Just a fortnight after his remarkable triumph against Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford has been stripped of his WBA super welterweight championship.
The 37-year-old's points victory at Allegiant Stadium earlier this year saw him overcome Alvarez in front of 70,000 supporters. Judges scored the bout 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113 in Crawford's favour.
The undefeated boxer, who moved up two weight classes for the contest, extended his professional record to 42 consecutive victories.
Following the emotional triumph, Crawford dropped to his knees and later suggested retirement might be under consideration.
Terence Crawford has been stripped of his WBA super welterweight championship.
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"I don't know, I've got to sit down with my team and we'll talk about it," Crawford stated when questioned about his future plans.
Now, though, the American has notified the WBA that he would not be competing at 154lbs again, prompting officials to remove him as titleholder.
Terence Crawford won via unanimous decision against Canelo Alvarez earlier this month
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Crawford's decision comes after he achieved an unprecedented feat in Las Vegas that saw him capture all four super middleweight belts.
The victory established him as the first male boxer in contemporary times to secure undisputed championships across three different weight categories.
His departure from the super welterweight division has resulted in Germany's Abass Baraou being promoted from interim champion to full titleholder.
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Baraou secured the interim championship through a dramatic victory against Yoenis Tellez in August.
The German fighter clinched the bout with a knockdown in the final 10 seconds, earning a unanimous decision triumph.
Wasserman Boxing, representing Baraou, announced the elevation on Sunday via social media.
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Terence Crawford informed the WBA he does not intend to fight at 154 lbs again
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"Abass Baraou is full world champion," their statement declared. "Seat at the top table confirmed for AB, who would you like to see him fight next?"
The new champion joins Sebastian Fundora (WBC), Bakhram Murtazaliev (IBF) and Xander Zayas (WBO) as one of four current super welterweight world titleholders.
Former undisputed super welterweight champion Jermell Charlo stands as Baraou's likely first challenger.
The 35-year-old American holds 'champion-in-recess' status with the WBA, positioning him as the mandatory contender.
Charlo has been absent from competition since September 2023, when Alvarez defeated him convincingly at 168 lbs.
His previous outing saw him unify all four belts in the super welterweight division against Brian Castano.
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