Overview

• Crawford formally renounced his WBA super‑welterweight belt, a step the WBA confirmed this week after granting him temporary permission to fight at 168 pounds.
• Germany’s Abass Baraou, previously the interim titleholder at 154 pounds, was upgraded to full champion, with his first defense to be set under WBA regulations.
• Crawford remains the undisputed super‑middleweight champion after outpointing Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez on September 13 by scores of 116-112 and 115-113 twice.
• Members of Crawford’s camp say a rematch is unnecessary, with assistant trainer Bernie Davis asserting they would beat Álvarez again and possibly by a wider margin.
• Crawford’s post‑fight celebrations included wearing a ‘168’ jersey at a Nebraska football game, while Lennox Lewis argued the fight was not close and gave Álvarez only about three rounds.