With nothing left to conquer at welterweight, Terence Crawford decided to vacate his undisputed championship and head to junior middleweight where he’ll search for new targets. That will begin when he faces WBA titlist Israil Madrimov in the headline event of Riyadh Season coming to America. They collide at BMO Stadium (formerly Bank of California […]
The post Fight Picks: Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov appeared first on The Ring.
With nothing left to conquer at welterweight, Terence Crawford decided to vacate his undisputed championship and head to junior middleweight where he’ll search for new targets.
That will begin when he faces WBA titlist Israil Madrimov in the headline event of Riyadh Season coming to America. They collide at BMO Stadium (formerly Bank of California Stadium), Los Angeles, California, on Saturday.
The fight, plus undercard bouts, will be broadcast on ESPN+ PPV, 6 p.m. ET/ 3 p.m. PT. And DAZN at 4:30 p.m. ET/ 1:30 p.m. PT.
Crawford, rated at No. 3 pound-for-pound by The Ring, started his pro career away from the bright lights, but soon enough the Nebraska native’s big break came when he stepped in on three days’ notice to whitewash former Amir Khan conqueror Breidis Prescott (UD 10). The super talented American switch-hitter went from strength-to-strength winning titles at 135, 140 and 147. Bud has separated himself from the competition by becoming an undisputed champion at 140 and 147.
The 36-year-old has made seven defenses of his WBO welterweight title, notably beating Khan (TKO 6), Kell Brook (TKO 4), Shawn Porter (TKO 10) and David Avanesyan (KO 6). However, he saved his best for his biggest night when he dominated long-time rival Errol Spence Jr. (TKO 9) to become the first male two-weight undisputed champion in the four-belt era.
Madrimov, rated at No. 3 by The Ring at junior middleweight, won a slew of amateur titles before turning professional in the fall of 2018. The 29-year-old has moved quickly due to his amateur pedigree. “The Dream” has been a nightmare for his opponents and has beaten seasoned veterans like Norberto Gonzalez (TKO 6), Alejandro Barrera (TKO 5) and Eric Walker (UD 12).
He also holds a win over perennial contender Michel Soro (TKO 9, as well as a technical draw in 3 in their rematch). He easily beat unheralded Raphael Igbokwe (UD 10) before scoring an eye-catching win over Magomed Kurbanov (TKO 5) to annex the vacant WBA title in March.
Crawford (40-0, 31 knockouts) is naturally the smaller man. How will he hold up at junior middleweight against a big, strong adversary? Madrimov (10-0-1, 7 KOs) was a talented amateur who had something of a slow burn professional career until last time out when he broke out with an eye-catching stoppage over Kurbanov. However, this is a another level. How will he find to the step up against by far the best opponent he has faced so far? Meanwhile Crawford is now 36 and not fought in a year. He’s well rested, but will the inactivity and age start to catch up with him? How will Madrimov deal with Crawford’s switch hitting style?
Online gambling group William Hill lists Crawford as an 1/6 (-600) favorite, while Madrimov is priced at 4/1 (+400); the draw is 16/1 (+1600).
Here’s how the experts see it:
THE RING
DOUG FISCHER: CRAWFORD UD
“I think Madrimov will present a physical test for Crawford due to his size and strength but I don’t consider the defending WBA 154-pound beltholder to be on the American’s level. I’m not saying that Madrimov won’t make it interesting. I think he will. He’s got an unorthodox style and herky-jerky rhythm that might take Bud a few rounds to figure out, but I believe the three-division champ will acclimate by the middle rounds and he will take full advantage of the flaws in Madrimov’s defense and footwork. Crawford will beat him to the jab, counterpunch with authority, and gradually begin to pressure the bigger man down the stretch of the fight. I think Madrimov is tough and game enough to last the distance, but I don’t think he’s got the experience or the overall skillset to truly compete with Crawford, who might score a couple of knockdowns en route to a clear decision victory.”
ANSON WAINWRIGHT: CRAWFORD UD
“This is a very interesting matchup. You never know how a fighter will be at a new weight until they have fought there and Crawford is going in at the deep end against one of the best junior middleweights around. Has he bitten off more than he can chew? Of course you can turn the question around and say what has Madrimov done to prepare himself for the seismic step up in class. I expect Crawford to start slow, while taking a look at his opponent and that maybe Madrimov’s best opportunity to try to jump on him. By around the fifth round, I think Crawford will have worked out the Uzbekistan fighter, and there will be clear separation between then. Crawford will beat Madrimov to the punch and then largely dominate the action. The big question will be can he get the stoppage of have to settle for a points decision. I think Madrimov will last the course but will end up losing something like 9-3 on the scorecards.”
LEE GROVES: CRAWFORD UD
“I believe Team Crawford chose Madrimov not just because he holds a belt at 154, but also because his physical dimensions are close to those of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, the man I believe is Crawford’s “destination opponent” in terms of topping off his legacy as well as topping off his bank account. Madrimov is physically strong and has threatening power, but the gulf in experience and all-around skill set is vast. Yes, Crawford is pushing 37, and yes, he’s fighting for the first time in more than a year, and yes, he has a very high bar of expectations following his tour-de-force performance against a clearly spent Spence, but Crawford, by all accounts, “lives the life” of a fighter and should be well prepared to tackle this challenge. And a prepared Crawford has always been a victorious Crawford.”
DIEGO MORILLA: CRAWFORD TKO 9
“It is hard to see anything other than a puncher’s chance in favor of Madrimov, who clearly has not faced anyone remotely close to Crawford in terms of skills and overall talent. Crawford does get hit occasionally and this should translate into a few interesting moments in the early going, but as soon as he’s settled on his rhythm it will just be a matter of time before Madrimov goes down, either by some sort of accumulation stoppage or a very wide unanimous decision in favor of Crawford.”
MARTIN MULCAHY: CRAWFORD TKO 11
“At this stage of Crawford’s career, I have more questions about his age (36) and declining ring appearances (it has been a full year since last fight) getting the better of Hall of Fame-bound Crawford than anything else. Despite his lack of ring appearances, this is only Israil Madrimov’s 11th pro fight, I think he can give Crawford problems for spurts. However, Crawford’s superior experience and ability to find the right angles against a somewhat straight-ahead bull (reminds me a bit of Brian Castaño) with some amateur flair that set up clear punching angles. Crawford’s quickness overcomes Madrimov’s volume, and I can’t see Madrimov doing anything which Crawford has not bested in the last couple years. In the final analysis I don’t see age or ring rust combined with an athletic force derailing Crawford yet, the old warhorse still has a couple more charges in him and I see a comfortable decision or late round stoppage in the cards here. I’ll take a TKO in the 11th round.”
MICHAEL MONTERO: CRAWFORD UD
“Although Crawford is moving up to a new division against a career junior middleweight, I don’t think size will be a significant factor in this match up. Both fighters are listed with the same height, and the American has a near six-inch reach advantage. Then there is the experience factor, which is night and day. While experience obviously favors Crawford, activity favors Madrimov. “Bud” has only fought four times in the 2020’s, while Madrimov has fought seven times in that span. Further, it’s been more than a year since Crawford’s last fight. Will there be ring rust? Madrimov just fought in March. Despite the inactivity, I have to go with the veteran here. I like Crawford to win by unanimous decision in a mostly technical fight.”
NORM FRAUENHEIM: CRAWFORD TKO 11
“There’s a lot to like about Israil Madrimov, a versatile fighter who celebrates victories with a back flip. But there’ll be no back flip this time, not against Crawford, who is every bit as athletic as the unbeaten Uzbek. In moving up to junior middleweight, Crawford faces several challenges. Above all, there’s time. He hasn’t fought in more than a year. He’ll be 37-years-old on September 28. Maybe, the clock has begun to take its toll. That’s the biggest question facing Crawford since his timeless performance in a victory over Errol Spence in July 2023. But, it’s safe to say, there’ll be no erosion in Crawford’s smarts. He knows what he’s doing, and he’s been doing it on a big stage for a long time. He’s known as a finisher, but he also knows how and when to be patient. That patience figures to be the key against Madrimov, who’ll be on that big stage for the first time. Madrimov’s best chance is early. Like Crawford, he’s a switch-hitter with power. He could score early. But that early energy and aggressiveness will expose weaknesses that the calculating Crawford will use later for a TKO, sometime after the ninth round.”
Terrence Crawford (left) punches Errol Spence Jr. during their Ring welterweight championship bout at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada – Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images
BOXING INSIDERS
DUKE MCKENZIE (FORMER THREE-DIVISION TITLEHOLDER/TV ANALYST): CRAWFORD UD
“This fight isn’t as straight forward as many believe, Madrimov is young and starving for victory. This really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him to fight a modern day great in the form of Terence Crawford, a two-time undisputed world champion. Those credentials don’t come along very often, even in the modern day era. While I see Madrimov giving a great account of himself, how do you beat a man with no obvious flaws? A switch-hitting genius there is no blueprint on how to outbox or outpunch Crawford and there are not enough superlatives to describe Crawford. Madrimov is the WBA champion and won’t go down without a fight. I see Crawford winning via a wide unanimous points decision.”
TOM GRAY (FORMER MANAGING EDITOR FOR THE RING): CRAWFORD UD
“Because Madrimov is not a household name, many fans and experts will write him off. That’s a mistake because this a tougher challenge for Crawford than Errol Spence, stylistically and physically, so don’t be looking for an early night. While Bud’s ability to improvise caused the more robotic Spence to flounder, Madrimov won’t be as easy to finesse. The Uzbekistan fighter posted 350 amateur victories out of 370 – a remarkable achievement – and took gold at the Asian Championships and the Asian Games. Despite being only 11 bouts into his professional career, Madrimov is a complete fighter, and his title-winning effort against Kurbanov proves it. At 29 years old, he’s seven years younger than Crawford and a natural junior middleweight. Bud began his career as a lightweight. However, Crawford has been sprinkled with magic dust. You don’t go unbeaten for 16 years, win double undisputed, and become pound-for-pound No. 1 for nothing. Against Spence, his skills were comparable to fighters like Ezzard Charles and the two Sugar Rays. He was brilliant! I think the American becomes a four-weight world champion on Saturday, but he’ll have to earn it the hard way. And if he does pull it off, then he should be given ample credit for this victory.”
RUDY HERNANDEZ: (TRAINER): MADRIMOV SD
“For the first time in Crawford’s career, I’m going against him. Madrimov, like Crawford, can fight at any distance and in any stance. Crawford is fighting a fighter somewhat similar to him the difference is Madrimov is fighting in his natural weight class. Joel Diaz got a rough diamond and has polished him up enough to where he can beat one of my favorite fighters. I think the lack of activity and Crawford got old the night of this fight. The torch changes hands. In a close fight, 7 rounds to 5, Madrimov will win a split decision.”
STEVE KIM (THE 3 KNOCKDOWN RULE): CRAWFORD PTS
“While not many casual observers know of Israil Madrimov, insiders have touted his talent since he turned pro. And Crawford and his team chose no soft touch in their 154-pound debut. Madrimov is the bigger, stronger man, has deft footwork, and athleticism — and he can punch. He will put up much more of a challenge to ‘Bud’ than Errol Spence last year. But while I believe he has a lot going for him, and will trouble Crawford, I just don’t know if he’s seasoned enough with just 11 professional bouts under his belt. And till I see Crawford slip (and he is coming off a full year layoff) I wont believe it. I like Crawford to win a hard fought decision, in what will be one of his toughest bouts. And in retrospect, will be looked upon as one of his better wins.”
RICH MAROTTA (COMMENTATOR): CRAWFORD UD
“Despite his advancing age, Terence Crawford shows no evidence of decline. Until that happens, I would pick him to win any fight, no matter the opponent. He is that special. That said, this fight against Israil Madrimov is a real test. Madrimov is no joke. Yes, he has a limited number of pro fights, but his amateur background of more than 300 bouts leaves him well-grounded, and well-schooled against a variety of styles. On top of that, Madrimov is disciplined, focused, calm, and confident. Now can all that result in an upset win against a true ring great? Possibly, but I don’t think so. I suspect we are in for a competitive fight. Madrimov is going to bring it, and he has the ability to hurt Bud, especially with his straight right cross or spectacular overhand right that comes from up in the clouds. He may force Crawford to adjust, but Bud has the ability to do just that. He will at some point figure out Madrimov. When that happens, Crawford’s unusual angles, superior skills and off-the-charts ring IQ will prevail. I look for Crawford to have to go the distance for the first time in a long time, and win by unanimous decision.”
JOE ROTONDA (MATCHMAKER, MAIN EVENTS): CRAWFORD TKO 7
“Israil Madrimov is the real deal, the kid is super tough and will 100 percent be prepared for this fight. His professional debut win against Vladimir Hernandez is a win that has aged incredibly well, considering the run Hernandez has been on the previous couple of years. I think this fight comes down to experience at the professional level. Crawford has seen a number of different styles that are similar to his current opponent. However, with only 11 professional bouts under his belt, Madrimov has never stood across the ring from anyone even close to Crawford’s skill level. I think Israil will do his best to smother Crawford and keep him on his toes, but by midway through the fight Crawford will figure him out and earn himself a stoppage around the seventh round.”
ROBERTO DIAZ (MATCHMAKER): MADRIMOV SD
“Crawford vs. Madrimov will produce one of the best fights in 2024. Crawford one of the best pound-for-pound fighters today, on the other hand Madrimov is one of the best secrets in boxing. I expect a very good and high level fight. Both will have their moments and Crawford needs to do some body work early and his best work will be inside. Madrimov will surprise many with how strong he is. I don’t think Madrimov has been overlooked but I see Bud having difficult moments. In the end, I am going in an upset 12-round split decision win for Madrimov. Rematch!”
Israil Madrimov (right) follows through after landing a hook on Alejandro Barrera (left) – Photo by Erick W. Rasco /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images
CAMILLE ESTEPHAN (PROMOTER, EYE OF THE TIGER): CRAWFORD UD 12
“I think that Crawford has a tough task in Madrimov. A switch-hitter with devastating power. It would be ill-advised for Crawford to get into a slug match with Madrimov. I think all the experience Crawford has will play in his favor and see Crawford’s speed to be the major component in this fight to make the difference. Once he can get comfortable with the timing Crawford should be able to win all the rounds. I predict a unanimous decision Crawford.”
MARC RAMSAY (TRAINER): CRAWFORD TKO 11
“This fight will be the riskiest one in long time for Crawford. Madrimov has had an excellent amateur career and he has been very impressive since his professional debut. He is younger, boxes well and hits hard but I have the impression that he is taking this fight too quickly. Crawford is a master of adaptation. After a very competitive start to the fight, I see Crawford adapt and solve Madrimov.”
JOLENE MIZZONE (MANAGER): CRAWFORD TKO 10
“There are so many factors on why I am picking Terence Crawford, one of the biggest is, I don’t care how many amateur fights you have, professional experience makes all the difference and Crawford obviously has the edge here. Also, Crawford’s southpaw stance isn’t going to be easy for Madrimov to get around. Madrimov is a great fighter, but one of Crawford’s biggest assets is him being able to adjust during a fight. I feel that Crawford is going to break Madrimov down and stop him in the late rounds.”
BOB SANTOS (TRAINER): CRAWFORD
“I think it’s gonna be a very competitive fight for a time and then Crawford’s ability to switch from righty to lefty and Crawford’s ability to counterpunch is going to be a huge difference as well as Crawford’s intellect. He’s able to process information and make the adjustments and I think that’s gonna be the difference in the fight. I have Crawford either late stoppage or points.”
TONY SIMS (TRAINER): CRAWFORD
“Great fight for Crawford moving up to junior middleweight. Although Madrimov is a dangerous puncher, I believe Crawford’s superior boxing skills see him to a landslide decision or late stoppage.”
MATTHEW MACKLIN (FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER/ COMMENTATOR): CRAWFORD PTS
“I think Crawford will systematically break him down as the fight goes on. Madrimov could bring some physicality problems for Crawford as he is very strong and powerful. But he uses up/ wastes a lot of energy at times and I think Crawford will make Madrimov work hard every second of every round while conserves energy and at the same time he’ll bust him up with his jab and sicken him to the body every chance he gets. He might not stop Madrimov, who is very tough but I think he’ll take a bit of a beating down the stretch.”
WAYNE MCCULLOUGH (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/ TRAINER): CRAWFORD KO 5
“Crawford won’t have to go looking for Madrimov as his style is come straight forward throwing wild over hand rights but he also works close hooks to the body well. He does keep his hands up pretty high but he is still open for shots. If Madrimov can stay close and keep his chin covered, trying to outwork Crawford, he has a chance of winning. Crawford should use his southpaw right hooks to the head and left uppercuts to the body on Madrimov. If he does this he could get a knockout around the fifth round, putting Madrimov down and out from a right hook to the head.”
Final Tally: Crawford 19-2
Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at elraincoat@live.co.uk.
The post Fight Picks: Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov appeared first on The Ring.
