Terence Crawford’s 154-Pound Exit: WBO President Confirms Interim Vacated Belt, Canelo Pursuit

The WBO president, Gustavo Olivieri, Esq. revealed that Terence Crawford “is not going to return to 154” and might be vacating his interim belt with that group.

It’s a transfer that was anticipated by Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) as a result of he’s making some huge cash, difficult Canelo Alvarez for his titles at tremendous middleweight on September thirteenth.

Crawford’s Exit

After that payday, Crawford, 38, can be taking an enormous pay minimize to return to 154 to battle the present champion, Sebastian Fundora, in a match that will contain plenty of threat for him because of his lack of measurement and superior age.

Returning to 154 to battle youthful fighters with measurement and skill can be tough for Crawford, who solely fights every year. By the point he returns after his victory lap or crushing defeat from the Alvarez battle, he’ll be 39 years outdated, and you may’t count on him to battle the 6’5 1/2″ stork Fundora.

It’s unclear what Crawford will do after his battle with Canelo. Clearly, he’s relying on defeating Canelo and getting a profitable rematch. That will be the perfect state of affairs for the Nebraska native Crawford. Nonetheless, if he loses to Canelo, it’ll be fascinating to see if he chooses to remain at 168, return to 154, or retire.

He can nonetheless make big cash preventing on the Riyadh Season occasions in the event that they wish to use him for fights. They appear to be keen on Crawford. So, he ought to nonetheless be helpful if matched rigorously. You couldn’t match Crawford in opposition to any of the larger fighters like David Benavidez or David Morrell as a result of he’d get chopped up because of their measurement, energy, and youth, however he’d do effectively in opposition to somebody like Edgar Berlanga.

Olivieri recommends that #1 WBO 154-lb contender Xander Zayas (21-0, 13 KOs) be made necessary to champion Sebastian Fundora. If that occurs, the winner of Saturday’s battle between WBC/WBO Fundora (21-1-1, 13 KOs) and Chordale Booker could have 120 days to defend in opposition to the High Rank-promoted Zayas.

High Rank has protected the 22-year-old Xander Zayas the identical method they shielded Berlanga when he was with them. So, it’s onerous to know if he’s any good or not. His opposition has been so terrible that there’s no method of figuring out if he’s a hype job like Berlanga or has precise expertise.

Re: WBO Jr.Middleweight Division (154 lbs.)

1. We have now confirmed Terence Crawford is not going to return to the 154 lbs., division & will relinquish his Interim WBO title upon the official announcement of Canelo/Crawford. Due to this fact, his necessary challenger standing is moot. /

— Gustavo Olivieri, Esq. (@OlivieriLaw) March 21, 2025