Israil Madrimov: The Top Fighter at 154 According to Eddie Hearn

BY BOXING HIT STAFF-

Promoter Eddie Hearn is adamant that Israil Madrimov should be considered the top fighter in the 154-pound division, despite his controversial loss to Terence Crawford. Hearn believes that the close nature of the fight should elevate Madrimov to the top spot, with Crawford trailing closely behind. He argues that the boxing community should give Madrimov more credit for his skills and performance in the ring.

An Unlikely Rematch

While Hearn would like to see a rematch between Madrimov and Crawford to settle the score, he acknowledges that it may not be feasible in the near future. However, he leaves the possibility open for a potential rematch down the road if Crawford remains in the 154-pound division and runs out of viable opponents. This leaves fans wondering if the two fighters will meet again to determine the true champion.

Hearn dismisses the idea of Crawford moving up to the 168-pound division for a potential fight against Canelo Alvarez. He believes that the weight jump would be too much for Crawford to handle and questions the fighter’s hunger levels at this stage of his career. Hearn hints at Crawford’s age, inactivity, and financial status as potential factors that may influence his decision-making in the future.

Crawford’s sporadic fight schedule and upcoming break from boxing lead Hearn to question the fighter’s commitment to achieving undisputed status in another weight class. With age catching up to him and limited activity in the ring, Crawford’s future in the sport remains uncertain. Hearn expresses concerns about Crawford’s ability to compete at a higher weight class based on his performance against Madrimov.

The Potential Canelo vs. Crawford Fight

Hearn discusses the possibility of a high-profile fight between Canelo Alvarez and Crawford, highlighting the challenges in making the bout a reality. He acknowledges Canelo’s desire for big fights and the monetary considerations that come into play. Hearn paints a picture of a frustrated Canelo wanting to face top competitors like Crawford but facing obstacles in making those fights happen.

Hearn mentions the involvement of His Excellency Turki in orchestrating big fights in boxing, including the potential matchup between Canelo and Crawford. He describes His Excellency as a fight fan with a substantial budget, emphasizing the importance of financial negotiations in bringing together top fighters. His Excellency’s aspirations for making significant fights reflect the desires of many fans who crave exciting matchups in the sport.

Overall, Eddie Hearn’s perspective on Israil Madrimov as the top fighter at 154 sheds light on the complexities of boxing rankings and potential matchups in the sport. While controversies and uncertainties loom over the boxing world, the passion for creating unforgettable fights continues to drive promoters, fighters, and fans alike. As the landscape of boxing evolves, only time will tell if legends like Canelo and Crawford will cross paths in a clash of titans.