MMAMMA NEWS

Madrimov Laughs Off Canelo Vs. Crawford – ‘It Will Be Very Difficult'

hasib

5 August 2024

Israil Madrimov has doubts that Terence Crawford would beat Canelo Alvarez.

Madrivmov lost a unanimous decision to Crawford, who picked up his WBA Junior Middleweight Title. It was the first loss of Madrimov’s career, which divided the boxing community. Madrimov landed more power punches than Crawford, even though Crawford threw more and landed more jabs. This created the narrative that Madrimov was landing the more eye-catching shots.

Eddie Hearn was outraged by the decision, saying the fight was a lot closer than the scorecards. He also felt that Crawford had not done enough to get the win off the champion. After the fight, Crawford set his sights on Canelo Alvarez for a fight at 168 if the money was right. However, based on what he had seen, Madrimov had doubts about Crawford beating him.

Madrimov Reacts

"I don’t know, it depends on what weight they fight in. But if they fight in Canelo’s current weight category, then I think it will be very difficult for Crawford because he’s massive. There is no doubt he has power, there is no doubt he has skills, I knew that, that’s why this fight was so close.

"If I won the 11th and 12th rounds maybe I could have won the fight or got the draw, but I did what I could, I followed my plan. I did a lot in the beginning of the fight as well, I tried to be aggressive, I tried to take the fight to him. I obviously exerted more energy, but maybe next time, with the experience I gained, I can do better in the future," Madrimov said

However, it is important to bear in mind the following. Styles do make fights. Madrimov is known for being a heavy-handed, front-foot fighter. And yet, Crawford could take his shots flush on the chin and still come forward. In his post-fight presser, Crawford stated he was not worried about Madrimov’s right hand, even if he was getting tagged.

Madrimov’s Future

Canelo is also not the same aggressive fighter he once was. During his fight with Jermell Charlo, the Mexican had Charlo on the canvas. But rather than going for the stoppage, he played it safe. A similar strategy against Crawford would not work.

Bud has shown that he comes strong in the back end of the fight, which he did against Madrimov, winning rounds 11 and 12. Crawford was also out of the ring for more than one year. At 36, the boxer is in the latter part of his career. And based on his feelings in the ring, Madrimov was not overwhelmed.

"I felt good, I felt really good, I felt proud of myself like Eddie [Hearn] said. Crawford is really good, he’s pound-for-pound best, he’s one of the best in the world – he’s not an easy fight. He knocked out the last 10 opponents he fought, Spence and others. I didn’t feel like it was my toughest fight," Madrimov added