Crawford Ready To Destroy Madrimov – ‘We’re Here To Collect Undisputed’

Terence Crawford is ready to do whatever it takes to beat Israil Madrimov. 

That is according to his coach, Bernie Davies. Crawford has his first fight at 154 pounds against Madrimov, who is the WBA Junior Middleweight Champion. Crawford’s last fight was a ninth-round stoppage win over Errol Spence Jr. to become the first Undisputed Welterweight Champion of the four-belt era. The victory made Crawford undisputed in a second weight class and a three-division champion. Victory over Madrimov makes Crawford a four-division champion and a step closer to becoming undisputed in a third weight class. 

Crawford’s Task

Madrimov is no pushover. The Russian is undefeated with a 10-0-1 record. He has seven stoppages to his name, with a win over Magomed Kurbanov in his last fight. Madrimov also has an extensive amateur record. He has an incredible 350-20 record. He won a silver medal at the 2014 Asian Games at 147 while also picking up gold in the middleweight division four years later.

It demonstrates Madrimov’s ability to take on various styles, which will be crucial given Crawford’s switch-hitting ability. While there may be worries over the size difference, Bernie played down those concerns. He referenced Crawford’s dominant win over Jeff Horn, who was a much bigger welterweight. The same could be said against Spence. Crawford has been backed to deliver the goods. 

Crawford’s Mindset

“We know Madrimov brings a lot to the table with his athletic ability, firepower, footwork, and awkward style. We’re going to map him out, break him down, and figure it out…Bud fought them all. There’s no style he hasn’t seen. It’s just getting ready and staying ready and executing a game plan. Bud is the best. He can turn on a dime and fight on the fly. It’s just getting in proper condition and keep honing his skill. 

“He wants the best. We wanted Tim Tszyu and Sebastian Fundora, but we got the toughest junior middleweight. We still got the toughest guy in the junior middleweight division. That’s just the Bud Crawford way. He’s got the skills, he’s got the experience, and he’s got the size. [And] he’s truly a junior middleweight. He’s not undersized. I would say he’s a true junior middleweight. That fellow [Madrimov] might be towards a middleweight. We want the champion. We’re here to collect undisputed and get out of there,” Madrimov said 

If Crawford gets past Madrimov, he could pursue a fight with the winner of Sebastian Fundora vs. Spence. Fundora is the division’s WBC champion at 154. While he holds the WBO belt, he could vacate or be stripped, making the Crawford-Madrimov fight for the WBO belt, too. That would set up a unification at 154 pounds.

Crawford also has the alternative to move up 168 to take on Canelo Alvarez for his undisputed title. Reports indicate the Saudis want to make that fight, which would be a compromise for fans not getting the Canelo-Benavidez fight. But before those options can be considered, Crawford must get past Madrimov. With two undefeated fighters, someone’s 0 has to go. 

Comments

Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingnews.com.