Terence Crawford, the undefeated boxing champion, has made a bold decision to vacate his WBA welterweight title. This move comes as a surprise to many in the boxing world, as Crawford has been a dominant force in the 147-lb division. His decision to give up the title is motivated by his desire to focus on pursuing a fight against Canelo Alvarez at 168. This strategic move reflects Crawford’s ambition to challenge himself against the best in the sport, even if it means leaving behind a title he worked hard to attain.
With Crawford vacating his WBA welterweight title, Eimantas Stanionis has been elevated as the new WBA welterweight champion. This development has significant implications for IBF champ Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, who has been eyeing a potential showdown at 147 to become undisputed. However, the prospect of a Boots-Stanionis matchup seems unlikely at this point, given the challenges in negotiating with champions at welterweight.
Crawford’s decision to focus on pursuing a fight against Canelo Alvarez at 168 showcases his determination to take on new challenges and test his skills against top-tier competition. While holding onto his WBA 154-lb belt, which he won off Israil Madrimov, Crawford is positioning himself for a potential unification fight against WBC/WBO junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora. This high-stakes matchup could be the key to Crawford’s goal of becoming undisputed champion in a third weight class.
Venturing into the undisputed route at 154 poses risks for Crawford, especially as he approaches his late 30s. The challenges of facing fighters like Fundora and the winner of the Tszyu-Murtazaliev fight are formidable, considering Crawford’s age and recent performance. Promoter Eddie Hearn’s doubts about Crawford’s chances reflect the tough road ahead, with retirement against Canelo looming as a tempting alternative. Crawford’s sporadic fight schedule further complicates his path to undisputed glory, prompting calls for him to vacate his WBA 154-lb title and move up to 168.
Looking ahead, Crawford’s next move could define his legacy in the sport. By targeting a potential matchup against Christian Mbilli to enhance his credibility, Crawford could pave the way for a lucrative fight against Canelo. However, the road to a showdown with the Mexican superstar is riddled with uncertainties and risks, as Crawford navigates the complexities of the boxing landscape. His age, fighting style, and strategic decisions will all play crucial roles in shaping his future trajectory and determining his place among the all-time greats in the sport.