Terence Crawford got the job done against Israil Madrimov, winning by unanimous decision and grabbing the WBA super-welterweight belt. The victory makes Crawford a four-division world champion, adding another impressive feat to his already stellar career.
Crawford handled the jump to 154 pounds well, scoring points with powerful combinations throughout the fight. But Madrimov, who came in undefeated, didn't make it easy for 'Bud'. The 29-year-old pushed Crawford harder than most of his recent opponents, taking the fight to him aggressively in the early rounds.
The judges saw it in Crawford's favor on all three scorecards, with the 11th and 12th rounds potentially sealing the deal. Crawford's 11-fight stoppage streak came to an end, but he walked away with the victory in his 41st professional bout.
After the fight, Madrimov felt he deserved a rematch, saying he'd done enough to win. At the press conference, he gave props to Crawford while breaking down the fight:
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 … 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.
Madrimov also reflected on his own performance:
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.
Despite Madrimov's hopes, a rematch seems unlikely. Instead, Crawford's next move might be even bigger. Riyadh Season's Turki Alalshikh has sent an offer to Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez for a potential showdown with Crawford.
Madrimov weighed in on this potential matchup:
I don't know, it depends on what weight they fight in, but if they're going to be fighting in Canelo's current weight category I think it will be very difficult for Crawford because [Canelo is] massive.
Canelo, who was recently stripped of his IBF title, has a fight lined up with Edgar Berlanga on September 14th, where he'll defend his remaining three major belts at 168 pounds. He's previously dismissed the idea of fighting Crawford, but with this new offer on the table, things might change.
