Former undisputed welterweight champion Terence Crawford is another belt lighter at 147 with the WBC moving to name Crawford their champion in recess as he gets set to challenge Israil Madrimov for a 154 lb WBA world title on Aug. 3.
The move presumably makes space for others to either contend or move into the WBC’s full welterweight title now, with Crawford maintaining the ability to come back down and immediately contend for the belt again should he be so inclined.
Furthermore, the WBC have agreed to accept Crawford’s fight against Madrimov as a final eliminator bout, which will have the winner become mandatory challenger for their world title at 154. Crawford will inform the sanctioning body whether he intends to return to 147 or stay at 154 after his August bout.
Mario Barrios, who holds the WBC’s interim title at 147, could potentially be elevated to full titleholder at welterweight although that has yet to be confirmed.