Israil Madrimov shares his big secret about upcoming opponent Terence Crawford
Ahead of his huge showdown with pound-for-pound great Terrence Crawford, Israil Madrimov has made a rather surprising admission.
‘Bud’ Crawford, 36, has won all 40 of his pro fights and is stepping up in weight and challenging for world honours at super-welterweight limit at the first time of asking.
He has already been an undisputed champion in two divisions – super-lightweight and welterweight – as well as being a lightweight world champion, and now has his sights set on further domination.
Uzbek Madrimov is standing in his way of becoming a three-weight undisputed champion, however. He is the 29-year-old reigning WBA super-welterweight champion and recently had a rather surprising piece of praise for his next ring rival, Crawford, when speaking at the launch press conference.
A clip of his comments has been shared by Matchroom Boxing on X.
“You know, when I started [my] pro career, fighting best boxers [was my dream] and now I am fighting in the world the pound-for-pound best, Terence Crawford.
“He is my favourite boxer. I like his style, big respect, but August 3, I’ll be ready.”
Whoever wins this fight could well go straight into a unification fight with WBC and WBO titlist, Sebastian Fundora, who has been ordered to fight the winner by a certain date or face being stripped.
WBA Super champ Jermell Charlo will be a future target for the victor, as will the vacant IBF and IBO belts.
The undercard will feature former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz, who famously defeated Anthony Joshua before losing the rematch.
The American is returning to the ring for the first since a unanimous decision win against Luis Ortiz in September 2022 and will take on Jarrell Miller who lost to Daniel Dubois last time out.