Terence Crawford may not be world champion for very longer.
Crawford is set for arguably the toughest test of his career so far when he steps up two weight divisions to 168lbs in order to challenge Canelo Alvarez for his undisputed super-middleweight crown at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday 13 September.
A victory for ‘Bud’ would see him become the first ever male fighter to become undisputed champion in three separate divisions, having already accomplished it at super-lightweight and welterweight.
Crawford is also the current WBA super-welterweight champion after defeating Israil Madrimov at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California last August, in what was the first time that ‘Bud’ completed at 154lbs.
He looks set to soon lose that title though, after it was confirmed on social media by Dan Rafael that he will be stripped come fight night against Canelo.
“Per Gilberto Mendoza [WBA President], when Crawford steps into the ring vs. Canelo he will lose recognition as WBA 154 champion. Baraou, who won the interim title from Tellez, will be elevated and his mandatory will be ordered vs. Jermell Charlo.”
Abass Baraou won the interim WBA super-welterweight title on Saturday after a unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten Yoenis Tellez, and appears to now be set for a future clash with Jermell Charlo.
Former undisputed super-welterweight champion Charlo hasn’t fought since suffering a one-sided defeat to Canelo himself back in September 2023, something that Crawford will be hoping doesn’t happen to him when he goes up against the Mexican superstar next month.
