Terence Crawford has formally vacated the IBF super middleweight title following his retirement, the sanctioning body confirmed this week.
IBF Confirms Title Vacancy
The International Boxing Federation said it received confirmation on December 23 that Crawford had retired from competition, prompting the belt to be declared vacant. The organization will now move to identify the two highest-ranked available contenders and order negotiations for the title.
Crawford’s exit from the division brings an end to a brief reign at 168 pounds. He captured the title earlier this year after defeating Saul “Canelo” Alvarez by unanimous decision on September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. He did not make a defense before announcing his retirement.
IBF Mandatory Picture Takes Shape
The IBF belt is the latest Crawford title to be vacated. The WBO confirmed earlier this month that Crawford relinquished its championship as well. The WBC previously removed him from its title position after he declined to pay sanctioning fees. The WBA has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the status of its belt.
Within the IBF rankings, undefeated contender Osleys Iglesias is currently positioned as the leading available challenger. Behind him are Alvarez and Jaime Munguia, though Alvarez is recovering from elbow surgery and is not expected to return until at least May.
Super Middleweight Division Reset
Several other contenders remain active across the sanctioning-body rankings as the super middleweight division adjusts following Crawford’s departure.
Crawford retires as a five-division world champion and one of the most decorated fighters of the modern era, having held titles from lightweight through super middleweight.
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Last Updated on 12/24/2025
