Terence Crawford officially says goodbye to welterweight, Brian Norman ascended to WBO champion

THE days of Terence Crawford fighting at welterweight are definitely over.

After becoming the undisputed world champion at 147lbs in July 2023 Crawford was stripped of his IBF title a few months later. The decision shocked “Bud” but elevated interim belt holder Jaron Ennis to become the full champion.

Two months ago Mario Barrios was given the same award after holding the interim WBC reins for nine months when the judging body promoted him to the official list of green and gold titles. On August 12 the WBO followed suit after being informed by Crawford that he would no longer be able to stay in the welterweight division.

Earlier this month the 36-year-old defeated Israel Madrimov to win the WBA super-welterweight world title in Los Angeles. The points victory added to the American's impressive list of accomplishments that included winning world titles in four weight divisions and undisputed titles in two of them.

Official decision regarding the WBO Welterweight Division. @terencecrawford #BrianNormanJr

– WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) August 12, 2024

Crawford's decision brings good news for Brian Norman Jr, who, like Ennis and Barrios, is now a fully recognized welterweight champion after the WBO made him a full-weight. The undefeated 23-year-old stopped Giovanni Santillan in May, earning him an interim belt. The Georgia fighter could find himself ahead of Teofimo Lopez who told ESPN last month that he plans to move up to welterweight and a fight against his Top Rank stablemate is now an even bigger possibility.

It's time to shake things up 🐺

– Brian Norman Jr (@OfficialBNorman) August 12, 2024

After years of welterweight dominance between Crawford and the man he beat to the core – Errol Spence Jr – one of boxing's storied divisions is now entering a new division with a new face. Jaron Ennis, Mario Barrios and Brian Norman Jr are now set to fight at welterweight and WBA 'Regular' belt holder Eimantas Stanionis is expected to complete the quartet if Crawford is stripped of their welterweight world title.