By BoxingHit Staff-
The ongoing debate over the rightful rankings in the competitive 154-pound division has reached a new high, as Terence Crawford and Israil Madrimov occupy the top two spots in Ring Magazine’s latest rankings. This update has quickly garnered attention, primarily due to the rise of IBF junior middleweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev, who currently holds the #3 position despite an impressive record of 23 wins and 17 knockouts. Murtazaliev’s third-round TKO victory against Tim Tszyu last Saturday has left many questioning the logic behind the rankings, especially when considering the caliber of performance displayed by both Crawford and Madrimov.
Murtazaliev’s recent win showcased not only his undefeated status but also his potential as the top fighter in the division. Despite his achievements, being listed third while having demonstrated superior skills puts into question the criteria used to develop these rankings. Comparing his level of performance against that of Crawford and Madrimov reveals inconsistencies; Murtazaliev fought with confidence and efficiency, whereas the former champions appeared hesitant and one-dimensional during their bout. This raises an important issue: Should performance quality or past accolades dictate rankings? In this case, a reevaluation seems necessary, where Murtazaliev should arguably leapfrog over Crawford and Madrimov.
Crawford’s recent bout with Madrimov ended with a narrow unanimous decision in his favor—a result many fans felt could have swung either way. In that match, neither fighter excelled; Crawford was notably tentative, and Madrimov, despite his power, showed limited strategic diversity, predominantly throwing right hands. Given the underwhelming nature of this fight, Crawford’s ranking at the top seems unjustified. It prompts a reevaluation of how champions maintain their status, especially when they face opponents who showcase room for growth—like Madrimov, who has a strong trajectory ahead.
It’s essential to consider the potential for improvement in fighters like Madrimov. His performance against Crawford may have fallen short, but younger fighters often grow and evolve post-defeat. If provided with an opportunity for a rematch, Madrimov could bring a refined strategy and possibly outperform Crawford, making the argument for a higher ranking more compelling. This observation aligns with my proposed rankings, placing Murtazaliev at the top followed by emerging talents who continue to show promise.
As we look ahead, Crawford’s apparent focus on securing a mega bout against Canelo Alvarez raises further questions about his future at 154 pounds. His lack of interest in continuing to compete in this division post-Madrimov fight suggests he may be more inclined toward retirement than regaining momentum. What remains unclear is how Crawford’s potential retirement will impact the landscape of the 154-pound class.
The current rankings may benefit from an overhaul based on recent performances, with Bakhram Murtazaliev deserving recognition as the rightful leader in the 154-pound hierarchy. The evolving dynamics in the division promise exciting matchups in the future, particularly as younger talents like Madrimov and others strive for championship titles.
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