Promoter Eddie Hearn says Israil Madrimov is “ice chilly” forward of tonight’s battle in opposition to Terence Crawford on DAZN PPV.
Hearn states that WBA junior middleweight champion Madrimov (10-0-1, 7 KOs) is able to ship Crawford all the way down to his first profession defeat, then transfer on in the direction of a unification battle in opposition to the opposite belt holders at 154.
Not like Crawford, Madrimov isn’t grasping and gained’t look to maneuver as much as 168 to battle Canelo Alvarez. He’s content material to remain at junior middleweight and face the opposite champions to gather the belts.
Crawford’s Canelo Aspirations Could Survive Defeat
Crawford will doubtless nonetheless get the Canelo battle, even after shedding tonight. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh is keen on Crawford and needs to see him battle Canelo, however it could not matter if he backs into the match after a defeat.
At Friday’s weigh-in, you can see how highly effective Madrimov seemed in comparison with Crawford. His physique had Artur Beterbiev-type muscle tissues, and he may very well be a nightmare for Crawford if he lands on him typically sufficient.
Madrimov’s final opponent, Magomed Kurbanov had extra energy than Crawford, and he was stopped in 5 rounds. That was a formidable efficiency from Madrimov.
“He seems to be nice. He seems to be like me with my pants on,” mentioned Eddie Hearn to Fighthype when requested how Terence Crawford seems to be at 154 for his battle in opposition to Israil Madrimov. “It’s going to be an important battle.
“Madrimov is a tank, he’s a machine, and he’s prepared. We now have a giant problem, however we’re prepared. Madrimov is ice chilly. He’s not nervous within the slightest. No worry or nothing, however he’s up in opposition to a pound-for-pound nice.”
Tonight, Madrimov may very well be 175 lbs by the point he enters the ring, and that’s lots of weight that Crawford shall be coping with. He’s by no means fought anybody with that form of measurement or energy earlier than, and he won’t be prepared.
“We’re pleased to remain at 154. Combat [Vergil] Ortiz, battle Tim Tszyu, or battle the opposite champions, however we acquired a giant job to do,” mentioned Hearn when requested if Madrimov want to transfer as much as 168 to battle Canelo Alvarez if he’s victorious in opposition to Crawford.
It’s higher that Madrimov not try and go as much as 168 as a result of there are weight courses for a purpose, and there’s no level in him going up except the Mexican star invitations him.
If Canelo needs to battle Madrimov subsequent, he can invite him, and he’ll doubtless oblige him. However the worst factor Madrimov might do is begin begging or campaigning for the battle in opposition to Alvarez, which some boxing followers consider Crawford has shamelessly been doing.
“Bud might preserve a few of that power that may work in opposition to him in opposition to this younger, hungry fighter in entrance of him,” mentioned Shawn Porter to DAZN Boxing about Crawford probably having issues if he conserves his power in opposition to Madrimov.
Madrimov’s Bodily Superiority Evident
Crawford will doubtless field Madrimov, holding and holding the motion on the skin all night time to maintain from getting taken out.
“Madrimov seems to be sturdy,” mentioned Ade Oladipo.
“You may inform his physique has muscle,” mentioned Porter about Madrimov.
“You may inform from their measurement, Madrimov is the larger fighter, and the fuller fighter,” mentioned Sergio Mora.
