Israel Madrimov, the WBA junior middleweight champion, is a real threat to star Terence Crawford in his move to the fourth weight division on August 3 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
Crawford's Past Success and Overconfidence
Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) wants to prove that he is a threat to Canelo Alvarez by winning the world title at 154 first against a fighter who many believe is the most dangerous fighter in the weight class, Madrimov (10-0-1 , 7 KOs).
The success the 36-year-old Crawford has enjoyed in three weight classes has boosted his confidence to the point where he feels confident, believing he will do to Madrimov what he did to these fighters to collect his world titles:
– Errol Spence: IBF, WBA & WBC 147
– Jeff Horn: WBO 147
– Julius Indongo: IBF & WBA 140
– Viktor Postol: WBC & Ring 140
– Thomas Dulorme: WBO 140
– Ray Beltron: Ring 135
– Ricky Burns: WBO 135
These are the fighters that Crawford took all of his world titles with during his 16-year professional career. Neither of them are on Madrimov's level, and Crawford may find that what he does at lightweight doesn't mean what he will face on August 3 when he faces Madrimov.
In boxing, fighters look like 24k gold compared to the caliber of fighters that are available when they are finally matched with someone with real talent. That could be the end of Crawford.
Spence was a great fighter over the years, but by the time Crawford got to him, he was empty. Skills are eroded by two car crashes, rich food, unemployment, and ring fights.
Madrimov: A Real and Present Danger
“I think it's a big risk. “He doesn't have that much professional experience, but he has an amazing background,” boxing expert Chris Algieri said of Israel Madrimov ahead of his WBA junior middleweight title defense against Terence Crawford on August 3.
Madrimov is a serious threat to Crawford, who has been praising his win over Spence for a solid year, always enjoying himself.
Now, Crawford moves up to 154 to face the killer Madrimov, who would easily wipe out every opponent Terence has on his 40-fight streak and have a better-looking record.
Unemployment and Crawford's age
Terence's immobility and lack of preparation are two things against him in this dangerous fight against Madrimov. But what stands out is Crawford's age.
Terence turns 37 on Sept. 28, one month after his fight with Madrimov on Aug. 3. No matter how you want to spin it, 37 isn't young for a fighter moving up from 147, especially if he's been on a 13-month winning streak.
Like any job, it won't be easy if you stop working for a year and come back after sitting down. Crawford is asking for trouble going into this match with Madrimov, and he'll get it unless he finds a fountain of youth troth to drink from.
“He is physically strong and in good junior middleweight class. He is a great player. He's one of those guys who does backflips after his fights. “I've seen him do things in the ring that talk about his athleticism, his strength, his physical strength and it's obvious that he has boxing skills,” said Algieri.
Madrimov's ability to change the angles of his attack and the power he can generate when he appears to be on his feet is something to behold. He has a natural strength that does not depend on him to load. The way he does it is comparable Artur Beterbievwho throws power in short punches without loading.
“He is very confident. Like he said, 'He's going to come in my weight class,'” Algieri continued about Madrimov. “This is Crawford's fourth attempt at a different weight, fighting for a world title, and you have a guy who wants to defend what he has.”
Madrimov Restaurant
154 in Madrimov's weight class, and Crawford steps into his position, the freshman has to change his body composition with the extra weight on the iron. That weight will slow Crawford down, and it won't give him the power of the naturally bigger and stronger Madrimov.
Strapping a rocket to a skateboard won't turn Crawford into something he wasn't meant to be. His natural weight class is closer to 140, although he has gone up to 147 and picked off a few older, weaker fighters at the end of the line.
“I think Israel Madrimov has the right idea. Joel Diaz's feature is really important. “When he's at his best, he's very dangerous for Terence Crawford,” Algieri said.
“You are talking about ignorance. Wait. Everyone says, 'You only have ten fights. Crawford fights a man in ten fights.' This guy had 300 career fights,” Tim Bradley said of Israel Madrimov. “You're an expert.”
Madrimov has more experience than Crawford, and has done it against better underclassmen opposition. The guys Crawford fought in the pro ranks were stars. When he went up against established fighters who were once great talents, they were old and worn out.
Crawford's Past Wins Against Older Fighters
– Errol Spence
– Shawn Porter
– Yuriorkis Gamboa
– Ricky Burns
– Viktor Postol
– Kell Brook
Those are some of the best names Crawford has on his resume, and in each case, he was older and better when he fought them.
“He's a world champion,” Paulie Malignaggi said of Madrimov.
“The Cubans, the Uzbeks, and the Russians, stayed in the youth game for a very long time. They are very professional,” Bradley said. “This guy's first fight, he lasted ten rounds. Who does that? There is no.” said Bradley, referring to Madrimov's debut against Vladimir Hernandez on November 24, 2018, which he won by sixth-round TKO in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Madrimov hit the ground running when he turned pro in 2018, and he wasn't brought up by his promoters like some fighters with a long novice background. He has followed in the footsteps of Vasily Lomachenko by quickly entering long fights and facing good opposition without being delivered for seven to ten years before fighting for a world title.
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