BY BOXING HIT STAFF-
Promoter Eddie Hearn has expressed doubts about the possibility of Terence Crawford granting former WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov a rematch after their recent fight at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Hearn believes that Crawford faced his toughest challenge to date against Madrimov, who proved to be a formidable opponent. The match ended in a controversial 12-round unanimous decision in favor of Crawford, leaving many fans and experts questioning the judges’ verdict.
Hearn’s prediction that Crawford would struggle against Madrimov came true, with the undefeated fighter facing significant resistance in the ring. Despite ultimately securing the victory, Crawford was out-punched, visibly marked up, and made to look older than his years. Hearn went on to suggest that the judges may have saved Crawford from his first professional defeat, potentially derailing his hopes of securing a lucrative bout with Canelo Alvarez.
Throughout the fight, Israil Madrimov showcased his skill and determination, earning praise from both fans and experts. Hearn has gone so far as to claim that Madrimov may very well be the best 154-pound fighter in the world based on his performance against Crawford. Many spectators believed that Madrimov deserved to win the fight, highlighting the subjective nature of judging in boxing.
Despite Hearn’s doubts about the likelihood of a rematch between Crawford and Madrimov, he emphasized the importance of future challenges for both fighters. Hearn suggested that Madrimov’s stock has risen following his bout with Crawford, opening up opportunities for him to face other top contenders in the division. While a rematch between the two may not be immediate, Hearn remains optimistic about the potential for a second showdown in the future.
As Israil Madrimov’s profile continues to grow in the boxing world, his defeat against Crawford has not diminished his standing in the sport. Hearn believes that Madrimov’s impressive showing against a seasoned champion like Crawford will attract more attention and opportunities for the Uzbek fighter. Moreover, Madrimov’s willingness to face tough opponents bodes well for his future prospects in the division.
The Crawford vs. Madrimov fight delivered unexpected results and highlighted the competitive nature of the junior middleweight division. While Crawford emerged victorious, Madrimov’s performance was nothing short of commendable, solidifying his status as a rising star in the sport. As both fighters move forward in their careers, fans can anticipate more thrilling matchups and potential rematches down the line.
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