Welterweight Division Has Become Starless

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 9:21 PM ET

A Starless Era? The Welterweight Division Faces an Identity Crisis

With Terence Crawford officially moving up, Errol Spence Jr. all but vanished from the scene, and Jaron “Boots” Ennis recently vacating the division, the once-glorious welterweight landscape is looking surprisingly barren. For the first time in decades, the 147-pound division is lacking not just champions but true, crossover stars.

Right now, the only recognizable name left is Brian Norman Jr. a talented fighter, yes, but hardly a household name. Beyond him? A sea of up-and-comers still trying to make their mark. When you look at the list of potential matchups, most fans couldn’t tell you who’s who, let alone get excited about a pay-per-view.

It’s an unfamiliar place for a division that’s historically been boxing’s marquee weight class.

If Brian Norman Jr vs Haney ends up happening.

It could be for the 147 title#BOXINGnBBQ #Boxing pic.twitter.com/0bcaS2v1I5

— BOXING n BBQ (@BOXINGnBBQ) June 24, 2025

This is the division of legends: Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao. Even in recent years, it’s been home to major names and memorable matchups. The welterweight division wasn’t just important it was boxing. Now? It’s in transition.

Who’s next?

There’s talent, no doubt. But without stars, there’s no spotlight. And the next 12–18 months will be critical. Will someone emerge from the shadows to carry the weight for the division? Or are we entering a dark age for one of boxing’s crown jewel divisions?

Some names in junior welterweight are making their way up to 147. Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia, Teofimo Lopez are all talking about making moves up to welterweight but we’ll see if they can excel for 147.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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