Israil Madrimov expressed his disappointment in the judging crew’s decision last Saturday at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Despite his impressive performance, which he believed warranted a win by 2 to 3 rounds, the victory went to pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford by a twelve-round unanimous decision with scores of 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113. Madrimov felt he had outperformed Crawford throughout the fight, showcasing his skills and challenging the popular fighter who struggled to land power shots. The controversial decision led to Madrimov losing his WBA junior middleweight title, leaving him eager for a rematch.
Terence Crawford’s power came into question following the fight against Madrimov. Despite his unbeaten record, Crawford’s inability to dominate Madrimov raised concerns about his capabilities, particularly against younger opponents. At 36 years old, Crawford’s age seemed to catch up with him as he failed to deliver the knockout blows he had become known for in previous fights. The reliance on jabs and a lack of significant power punches highlighted a potential weakness in Crawford’s game, further accentuated by the fact that he is fighting less frequently as he enters his late thirties.
Madrimov’s Belief in his Performance
Israil Madrimov’s confidence in his performance was evident in his post-fight remarks. Despite the judges’ decision, Madrimov believed he had won by a significant margin, echoing the sentiments of his promoter, Eddie Hearn. The disappointment in the outcome of the fight fueled Madrimov’s desire for a rematch with Crawford, hoping to prove his superiority in the ring once again. The determination and belief in his abilities showcased Madrimov’s commitment to his craft and his aspirations to reach the pinnacle of boxing.
Terence Crawford’s career trajectory was brought into focus following the fight against Madrimov. The realization that Crawford’s power may not translate to higher weight classes raised questions about his long-term prospects in the sport. Drawing parallels to other fighters who struggled with power transitions, such as Adrien Broner, highlighted the challenges Crawford may face as he continues to age. With his career potentially on borrowed time, Crawford’s next moves will be crucial in determining his legacy in boxing.
The controversial fight between Israil Madrimov and Terence Crawford shed light on the intricacies of professional boxing. The judging decisions, power dynamics, individual beliefs, and career trajectories of both fighters came into play, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the sport. As both Madrimov and Crawford navigate their paths moving forward, the lessons learned from this fight will undoubtedly shape their futures in the ring.