BY BOXING HIT STAFF-
Israil Madrimov is gearing up to defend his WBA junior middleweight belt against the heavy favorite, Terence Crawford, this Saturday night at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Despite the odds stacked against him, promoter Eddie Hearn remains confident in Madrimov’s abilities, stating that there is no pressure on the underdog fighter. Hearn highlights Crawford’s age and weight jump as factors that could work in Madrimov’s favor, emphasizing the significance of Madrimov’s freshness and punching power in this bout.
The Age Factor and Weight Class Jump
Eddie Hearn points out that Terence Crawford, who will turn 37 in September, has not been as active in the ring over the past four years. Additionally, Crawford’s move up to the 154 weight class presents a new challenge for him, considering he started his professional career at 135 pounds. While Crawford may be the favorite based on his past performances, he has yet to face someone of Madrimov’s caliber. Some critics suggest that Crawford’s focus on money rather than the sport has waned, as reflected in his sparse fight schedule. This situation could work in Madrimov’s favor as he heads into the ring against a seasoned champion.
Despite not matching Crawford’s skills in terms of hand speed and technical ability, Israil Madrimov’s punching power presents a game-changing element in this fight. Hearn acknowledges the challenge that Madrimov faces against the pound-for-pound #1 fighter but underscores the importance of Madrimov’s power. However, Madrimov will need to address certain weaknesses in his fighting style, such as lunging in and leaving his hands down, to stand a chance against Crawford’s formidable skillset.
While many consider Madrimov as the underdog in this match, Hearn remains optimistic about his chances. Winning against Crawford could elevate Madrimov’s career significantly, opening doors to lucrative opportunities, including a potential fight against Canelo Alvarez. Hearn raises the question of whether beating the pound-for-pound #1 fighter would propel Madrimov to the top spot, emphasizing the significance of such a victory. Regardless of his placement in the pound-for-pound rankings, a win against Crawford would solidify Madrimov’s status as a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world.
Israil Madrimov’s upcoming fight against Terence Crawford is poised to be a pivotal moment in his career. With the backing of promoter Eddie Hearn and a strong belief in his own abilities, Madrimov has the opportunity to shock the world by defeating the unbeaten champion. While the odds may not be in his favor, Madrimov’s punching power and fresh approach to the sport could prove to be the deciding factors in this high-stakes match. As the boxing world eagerly awaits the outcome of this clash, one thing remains certain – Israil Madrimov is ready to make a statement on Saturday night.
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