Crawford, a former undisputed super-lightweight champion, reached the pinnacle of the welterweight division in summer 2022. He defeated Errol Spence Jr. to become the undisputed champion at 147 pounds. After a year-long break, he returned to the ring in August 2023, moving up to junior middleweight to face Israil Madrimov.
The fight with Madrimov was close, but Crawford emerged victorious on points, claiming the WBA junior middleweight belt. This experience at the higher weight class has convinced Crawford to stay there.
"Will I fight again at 147? Never. I'm never going back down there."
Crawford felt stronger at 154 pounds and didn't have to use extreme weight-cutting methods. He told The Ring he felt no difference between 147 and 154 pounds, suggesting the move up in weight suits him well.
The decision to stay at junior middleweight opens up new opportunities for Crawford. He could face Sebastian Fundora, the WBC and WBO belt holder, in a unification bout. There's also talk of Crawford potentially moving up even further to face Canelo Alvarez, the unified super middleweight king.
Some fans and experts noticed Crawford couldn't stop Madrimov, wondering if the new weight class affected his power. Crawford doesn't seem concerned, believing his skill and technique will allow him to succeed at higher weights.
With Crawford's decision, a potential clash with young welterweight ruler Jaron Ennis won't happen. Instead, Crawford will look to make his mark in the higher weight classes, not putting limits on himself as he continues his impressive boxing career.