Terence Crawford, who gained a detailed determination over Israil Madrimov, moved to 41-0, 31 KOs, to change into a four-weight world champion in Los Angeles.
Crawford picked up the WBA and WBO [interim but should be elevated] tremendous welterweight titles after shifting up from 147 kilos on the sold-out BMO Stadium. Madrimov proved he was a top-level competitor in taking Crawford all the best way, however he couldn’t get the victory on the scorecards.
Ultimately, ‘Bud’ added two titles to his earlier reigns at light-weight, tremendous light-weight, and welterweight. CompuBox, which supplied statistics for the headliner, confirmed how shut the competition was between the pair.
“This was a nip and tuck battle, with 4 or fewer landed punches separating the combatants in eleven of the twelve rounds. Crawford threw 158 extra punches than Madrimov, however that solely translated into 11 extra punches landed,” mentioned CompuBox.
“Crawford landed 21 extra jabs than Madrimov, whereas Madrimov landed ten extra energy punches. Crawford landed extra punches than Madrimov in seven of the twelve rounds. The judges scored the battle 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113 in favor of Crawford, who in all probability deserved to win.
In his post-fight interview, Crawford mentioned he hopes to land a battle with Canelo Alvarez.
“He wasn’t throwing wild pictures like I needed him to. I figured it out from the get-go, however I used to be being affected person. I didn’t wish to rush in with something; that’s how I acquired caught a few occasions, attempting to eat too quickly,” mentioned Crawford.
“Israil was a tricky competitor. I knew he could be robust; I knew all about him after I went to Uzbekistan. He’s actually sturdy, sturdy, and took plenty of good pictures. He acquired me to spherical twelve. He had quick toes, a great rhythm upstairs, and he was sturdy. And he was ready to counter me, similar to I used to be attempting to counter him.
“If the cash’s proper, we acquired a battle [with Canelo], however on the similar time, he’s acquired a battle that he’s centered on. I’m going to calm down and luxuriate in this win.”
Madrimov and promoter Eddie Hearn bemoaned the outcome after believing the Uzbek did sufficient to defeat Crawford.
“I fought one of the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet. I imagine that I did sufficient as a result of I used to be the champion,” mentioned Madrimov. I used to be defending the belt, controlling the rhythm, and feeling very comfy contained in the ring.
“I made a few errors, however I felt I did sufficient in every spherical. I used to be holding myself again loads, too, so I could make much more within the rematch. I already know what to do and might push more durable,” he added.
Hearn said, “It was a really shut fundamental occasion, and I believed Israil Madrimov did sufficient to edge it right here tonight. There’s at all times the argument of dethroning the champion, whether or not you suppose that’s a factor or not.
“I’m unsure Crawford dethroned Madrimov tonight. We’re extraordinarily happy with him [Israil], and we’re debating whether or not he gained a battle in opposition to the pound-for-pound primary.”
With the victory, Crawford strikes to the highest of the WBN Pound for Pound Rankings. Nevertheless, a second battle with Madrimov is uncertain.
Learn all articles and unique interviews by Phil Jay. Study extra concerning the creator, skilled boxing author, and World Boxing Information Editor since 2010. Comply with on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
