Terence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov fight predictions
P4P great Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford (40-0, 31KO) challenges WBA World super-welterweight champion Israil ‘The Dream’ Madrimov (10-0-1, 7KO) tonight, August 3, at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, shown live worldwide on DAZN PPV.
It’s the biggest fight of the month, but who wins this intriguing matchup with one of the best fighters in the world, who is now 36 and hasn’t fought in over a year, and a young, 29-year-old powerful world champion on the rise.
BBN asked their pick of experts who they expect to win and why:
Duke McKenzie, Former three-weight world champion: “This fight isn’t as straight forward as many believe, Madrimov is young and starving for victory. This really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him to fight a modern day great in the form of Terence Crawford, a two-time undisputed world champion. Those credentials don’t come along very often, even in the modern day era.
“While I see Madrimov giving a great account of himself, how do you beat a man with no obvious flaws? A switch-hitting genius there is no blueprint on how to outbox or outpunch Crawford and there are not enough superlatives to describe Crawford. Madrimov is the WBA champion and won’t go down without a fight. I see Crawford winning via a wide unanimous points decision.”
Brent Brookhouse, CBS Sport: “Madrimov is not some light touch brought in to give Crawford an easy welcome to 154 pounds, he is perhaps the best fighter currently active in the division. That said, Crawford is one of the best fighters on the planet and should be expected to win this fight. Where Madrimov is good, Crawford is great and that is almost always the deciding factor.
“Where things could get interesting is if age (Crawford is closing in on his 37th birthday) and the year out of the ring catch up to Crawford. We’ve seen almost every great fighter in boxing history suddenly hit a wall where age catches up and they lose a step and suddenly lesser fighters are able to keep up.
“That probably doesn’t happen to Crawford on Saturday. Instead, Madrimov will likely have some success at times in the early rounds before Crawford locks in his plan of attack and takes over. Once Crawford gets rolling, it’s nearly impossible to stop that momentum.
“Pick: Terence Crawford via TKO8.”
Paul Mason, Pro Boxing Fans: “This could all be down to how Crawford adjusts to a new weight, and I believe he can excel, just as he has in other divisions. Once he weathers an early storm, he can become the new champion with a clear points win.”
Sporting Life: “I think this will be very competitive early doors and, if a year off at 36 years old causes any issues for Crawford, then we’ll have a real fight on our hands. However, all known evidence points towards the older man finding the answers to the questions posed by his opponent, just as he has done 40 times before, to claim victory number 41.”
Anson Wainwright, The Ring: “This is a very interesting matchup. You never know how a fighter will be at a new weight until they have fought there and Crawford is going in at the deep end against one of the best junior middleweights around. Has he bitten off more than he can chew? Of course you can turn the question around and say what has Madrimov done to prepare himself for the seismic step up in class.
“I expect Crawford to start slow, while taking a look at his opponent and that maybe Madrimov’s best opportunity to try to jump on him. By around the fifth round, I think Crawford will have worked out the Uzbekistan fighter, and there will be clear separation between then.
“Crawford will beat Madrimov to the punch and then largely dominate the action. The big question will be can he get the stoppage of have to settle for a points decision. I think Madrimov will last the course but will end up losing something like 9-3 on the scorecards.”
Tim Rickson, BBN Editor: “I’m thinking pretty much the same as everyone else – that Madrimov will start fast, apply the pressure early, while Crawford tries to slow the pace down to download data, work out his opponent, and come on strongly from around round five onwards to win.
“Madrimov said himself that Bud doesn’t have any weaknesses, which is true, there’s no obvious, glaring flaws in his game, he’s punch perfect and incredibly hard to beat, as 40 former foes have found out.
“Madrimov, whilst he has a wealth of experience and success in the amateurs, and World Series Boxing too, I do feel like his lowly 11 pro fights will go against him against a 40-fight seasoned three-weight world champion.
“His shots are thudding, you can hear each punch land with weight, he is defensively sound too, great feet, a very formidable champion with a good shot selection, and I’m intrigued to see how Bud reacts to one of his power punches; sometimes a fighter can be surprised by the weight of a heavier opponent early on in the fight.
“Although I don’t think it’s a foregone conclusion, I’m predicting Bud to win on points and become a four-weight world champion.”
Steve Kim, 3 Knockdown Rule: “While not many casual observers know of Israil Madrimov, insiders have touted his talent since he turned pro. And Crawford and his team chose no soft touch in their 154-pound debut. Madrimov is the bigger, stronger man, has deft footwork, and athleticism — and he can punch. He will put up much more of a challenge to ‘Bud’ than Errol Spence last year.
“But while I believe he has a lot going for him, and will trouble Crawford, I just don’t know if he’s seasoned enough with just 11 professional bouts under his belt. And till I see Crawford slip (and he is coming off a full year layoff) I wont believe it. I like Crawford to win a hard fought decision, in what will be one of his toughest bouts. And in retrospect, will be looked upon as one of his better wins.”