Terence Crawford is no longer in possession of any of the four welterweight world titles.
‘Bud’ stopped Errol Spence in July 2023 to unify the WBO, WBA ‘super’, WBC and IBF belts at 147lbs.
Thus becoming the inaugural undisputed welterweight champion of the four-belt era.
This impressive feat came six years after he did the same at super-lightweight by flattening Julius Indongo.
However, the Baltimore banger has slowly been giving up his welterweight straps over the last year as he transitions to his new home of 154lbs.
Crawford bested Israil Madrimov over the distance in August to claim the WBA super welterweight crown and has now vacated their version of the welterweight world title.
As a result, Eimantas Stanionis has effectively been upgraded from ‘regular’ to full world champion.
The WBA ‘super’ strap was the final piece of the welterweight puzzle that Crawford had held on to after already relinquishing the IBF, WBO and WBC belts.
Crawford’s decision makes it abundantly clear that he has shut the door on that chapter of his career and is now fully focused on reigning supreme over the super welterweight division.
He can take one step closer to that goal if he is able to come to terms over a unification clash with WBO and WBC champion Sebastian Fundora.
When Crawford defeated Madrimov, he not only became the WBA super welterweight world champion but also picked up the WBO ‘interim’ trinket in the process, making him Fundora’s mandatory.
The WBO ordered a 30-day negotiation period on Wednesday to reach a deal and avoid a purse bid hearing.
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Terence Crawford’s world titles
- WBA Super Welterweight Title (2024; 0 defenses)
- WBO Lightweight Title (2014-2015; 2 defenses)
- WBO Junior Welterweight Title (2015-2017; 6 defenses)
- WBC Super Lightweight Title (2016-2017; 3 defenses)
- IBF Junior Welterweight Title (2017; 0 defenses)
- WBA Super Lightweight Super Title (2017; 0 defenses)
- WBO Welterweight Title (2018-2024; 5 defenses)
- IBF Welterweight Title (2023-2023; 0 defenses)
- WBC Welterweight Title (2023-2024; 0 defenses)
- WBA Welterweight Title (2023-2024; 0 defenses)
- WBA Super Welterweight Title (2024-present; 0 defenses)
“Please be advised that the parties herein have thirty (30) days upon issuance… to reach an agreement,” a statement from WBO Championship Committee Chairman Luis Batista-Salas read.
“If an accord is not reached within the timeframe stated herein, a purse bid will be ordered.”
The minimum bid will be set at $200,000 (£152,322) for a fight of this magnitude.
Fundora had been linked to a bout with Spence for several weeks while Crawford remains hopeful that he can land a super fight with Canelo Alvarez.
But they will have to pursue a fight with each other in the meantime if they hope to keep hold of their positions with the WBO.
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News Summary:
- Terence Crawford vacates world title to make intentions clear as new champion crowned
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