Terence Crawford, the four-belt welterweight champion, is set to face a tough opponent in Israil Madrimov. This upcoming fight is not to be taken lightly, as Madrimov is known for being the biggest puncher Crawford has faced in his career so far. At 36 years old, Crawford is nearing the end of his career with 16 years in the game. This match-up against Madrimov poses a significant risk for Crawford, considering his age and the power that his opponent possesses.
The Temptation of Canelo
Despite the upcoming challenge with Madrimov, many fans are already talking about the possibility of Crawford facing Canelo Alvarez at super middleweight. While Crawford’s trainer, Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre, insists that it’s premature to discuss a fight with Canelo at this time, the temptation of facing the Mexican superstar is hard to ignore. The potential money involved in a fight with Canelo is enticing for Crawford, who could secure a massive payday regardless of the outcome of the match.
BoMac emphasizes that Crawford is currently focused on the task at hand, which is the fight against Madrimov. Despite the allure of a fight with Canelo, Crawford is maintaining his professionalism and concentrating on the upcoming bout. Crawford understands the dangers that come with underestimating Madrimov, who has a record of 10-0-1 with 7 knockouts. Winning this fight will determine Crawford’s next move, and a lot will depend on the decisions made by his team and what opportunities present themselves.
There are several factors that could pose challenges for Crawford in his fight against Madrimov. One major concern is Crawford’s inactivity, with a gap of 13 months since his last fight. Additionally, Crawford is turning 37 in September, making age a potential factor in his performance. Moving up to a new weight class of 154 pounds adds another layer of difficulty for Crawford, who has never fought at that weight before. Facing the biggest puncher of his career, coupled with the risk of overconfidence, creates a scenario where Crawford’s victory is far from guaranteed.
While the idea of a lucrative fight against Canelo Alvarez is attractive, Terence Crawford must first navigate the challenge posed by Israil Madrimov. The outcome of this upcoming fight will significantly impact Crawford’s future in the sport and determine whether he is ready to take on a fighter of Canelo’s caliber. Crawford’s journey toward potential greatness is fraught with risks and uncertainties, making it essential for him to stay focused on the present moment and not get ahead of himself. Only time will tell if Crawford can overcome the obstacles in his path and emerge victorious in his quest for boxing supremacy.