Here is the WBO's announcement that Brian Norman has been upgraded from interim champion to full champion in the 147-pound division: On August 3, 2024, WBO welterweight champion, Terence “Bud” Crawford won a WBO world championship title in his fourth weight class by defeating then-world champion Israil Madrimov via unanimous decision (UD). This bout was conducted at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. The Crawford/Madrimov bout was sanctioned to specific provisions, namely (i) Crawford would be allowed to enter the right to face Madrimov as WBO welterweight champion pursuant to his status as “super champion” (not a title, but rights and privileges); (ii) if Crawford won the fight, he would have up to 10 days after the bout to determine whether he stays in the junior middleweight division or return to the welterweight division and (iii) if Crawford lost the fight, the WBO World Championship Committee would reserve its right to determine whether the WBO welterweight championship be declared vacant. Furthermore, it is important to highlight that the bout was sanctioned for the interim version of the WBO title in the junior middleweight division due to current WBO champion Sebastian Fundora being injured and suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) until November 2024. Therefore, to keep the division active, a sanction request for the WBO interim junior middleweight title was lodged by Team

Crawford and authorized accordingly.

 

Conversely, in light of Crawford’s world title pursuit in a fourth weight category, the WBO approved an interim championship in the welterweight division between the first two available world-rated contenders, in Giovani Santillan and Brian Norman, Jr., on May 18, 2024, at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego. After ten competitive rounds, Brian Norman, Jr., won via KO in round ten and became the WBO interim welterweight champion.

 

Now, on Sunday, August 12, 2024, the WBO President, Paco Valcárcel, Esq., received official communication from Terence “Bud” Crawford confirming his decision that he will no longer stay in the welterweight division. Therefore, Crawford’s decision triggers our intervention to act regarding the status of the interim champion in the welterweight division.

 

Therefore, having considered the facts stated herein, and having reviewed the applicable WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests, their applicability, and enforcement in this matter, and having the power, authority and discretion conferred by our rules, it is hereby determined that Terence “Bud” Crawford confirms to the WBO President, Paco Valcárcel, Esq., that he will no longer stay and participate in the welterweight division, Brian Norman, Jr., is elevated from interim champion” to full champion status in the WBO welterweight division with the rights conferred by such designation.