Crawford Stripped? New WBA Champion, Retirement Murmurs & NFL Shake-Ups

The fight world is still buzzing from Terence “Bud” Crawford’s monumental victory over Canelo Álvarez. In outclassing one of boxing’s biggest stars, Crawford added another layer to his already legendary résumé. But boxing moves fast, and while Crawford was still basking in glory, the WBA made headlines of its own: he’s been stripped of his super welterweight title.

Why? Because Crawford never returned to defend at 154 pounds. Instead, Germany’s Abass Baraou was elevated to full champion, instantly becoming one of the division’s most talked-about names. For boxing fans, it’s a bittersweet moment. On one hand, Crawford remains undisputed at super middleweight. On the other, it feels like an anticlimactic end to his reign at 154.

At age 37, Crawford is no stranger to the whispers of retirement. This latest shake-up has fueled even more speculation. Fellow champion Shakur Stevenson has openly encouraged him to hang up the gloves, saying Crawford has nothing left to prove. It’s a tough call: does he bow out as one of the greatest ever, or chase one last mega-fight to cement his status even further?

The conversation about Crawford’s future is spilling outside of boxing gyms—it’s being debated in barbershops, sports bars, and group chats worldwide. Crawford has built a career on discipline and dominance; stepping away at the top would only add to his legacy. But if history has taught us anything, fighters rarely walk away easily.

Meanwhile, the NFL gave fans plenty to talk about this weekend:

• Patrick Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs to their first win of the season, defeating the New York Giants 22-9. After a shaky start, the reigning Super Bowl MVP looked more like himself, reminding doubters why KC remains a contender.
• The Tampa Bay Buccaneers delivered an instant-classic finish, beating the Jets 29-27 thanks to a last-second kick by Chase McLaughlin. The Bucs are now 3-0 for the first time since 2005, a run nobody predicted.

Why it matters:

• Boxing fans must grapple with the reality that Crawford’s time is limited.
• The WBA’s decision reshuffles an entire weight class, opening doors for younger fighters.
• NFL storylines are already heating up, with the Chiefs fighting for redemption and the Bucs surprising everyone.

Sports this weekend gave us everything: triumph, controversy, and the reminder that legacies are built under pressure.