Crawford Retires, Leaving 168 Without a King

High fighters like David Benavidez and David Morrell have been frozen out, whereas Canelo picked and selected beatable opposition. Crawford being permitted to skip transfer up two divisions and skip to the entrance of the road to struggle Canelo for his titles was one other instance of how toxic it had develop into. The division had been dominated by an growing older King who had stopped taking dangerous fights years in the past.

Now that the titles are separated, we are able to see youthful expertise get the photographs that they deserve. We’ll see high quality fights, not mismatches like we’ve seen repeatedly since Canelo held the belts.

It’s too unhealthy the titles have been separated two years in the past when Benavidez and Morrell have been nonetheless round at 168. We’d have seen some glorious fights with these two holding belts.

Heirs to the throne 

Osleys Iglesias
Hamzah Sheeraz
Lester Martinez
Christian Mbilli
Diego Pacheco
Jose Armando Resendiz
Jaime Munguia

Of these fighters who will likely be vying for the brand new King of the division, the Cuba-born Osleys Iglesias stands out as one of the best of the bunch. He’s bought the peak, attain, energy, and abilities to dominate the 168-lb division. Because the IBF necessary, Osleys will likely be combating for that belt in opposition to one of many courageous souls who’re keen to take the danger of combating him.

In wanting on the freed-up belts, one can get a good suggestion of which fighters will win the titles. Right here’s Chris Williams’ picks for the titles that will likely be captured:

IBF – Osleys Iglesias
WBC – Christian Mbilli
WBO – Diego Pacheco
WBA – Canelo Alvarez