The stage is set for tomorrow night’s title fight between Israil Madrimov and Terence Crawford, presented by Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. This marks their first overseas event.
Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs), 36, from Omaha, Nebraska, is a three-division champion and has been undisputed at 140 and 147 pounds. He looked sensational in his last fight, dropping Errol Spence Jr. three times en route to a ninth-round TKO win to unify all four major welterweight belts in July 2023.
Currently the WBA and WBO welterweight champion, Crawford enters the fight as the favorite due to his extensive boxing skills, ring IQ, and status as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. This will be his first match stepping up to the junior middleweight class.
Madrimov (10-0-1, 7 KOs), 29, from Uzbekistan, has only had 11 pro fights but boasts a long and distinguished amateur career at the international level. As one of the elite fighters from Eastern Europe, he brings an arsenal of power punches. The question is whether Madrimov can take Crawford out of his element to maintain his WBA junior middleweight title.
While Uzbekistan is his homeland, Indio, California, serves as Madrimov’s home-away-from-home, where he trains with Dmitry Bivol, the light heavyweight who upset Canelo Alvarez in 2022. The key to the fight will be whether Madrimov can land his big punches and prevent Crawford from finding his rhythm. Madrimov looked impressive in his last match, defeating Magomed Kurbanov in five rounds in Riyadh last March.
Terence Crawford
- Experience and Record: Crawford’s record of 40-0 with 31 KOs speaks volumes. He’s a three-division champion and has been undisputed at 140 and 147 pounds.
- Skill and Adaptability: Crawford is known for his boxing IQ, versatility, and ability to switch stances, making him a challenging opponent to predict and prepare for.
- Recent Performance: His dominant victory over Errol Spence Jr. showcased his power, precision, and tactical acumen.
- New Weight Class: This will be Crawford’s first fight at junior middleweight. While his skills are transferable, the new weight class could present challenges.
Israil Madrimov
- Youth and Potential: At 29, Madrimov is younger and has a respectable record of 10-0-1 with 7 KOs. Despite fewer professional fights, his extensive amateur career has prepared him for high-level competition.
- Power and Aggression: Madrimov’s fighting style includes powerful punches and a high level of aggression, which could disrupt Crawford’s rhythm.
- Training and Preparation: Training with Dmitry Bivol adds to his strategic advantage, as Bivol has proven himself against top-tier opponents like Canelo Alvarez.
- Performance Against Kurbanov: His recent win against Magomed Kurbanov shows he can handle tough opponents, but Crawford represents a significant step up in competition.
Prediction
- Crawford’s Edge: Given Crawford’s vast experience, superior boxing skills, and proven adaptability, he is likely to control the fight with his ring IQ and tactical prowess.
- Madrimov’s Challenge: Madrimov’s power and aggression could create moments of danger for Crawford, especially if he can disrupt Crawford’s timing and rhythm early in the fight.
Likely Outcome
- Crawford by Decision or Late Stoppage: Crawford’s experience and skill may lead to a victory by decision or a late stoppage if he can weather Madrimov’s early aggression and gradually impose his game plan.
- Possible Upset: However, if Madrimov can land significant power punches early and unsettle Crawford, an upset is possible, though less likely given Crawford’s track record.
Overall, Crawford is the favorite due to his extensive experience and skill set, but Madrimov’s power and youth make him a formidable opponent who cannot be overlooked.
Full Card Details:
Saturday, Aug. 3, 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV: Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, 12 rounds, for Madrimov’s WBA “super” junior middleweight title and the vacant WBO interim junior middleweight title.
Top Rank Boxing is now on ESPN and ESPN+. Subscribe to ESPN+ to get exclusive boxing events, weigh-ins and more.
