The World Boxing Organization has announced that Terence Crawford has vacated his welterweight title to pursue challenges in the junior middleweight division, paving the way for Brian Norman Jr. to be elevated to the status of full WBO welterweight champion. This move comes after Crawford’s unanimous decision victory over WBA belt holder Israil Madrimov on August 3 in Los Angeles.
Norman, a 23-year-old undefeated fighter from Georgia, expressed his excitement upon receiving the official notification from the WBO. His manager, Jolene Mizzone, revealed that Norman is already preparing for his first title defense, which is anticipated to take place in November under the Top Rank promotional banner.
Previously, Norman became the WBO interim welterweight champion following his 10th-round knockout of Giovanni Santillan in May, a victory that now propels him to the top of the division.
Watch Santillan vs. Norman highlights: Watch
Despite the newfound title, Norman is aware of the challenges that lie ahead. "Winning it is the easy part. Keeping it is the hard part," Mizzone quoted legendary boxer Pernell Whitaker when discussing the future with Norman. The young champion is taking his training to the next level, even resorting to chopping wood with his bare hands.
Crawford’s move to junior middleweight sets up potential high-stakes matchups, including a mandatory challenge against WBO/WBC junior middleweight titleholder Sebastian Fundora. However, rumors suggest that Saudi power broker Turki Alalshikh may push for Crawford to face unbeaten WBC interim 154-pound champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. instead. The situation remains fluid, with a resolution expected later this week.
Read more about the fabulous career of Terence Crawford here.
Image Credit: ESPN