Terence Crawford is set to challenge for a world title in the fourth weight class of his career when he faces WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov this Saturday in Los Angeles. This matchup marks Crawford’s debut at junior middleweight after previously capturing titles at lightweight and achieving undisputed champion status in both junior welterweight and welterweight divisions.
Regarded as one of the sport’s elite fighters, Crawford recently solidified his position among the top pound-for-pound competitors following his decisive victory over Errol Spence Jr., where he secured a ninth-round TKO to become the undisputed welterweight champion.
Crawford’s last appearance in the ring was against Spence in July 2023. Initially, a rematch was anticipated; however, Spence’s cataract surgery led to the expiration of their rematch clause. With the rematch off the table, Crawford set his sights on new challenges, leading him to this encounter with Madrimov.
“I feel great, come Saturday I got a treat for y’all,” Crawford stated this week, adding that he anticipates Madrimov will try to unsettle him in the ring. “This is the Terence Crawford era and I’m taking that belt.”
Madrimov has a strong amateur pedigree, having won various championships before turning professional in 2018. With a record of 10-0-1, his only blemish is a technical draw against Michel Soro in July 2022 due to an accidental head clash. Madrimov’s most recent fight was a fifth-round stoppage of Magomed Kurbanov, which earned him the WBA title.
“Saturday night I’ll show every boxing fan a great fight,” Madrimov commented. He is optimistic about his chances, focusing solely on victory.
A notable subplot leading into the fight is Crawford’s desire to face unified super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Though Alvarez initially dismissed the idea, he has shown some openness to the matchup in recent months, adding extra motivation for Crawford to perform well.
The fight card features several intriguing matchups, including:
Terence Crawford -700 vs. Israil Madrimov (c) +475, WBA junior middleweight title
Isaac Cruz (c) -450 vs. Jose Valenzuela +330, WBA junior welterweight title
Andy Ruiz -300 vs. Jarrell Miller +230, heavyweights
David Morrell -3000 vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic +1400, light heavyweights
Jared Anderson -190 vs. Martin Bakole +155, heavyweights
Andy Cruz -2000 vs. Antonio Moran +1100, lightweights
Steven Nelson -1600 vs. Marcos Vazquez Rodriguez +750, super middleweights
Ziyad Almaayouf -2500 vs. Michal Bulik +950, welterweights
In terms of predictions, while Madrimov is undoubtedly a skilled fighter and currently stands as one of the best in the 154-pound division, Crawford is favored to win. Some concerns remain regarding Crawford’s age, as he approaches 37, and the potential effects of being out of the ring for a year. However, Crawford is expected to adapt and take control, ultimately leading to a successful outcome. Prediction: Terence Crawford via TKO in the eighth round.