Trainer Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre believes that Terence Crawford received less praise than expected for his victory against WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov due to fans comparing it to his performance against Errol Spence. There was an anticipation for Crawford to ‘annihilate’ Madrimov, creating disappointment among fans when he failed to do so.
Factors that influenced Crawford’s performance included his age, inactivity, moving up in weight, and having a weak resume. Fans observed signs of Crawford aging, appearing slower and weaker at 154, and getting hit more frequently than in his previous fights. His power also seemed to diminish at the higher weight division.
BoMac’s reluctance to acknowledge Crawford’s decline in performance stems from his status as the biggest star in the stable. With no potential replacement for Crawford, the denial of reality regarding his capabilities becomes a protective mechanism. Crawford’s reduction in activity since 2020 has affected his sharpness in the ring, leading to his vulnerability against opponents like Madrimov.
During the fight, Crawford struggled against Madrimov, showcasing vulnerabilities that were uncommon in his previous matchups. BoMac highlighted that Crawford failed to cut off certain moves from Madrimov, resulting in him getting hit more frequently. Moreover, the shift in Crawford’s aggression post-Madrimov’s power display indicates a faltering in Crawford’s fighting approach.
Despite the criticism directed at Crawford for his performance, BoMac believes that the comparison to his previous fights is unjust. The expectation for Crawford to dominate Madrimov akin to his previous opponents was unrealistic, considering Madrimov’s skill level. The consecutive victories against less formidable opponents had created a false sense of Crawford’s invincibility, highlighting his deficiencies in the recent matchup.
Terence Crawford’s victory over Israil Madrimov was met with mixed reviews, with both fans and professionals critiquing his performance. The shift in Crawford’s fighting style, coupled with his age and inactivity, presented vulnerabilities that were previously unseen. BoMac’s denial of Crawford’s declining capabilities only delays the inevitable, requiring a reevaluation of Crawford’s future in the sport.