Terence Crawford will aim to capture a world title in his fourth weight class when he faces WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov on Saturday in Los Angeles. This match marks Crawford’s debut at junior middleweight, following his successes in lightweight, junior welterweight, and welterweight where he became the undisputed champion.
Crawford has long been regarded as one of boxing’s elite, and his recent victory over Errol Spence Jr. has solidified his position, placing him among the top two on most pound-for-pound lists. In that bout, Crawford dominated Spence, leading to a ninth-round TKO and crowned the undisputed welterweight champion.
Since his triumph over Spence in July 2023, Crawford has not fought again. Initially, a rematch was anticipated, but Spence’s cataract surgery rendered the rematch clause void. With plans to move up in weight already in mind, Crawford is now focused on his upcoming bout with Madrimov.
“I feel great, come Saturday I got a treat for y’all,” Crawford said, expressing confidence in his performance. “I’m expecting him to try anything to throw me off, but I’ll say this again, this is the Terence Crawford era and I’m determined to take that belt.”
Madrimov boasts a strong amateur pedigree with multiple championships. Since turning professional in 2018, he has amassed a record of 10-0-1, with his only setback being a technical draw against Michel Soro in July 2022 due to an accidental head clash. Madrimov won their rematch in 2021, which ended controversially. His latest fight saw him claim the WBA title by stopping Magomed Kurbanov in the fifth round, despite pre-fight health concerns.
“I feel great, I’ve waited for this moment for a long time,” Madrimov commented on the upcoming fight. “My dream is coming true, and I will demonstrate everything I have inside the ring on Saturday night.”
A notable aspect of this matchup is that Crawford is eyeing a potential fight with unified super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Although there are weight differences, the prospect of two of boxing’s elite fighters clashing is enticing, especially as they approach the twilight of their careers. Despite Alvarez’s initial reluctance, he has shown some interest, which puts pressure on Crawford to avoid any mistakes that could jeopardize this opportunity.
The fight card for Crawford vs. Madrimov features the following notable odds:
– 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
As for a prediction, while Madrimov is a formidable opponent who is arguably the best in his division, Crawford’s exceptional skill makes him the favorite. However, Crawford’s age and time away from the ring could play a role. Typically, fighters face a decline as they age, which could give Madrimov some openings early in the fight. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that Crawford will regain control and win. Prediction: Terence Crawford via TKO in the eighth round.