World Boxing Information understands that Terence Crawford is considering relinquishing his welterweight titles with out defending them as undisputed.
The P4P king is anticipated to come back underneath growing strain from mandatories. Add to that his want to win titles at 154, his present crop of belts might by no means be defended.
Crawford beat Errol Spence Jr. for all 4 championships in Las Vegas, including the WBA, WBC, and IBF variations to his WBO crown.
Nevertheless, a mix of obligations to the primary contenders and Jermell Charlo’s place at tremendous welterweight may result in Crawford strolling away from the 147 division.
The IBF needs Jaron Ennis to get his shot after a protracted wait. In the meantime, the WBO ordered Crawford to defend his title towards Alexis Rocha in February.
Terence Crawford rematch is unlikely at 147
These two factors alone will get in the way in which of a rematch with Spence. On the very least, one strap can be gone when the pair collides once more. However as already acknowledged, Crawford vs Spence II will probably occur at 154 kilos anyway.
WBO chiefs knowledgeable Crawford of his duties six months in the past.
“Please be suggested that the events herein have twenty (20) days upon issuance of this discover to barter and attain an settlement for the above-referenced WBO Welterweight Obligatory Championship Contest,” they instructed representatives of Crawford and Rocha.
“If an accord will not be reached throughout the timeframe acknowledged herein, a handbag bid shall be ordered per the WBO Rules of World Championship Contests.
“The minimal acceptable bid within the WBO Welterweight Division is $200,000.00 [Two Hundred Thousand Dollars]. Any of the events concerned might request a handbag bid process at any time
through the negotiation course of.
“Moreover, if a handbag bid ceremony for the Crawford/Rocha bout known as, Part [14 e 1 2] of the WBO Rules of World Championship Contests triggers and governs proceedings per Terrence Crawford’s WBO Tremendous Champion standing, and in accordance with the rights and privileges conferred by such provision.”
Is Crawford shifting to 154?
Crawford obtained a reprieve because of the magnitude of the Spence combat. Nevertheless, gaining a second one could be a protracted shot. The IBF will even anticipate a constructive consequence for Ennis.
Then comes the potential combat with Charlo. The WBO has already acknowledged Charlo will lose his WBO title after the Canelo combat in September. Subsequently, Crawford can nonetheless try and win three belts if he goes down that route.
A combat towards Tim Tszyu, the brand new WBO ruler, can also be on the desk. Proper now, every thing factors to Crawford shifting up in weight. That’s regardless of his admission he can nonetheless make 147.
“It positively doesn’t must be at 147. I’m within the harm enterprise. 147 was form of onerous for me, too,” Crawford stated about dealing with Spence once more at 154.
“I used to be already speaking about shifting up in weight and difficult (Jermell) Charlo, so 154 wouldn’t be out of attain.”
Phil Jay is an skilled boxing information author.
