Terence Crawford has said he plans on becoming undisputed at 154 pounds.
Bud will take on the WBA Junior Middleweight Champion, Israil Madrimov, on August 3. It will be Crawford’s first fight since stopping Errol Spence Jr. in 2023 to become the first Undisputed Welterweight Champion of the four-belt era. After winning all the belts at 147, Bud has turned his attention to becoming undisputed at junior middleweight.
If he beats Madrimov, Bud is three belts away from that feat. He is also the WBO mandatory for Sebastian Fundora, who holds the WBO and WBC titles at 154. A win over Fundora gives Crawford three belts, putting him one fight away from being undisputed. That is the aim moving forward to create a legacy.
Crawford’s Aim
“I want to leave a legacy that’s never been left before. I’ve seen it all. He’s very talented and strong, but I’ve fought guys who are talented and strong. He has good footwork, but I’ve fought guys with good footwork. He’s elusive. But I’ve fought guys who are elusive. It’s just about me dictating the pace and doing what I want to do in the ring and taking away what he wants to do,” Crawford said
Bud also has options at 147. The WBA has said he will keep his belt when he boxes Madrimov. That leaves Bud with a decision to make. A win over Madrimov means Crawford must decide if he defends his WBA belt at 147 or 154. The current boxing rules prevent boxers from simultaneously having world titles in two weight classes.
Fighting at 147 allows Crawford the chance to box Jaron Ennis. Boots has been vocal about that fight since his recent deal with Matchroom Boxing. Crawford is also working closely with the Saudis via Matchroom, showing there is potential to make that fight happen. That is why Crawford must make his next move carefully.
WBA’s Comments
“With the official announcement of the bout between Israil Madrimov and Terence Crawford, the World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee issued a resolution on the special permission Crawford received to move up in class and the [junior middleweight] situation.
“Crawford, who is the [junior middleweight champion], will move up to the next division to challenge champion Madrimov on August 3, in Los Angeles. The American requested the permission to move up and keep the welterweight crown and the committee granted it provided that if he beats Madrimov he will have five days after the fight to make a decision about which title he will keep.
“On the other hand, Vergil Ortiz Jr., is the mandatory challenger of the category, and for that reason will be given the opportunity to dispute the interim belt against Australian Tim Tzsyu. Additionally, Jermell Charlo was ratified as champion in recess, the American will have the right to face the winner of Madrimov-Crawford or Madrimov in case that fight ends in a draw.
“The body formally informed all those involved in the situation, who are obliged to know the WBA rules. This resolution annuls all the previous ones while any situation that may arise will be resolved through the interpretation of the rules.”
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