Promoter Eddie Hearn says Israil Madrimov is “ice chilly” forward of tonight’s struggle 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 direction of a unification struggle in opposition to the opposite belt holders at 154.
In contrast to Crawford, Madrimov isn’t grasping and gained’t look to maneuver as much as 168 to struggle Canelo Alvarez. He’s content material to remain at junior middleweight and face the opposite champions to gather the belts.
Crawford’s Canelo Aspirations Might Survive Defeat
Crawford will possible nonetheless get the Canelo struggle, even after dropping tonight. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh is a fan of Crawford and desires to see him struggle Canelo, however it could not matter if he backs into the match after a defeat.
At Friday’s weigh-in, you might see how highly effective Madrimov appeared in comparison with Crawford. His physique had Artur Beterbiev-type muscle tissue, and he might 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 appears to be like nice. He appears to be like like me with my pants on,” mentioned Eddie Hearn to Fighthype when requested how Terence Crawford appears to be like at 154 for his struggle in opposition to Israil Madrimov. “It’s going to be an important struggle.
“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 concern or nothing, however he’s up in opposition to a pound-for-pound nice.”
Tonight, Madrimov might be 175 lbs by the point he enters the ring, and that’s quite a lot of weight that Crawford might be coping with. He’s by no means fought anybody with that form of measurement or energy earlier than, and he may not be prepared.
“We’re joyful to remain at 154. Struggle [Vergil] Ortiz, struggle Tim Tszyu, or struggle the opposite champions, however we received a giant job to do,” mentioned Hearn when requested if Madrimov wish to transfer as much as 168 to struggle Canelo Alvarez if he’s victorious in opposition to Crawford.
It’s higher that Madrimov not try to go as much as 168 as a result of there are weight lessons for a motive, and there’s no level in him going up until the Mexican star invitations him.
If Canelo desires to struggle Madrimov subsequent, he can invite him, and he’ll possible oblige him. However the worst factor Madrimov may do is begin begging or campaigning for the struggle in opposition to Alvarez, which some boxing followers consider Crawford has shamelessly been doing.
“Bud might preserve a few of that power which 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 possible field Madrimov, holding and holding the motion on the surface all evening to maintain from getting taken out.
“Madrimov appears to be like robust,” mentioned Ade Oladipo.
“You would inform his physique has muscle,” mentioned Porter about Madrimov.
“You would inform from their measurement, Madrimov is the larger fighter, and the fuller fighter,” mentioned Sergio Mora.
