Terence Crawford plans to jump up two weight classes to face Canelo Alvarez this September in Las Vegas. The bout will bring together two of boxing's top pound-for-pound fighters.
Crawford, known as "Bud," currently holds the WBA super-welterweight title at 154 pounds. He'll need to pack on 14 pounds to meet Canelo at the 168-pound super-middleweight limit. Crawford's no stranger to conquering weight divisions, having been undisputed champion at both super-lightweight and welterweight.
The American boxer just added the WBA and WBO interim super-welterweight titles to his collection with a win over Israil Madrimov. But he won't hold onto those belts for long.
WBO president Gustavo Olivieri made things clear on social media:
"We have confirmed Terence Crawford will not return to the 154 lbs division and will relinquish his Interim WBO title upon the official announcement of Canelo/Crawford. Therefore, his mandatory challenger status is moot."
Crawford will likely give up his WBA super-welterweight title too, though he hasn't said so yet.
Canelo brings his WBC, WBA, and WBO super-middleweight titles to the table. The Mexican star plans to fight IBF belt-holder William Scull in May. If Canelo wins, his bout with Crawford could be for all the marbles at 168 pounds.
Meanwhile, the WBO super-welterweight title picture keeps changing. Sebastian Fundora grabbed the belt from Tim Tszyu last month. Now, Fundora's getting ready to defend against Chordale Booker on Saturday. It's Fundora's first fight in a year.
Crawford's plans could shift if Scull pulls off a shocker against Canelo. For now, all eyes are on September in Vegas for a potential super-fight between two of boxing's best.
