Terence Crawford focuses on this weekend's Israel Madrimov Throwdown: “I'm ready to fight.”

Written by: Sean Crose

“I feel good,” said Terence Crawford who is the only one ahead of his ring debut as a junior middleweight. “I feel good. I am ready to fight but all my people are always trying to remind me to enjoy this moment because one day it will be gone, so embrace it as you can.” Crawford certainly has his moments. His last fight, a loss to fellow welterweight champion Errol Spence last year, erased any doubts about what the Nebraskan's fight really is.

“As I always say everything happens for a reason,” Crawford continued, “and for that reason God didn't bless me then, but he blessed me now that I'm mature and able to handle everything that comes my way. Who knows where I would be if I had gotten everything I wanted when I was young and immature.” Interesting point. Boxing has seen too many stories where successful stars end up getting beaten in spectacular fashion – both inside and outside the ring.

Like Crawford, Israel Madrimov is enjoying the moment. As Crawford's opponent this weekend in LA, the fighter known as “The Dream” aims to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He says: “I have been waiting for this moment for a long time, and we are here and we are waiting for Saturday where I want to win.” I love this moment and for the first time in my life I think something like this will happen to me. “

So is the little-known Madrimov ready for the forces of “Bud” Crawford? “Our training was good and I feel better,” he said. “I want to make a good game plan and it will be a good fight on Saturday. I don't think this fight is about size, it's about knowledge and experience that he can use. This division is my division and I am the champion, I have to defend the belt.” Of course, Madrimov's WBA junior middleweight title is at stake on Saturday night. In fact, there will be more than a little on the line for both fighters.

If Crawford wins on Saturday, he will become a four-division champion – something that remains a marvel in boxing to this day. If Madrimov vents his anger, on the other hand, his life will never be the same. A dramatic upset, after all, has a way of changing the fortunes of the underdog.