Controversial Decision: Hearn Criticizes Crawford’s Win over Madrimov

BY BOXING HIT STAFF-

The aftermath of the fight between WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov and Terence Crawford left promoter Eddie Hearn fuming. Hearn strongly believes that Crawford did not do enough to deserve the victory, pointing out that to defeat a world champion, one must exhibit a higher level of performance than what Crawford demonstrated in the ring against Madrimov.

The sentiment shared by fans on social media echoes Hearn’s sentiments, with many expressing their disbelief at the judges’ decision. They argue that Madrimov outperformed Crawford, landing more punches and exposing Crawford as a fighter past his prime. The once formidable Crawford, who dazzled in his bout against Errol Spence a year ago, appeared lackluster and vulnerable against Madrimov, needing a strong finish in the 12th round to secure a controversial victory.

Despite Madrimov’s claims that he should have emerged victorious, it seems unlikely that a rematch will take place. His hopes of facing Terence Crawford again have been overshadowed by Crawford’s and His Excellency Turki Alalshikh’s desires to secure a fight against Canelo Alvarez in the near future. The financial prospects of a rematch with Madrimov are deemed less rewarding, prompting Crawford and his team to pursue more lucrative opportunities.

The fight against Madrimov exposed vulnerabilities in Crawford’s performance, particularly in the junior middleweight division. Crawford’s lack of power and inability to dominate at 154 pounds raise concerns about his future prospects in the division. Should Crawford choose to compete against elite fighters in the weight class, he may face a string of defeats, challenging his status as a pound-for-pound great.

The close nature of the fight was acknowledged by Hearn, who noted that Team Crawford seemed aware of the tight competition. Despite knowing that the judges’ decision favored them, Team Crawford remained focused on their ultimate goal of securing a high-profile bout against Canelo Alvarez. The strategic decision to prioritize financial gains over a potential rematch with Madrimov underscores the business-oriented nature of professional boxing.

The Influence of Money and Politics

The role of financial incentives and political connections in boxing cannot be ignored. The allure of a lucrative fight with Canelo Alvarez outweighed the possibility of a rematch with Madrimov for Crawford and his team. The financial implications and commercial interests associated with facing a high-profile opponent ultimately shaped the outcome of the decision, veering away from the principles of pure competition and sportsmanship.

The controversial decision in the fight between Israil Madrimov and Terence Crawford sheds light on the complexities and controversies surrounding professional boxing. The influence of money, politics, and strategic maneuvering often dictates the trajectory of fighters’ careers, overshadowing the essence of fair competition and athletic excellence. As fans and observers, it is crucial to critically analyze and question the decisions made within the sport, holding promoters, fighters, and organizations accountable for upholding the integrity and spirit of boxing.