Crawford Vacates WBA Welterweight Title, Stanionis Elevated
Terence Crawford has informed the WBA that he is vacating his welterweight title and is keeping his newly won 154-lb belt with the organization. Crawford’s departure means WBA ‘regular’ 147-lb champion Eimantas Stanionis is the new belt holder.
Crawford’s move to vacate his WBA 147-lb title was expected because the division has no major contenders other than IBF champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, and Crawford has no interest in fighting him. Crawford, 36, is fresh off a year-long fight by defeating WBA junior middleweight champion Israel Madrimov via a 12-round unanimous decision on August 3 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
Crawford’s focus remains on Canelo
Since winning the WBA belt at 154, Crawford has shown no interest in defending it or fighting any other champions in the mix.
It is believed that Crawford only wants to fight Canelo Alvarez (61-2-2, 39 KOs) and no one else. If this is true, it is unclear why Crawford did not vacate his WBA 154-lb title. However, he may hold the WBA title in hopes of being offered a ridiculous amount of money to fight Vergil Ortiz Jr. or Tim Tszyu.
Crawford could hang on to his WBA 154-lb title the same way he did his four welterweight titles. He became the undefeated 147-lb champion last July when he defeated IBF/WBA/WBC champion Errol Spence. However, instead of defending his belts, Crawford went on a 13-month layoff before facing Madrimov for his WBA 1544[lb[lbbelt[lb[lbbelt
New Opportunities for Stanionis
Newly crowned WBA welterweight champion, Stanionis (15-0, 9 KOs) will be one of the contenders for IBF champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and his promoter Eddie Hearn to meet. Stanionis has spoken to Hearn about a fight with Boot, but he has not accepted.
Hearn must make an important offer to get Stanionis to agree to fight because he will not agree to fight Ennis if his price is not met. That goes to WBO champion Brian Norman Jr. and WBC champion Mario Barrios.
Last updated on 08/31/2024
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