WBO, WBC, and WBA-super welterweight champion Terence Crawford will face Israel Madrimov for the WBA belt and interim WBO title. Their super welterweight bout will take place on August 3 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, USA.
Terence Crawford
- Holder of WBO, WBC, and WBA-super belts. Former undisputed welterweight world champion.
- 40 fights, 40 wins, 0 losses.
After last year’s demolition of Spence, even the most biased skeptics had their last doubts removed: Crawford is ready to move up to a new weight class.
However, don’t expect any aggressive attempts to finish Madrimov early. Terence will lure him forward, waiting for Israel to throw his classic left hook on the jump, after which he’ll counter with his signature three-punch combination at close range.
Crawford is unlikely to lose much speed and endurance after moving up in weight. He knows that for almost the entire first half, he’ll work exclusively as a counter-puncher, provoking Israel into aggressive knockout attacks.
As soon as the legend finds 2-3 mistakes in the close-up, he’ll start sharply moving to the sides, throwing hooks through the guard. Even if he doesn’t shake Madrimov, he’ll certainly prevent him from pulling ahead on points after the midpoint of the fight.
Israel Madrimov
- WBA belt holder. Asian champion and Asian Games boxing champion.
- 11 fights, 10 wins, 1 draw.
Although analysts are writing off Israel, let’s not forget how quickly the 29-year-old Tashkent prospect has progressed over the last few fights.
There’s no doubt that he won’t be intimidated by either Terence’s punching power or speed. Madrimov is ready to take a few unpleasant punches to get to the right distance with his overhand, or he might engage in an exchange during a left hook on the jump.
Problems may start only when Israel exhausts his striking arsenal and begins to stagnate in one place looking for a mistake. To defeat such a cold-blooded and smart fighter, he must forget about tactics for the late rounds and try to shock him with his pressure and punching power from the very first seconds.
Terence Crawford vs Israel Madrimov: Fight Prediction
Crawford is clearly wary of Madrimov’s knockout power, who looks frankly huge for his weight class. So Terence will compensate for the difference in size and strength by maintaining distance, throwing occasional doubles, and constant retreating.
At the same time, the American will try to catch his opponent not only during his attacks but also in moments when Israel takes a pause and slightly stagnates, weakening his defense.
The most dangerous moment for Crawford is Madrimov’s hooks, one of which could not just slow down the champ but send him into a deep knockout.
Nevertheless, Terence’s experience, his sense of distance, and his ability to predict his opponent’s future actions still make him the favorite. Although this fight won’t be an easy walk in the park, as the bookmakers think.