This Sunday, American Terence Crawford was stripped of the belt certifying him as super welterweight champion by the World Boxing Association (WBA) after deciding to remain in the division where he fought and defeated Canelo Álvarez.
In a statement issued by the WBA, the organization noted that Crawford will remain the super middleweight champion (168 pounds), but the title he had won during his time in the super welterweight division (154 pounds) will now pass to the interim champion, who becomes the official titleholder.
The new champion is Abass Baraou, who had been next in line at 154 pounds behind Crawford and would have been required to fight him to defend the belt. However, Crawford chose to stay in the higher weight class.
“Terence Crawford will remain the super champion of the super middleweight division for the World Boxing Association (WBA) following his recent victory over Saúl Álvarez. The American had won the 154-pound title in August of last year after defeating Israil Madrimov. He was later granted permission to move up in weight to face Álvarez,” the WBA stated.
This means that at 37 years old, if Crawford decides to continue his boxing career and avoid retirement, he will have to keep competing in the super middleweight division.
Additionally, Baraou was confirmed as the new super welterweight champion.
“Meanwhile, the super welterweight division will now have Abass Baraou as its sole champion, as decided by the organization’s championship committee. Baraou, previously the interim champion, is now the undisputed super welterweight monarch,” the WBA added.
It remains to be seen whether Terence Crawford will plan to defend his remaining titles, either in a rematch against Canelo Álvarez or another boxer, or if he will choose to retire and close out an undefeated career of 42 fights.
Image: Opinion
