Terence Crawford recently made the decision to vacate his WBO welterweight title, leaving him with only one of the four belts he previously held in the 147-pound division. This move has led to Brian Norman Jr. being upgraded from the WBO interim champion to the full champion with the organization. The WBA title, which was the last remaining belt from Crawford’s undisputed championship, will either be vacated or stripped from him if he continues to hold onto it without defending it.
Crawford’s victory in the WBA junior middleweight title bout opened the door for a potential showdown between Brian Norman Jr. and Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis for the WBO 147-pound title. Ennis, who has expressed his desire to become the undisputed champion in the division before moving up to the 154-pound weight class, seems determined to stay at 147 and achieve his goal. This strategic move by Ennis showcases his patience and long-term planning in the sport.
Brian Norman Jr.’s recent triumph in winning the WBO interim 147-pound title has placed him in the spotlight, paving the way for potential challenges from other fighters in the division. With impressive victories over opponents like Giovani Santillan, Norman Jr. has proven himself to be a formidable force in the welterweight division. Teofimo Lopez’s interest in moving up to challenge Norman Jr. demonstrates the growing reputation and allure of the newly crowned champion.
As Norman Jr. continues to showcase his skills in the ring, challengers like Teofimo Lopez face a tough test in trying to dethrone the emerging champion. With his recent performances against top contenders like Steve Claggett and Jamaine Ortiz, Norman Jr. has solidified his status as a force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division. It remains to be seen whether Lopez’s intentions of moving up to challenge Norman Jr. will materialize into a competitive and thrilling bout for the WBO 147-pound title.
The rise of Brian Norman Jr. in the welterweight division marks a new era in the sport of boxing. With strategic moves and impressive performances, Norman Jr. has established himself as a formidable champion in the 147-pound weight class. The future holds exciting possibilities for the newly crowned champion as he continues to defend his title against top contenders and solidify his place among the elite fighters in the division.