In a tightly contested battle, Terence Crawford secured his fourth division world title by defeating WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov in a 12-round unanimous decision. The fight took place at a sold-out BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, with Crawford ultimately winning with scores of 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113. Despite the close nature of the fight, the judges ruled in favor of Crawford, much to the dismay of some fans.
The match was characterized by its defensive nature, with both Crawford and Madrimov opting for a more cautious approach. The lack of action in the early rounds resulted in boos from the crowd, as they were hoping for a more entertaining showdown. Both fighters relied on their counter-punching skills, waiting for the opportune moment to strike. The excitement didn’t pick up until the final round, leaving some spectators disappointed with the overall performance.
Madrimov’s early success in the fight, particularly in the first six rounds, set the tone for a competitive matchup. However, Crawford mounted a comeback in the latter half of the fight, showcasing his aggression and tenacity. Despite Madrimov’s cleaner shots early on, Crawford’s late surge proved to be enough to sway the judges in his favor. The decision was met with criticism from Madrimov and his promoter Eddie Hearn, who believed that the outcome was unjust.
With the possibility of a future bout against Canelo Alvarez looming, Crawford’s performance against Madrimov may not have been enough to impress the Mexican star. Canelo, known for his aggressive fighting style, may be hesitant to face Crawford based on his defensive approach in this fight. Madrimov, on the other hand, displayed similarities to Canelo in terms of his build and punching power, making him a potential stand-in for the boxing superstar.
The match between Terence Crawford and Israil Madrimov may have been a controversial one, but it showcased the skill and resilience of both fighters. While Crawford emerged victorious, the close decision left many questioning the judges’ scoring. Only time will tell if Crawford’s performance will be enough to secure a future showdown with Canelo Alvarez, a fight that many boxing fans are eagerly anticipating.