt and sent a wave of thanks and recognition,” WBA statement
What’s Next?
Crawford now has a decision to make. A fight with Fundora gives Crawford a chance to take a step closer to becoming undisputed in a third weight class. Crawford became undisputed in two weight classes following his feats at 140 and 147. His achievements at welterweight came when he stopped Errol Spence Jr. to become the first Undisputed Champion in the four-belt era.
He joined Naoya Inoue and Oleksandr Usyk as undisputed in two weight classes in the four-belt era. Undisputed in a third weight class makes him one of the greatest of all time since no one has achieved that. That is more likely at 154 since Canelo is no longer undisputed at 168. He was stripped of his IBF belt at 168 after not facing his mandatory William Scull. Crawford has said he simply wants to prove his greatness. Eddie Hearn felt Crawford may not box again if he gets the right fight.
“I don’t think Terence Crawford will ever fight again unless he gets Canelo. I don’t think Crawford will fight again. He definitely won’t fight Vergil Ortiz, won’t rematch Madrimov, he’s made a lot of money, and I think he’s comfortable isn’t he?” Hearn stated
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