Crawford to Be Stripped of WBA Title Once He Climb the Ring to Fight Canelo
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 27 Aug 2025
Two-division undisputed champion Terence "Bud" Crawford is set to be stripped of his WBA 154-pound world title the moment he steps into the ring against Saul "Canelo" Alvarez on September 13 in Las Vegas. The highly anticipated super-fight will be contested at a higher weight class, and the decision by the World Boxing Association ensures the junior middleweight division's title remains active.
According to multiple reports, including from BoxingScene.com and The Mirror, WBA president Gilberto Mendoza confirmed that Crawford will lose his recognition as the champion once the opening bell sounds. This is due to his move up two weight classes to challenge Canelo for the undisputed super middleweight championship. Crawford will be introduced as the WBA champion during the ring walk, but will be relieved of the title regardless of the fight's outcome.
The WBA's decision will elevate Abass Baraou to full world champion status. Baraou recently defeated Yoenis Tellez for the interim title. He will now be ordered to defend his newly acquired belt against former undisputed champion Jermell Charlo, who has been designated as the WBA "Champion in Recess" since his own loss to Canelo in 2023. This is a similar situation to what Charlo faced, as he was also stripped of his WBO title when he moved up to fight Canelo.
Crawford, who won the WBA junior middleweight title by outpointing Israil Madrimov last August, will not have had a single title defense in his reign. The focus for "Bud" is now entirely on a career-defining triumph over Canelo, which would make him the first male boxer to become an undisputed champion in three different weight classes. The fight is set to take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and will be broadcast live on Netflix.
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