Eddie Hearn, the promoter, expresses his doubts regarding Terence Crawford’s ability to move up from his usual weight class of 147 to 154 to challenge Israil Madrimov for the WBA junior middleweight title. Hearn believes that every fighter has a limit to how far they can go in terms of weight classes and still perform at their best. He mentions that age and inactivity could play a role in Crawford’s performance, adding to the challenge he will face in this upcoming fight.
Hearn sees a way for Israil Madrimov to potentially upset Terence Crawford in this fight. He acknowledges Madrimov as a great fighter with punching power and good movement, making him a formidable opponent. The key for Madrimov would be to apply pressure on Crawford, who is known for his defensive boxing style, utilizing movement to avoid getting hit. Hearn also questions Crawford’s ability to move up to 168 for a potential fight with Canelo Alvarez, suggesting that it might be one weight class too many for him.
Although there is talk of a potential fight between Crawford and Boots Ennis, Hearn indicates that Crawford may not be keen on this matchup due to financial considerations. Crawford, at this stage of his career, values his legacy but also recognizes the importance of financial compensation for his fights. While Crawford may entertain the idea of facing Ennis if the money is right, it is not his preferred choice of opponent.
Hearn mentions His Excellency Turki Alalshikh’s interest in seeing Crawford face Canelo Alvarez in the future. However, the financial disparity between the two fighters, with Canelo commanding a substantial fortune, may complicate the possibility of this matchup. His Excellency’s roadmap for Crawford includes the potential of facing other opponents like Boots Ennis, acknowledging the desire for a high-profile fight that would capture significant attention.
Moving up to fight at 154 presents a significant challenge for Terence Crawford, as he will be facing a different caliber of opponents with power and skill. The transition in weight class requires adjustments in strategy and approach, especially when dealing with opponents like Israil Madrimov, who pose a credible threat. Crawford’s reluctance to engage in certain matchups reflects a balancing act between legacy and financial gain, highlighting the complexities of navigating the boxing landscape at the elite level.
Terence Crawford’s upcoming fight at 154 against Israil Madrimov presents an intriguing challenge for the undefeated boxer. While doubts exist about Crawford’s ability to excel at this weight class, his skills and experience cannot be discounted. The dynamics of legacy, financial considerations, and potential future matchups add layers of complexity to Crawford’s career trajectory. As the fight approaches, all eyes will be on Crawford as he seeks to prove his critics wrong and continue his quest for boxing greatness.