Terence Crawford is all set to attempt winning a world title in his fourth weight class when he faces WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov on Saturday in Los Angeles. The Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov fight will be Crawford’s debut in the junior middleweight category. Previously, he won titles at lightweight and became the champion at both junior welterweight and welterweight.

Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov: Undercard Lineup and Odds

• Terence Crawford -700 vs. Israil Madrimov (c) +475, WBA junior middleweight title
• Isaac Cruz (c) -450 vs. Jose Valenzuela +330, WBA junior welterweight title
• Andy Ruiz -300 vs. Jarrell Miller +230, heavyweights
• David Morrell -3000 vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic +1400, light heavyweights
• Jared Anderson -190 vs. Martin Bakole +155, heavyweights
• Andy Cruz -2000 vs. Antonio Moran +1100, lightweights
• Steven Nelson -1600 vs. Marcos Vazquez Rodriguez +750, super middleweights
• Ziyad Almaayouf -2500 vs. Michal Bulik +950, welterweights

Crawford’s Rise to the Top

Terence Crawford has been reputed as one of the sport’s most elite fighters for ages. His recent victory over Errol Spence Jr. in July 2023 solidified his status – pushing him to the top of nearly every pound-for-pound list. Om this fight, Terence dominated Spence and secured himself a position in the ninth-round TKO to become the undisputed welterweight champion.

Since that victory, Crawford has not come back to the ring. In the start, a rematch with Spence was expected, but Spence’s cataract surgery led to the expiration of the same. So not, Terence Crawford is all set for a new challenge against Madrimov in an upcoming bout.

Crawford said, “I feel great, and come Saturday, I have a treat for you all.” “I’m expecting him to try anything to throw me off, but this is the Terence Crawford era, and I’m taking that belt. I’m just so competitive that when I think I’ve reached my ceiling, there’s always that extra push to do something I haven’t done before,” he added.\

Madrimov’s Path to the Title

On the other hand in the Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov fight, Madrimove has a solid amateur background with multiple championships under his belt. He became a professional in 2018 and has built a 10-0-1 record. A technical draw against Michel Soro in July 2022 caused by a clash of heads is the only thing that blemishes his record.

Madrimov won his previous fight against Michel by TKO in a controversial stoppage after a punch landed below the belt. In a rather recent fight, Israil Madrimov defeated Magomed Kurbanov in the fifth round to claim the WBA title. This fight almost did not take place because of a medical problem that needed a second MRI for clearance. With Jermell Charlo named “champion in recess” by the WBA, Madrimov and Kurbanov fought for the vacant belt.

Madrimov said, “I feel great, and I’ve waited for this moment for a long time.” He added, ”My dream is coming true. Saturday night, I’ll show every boxing fan a great fight. I’m only thinking about victory, and I will show everything that I have inside the ring.”

Also Read: Jake Paul vs Mike Perry: TKO Winner and Round-by-Round Breakdown

The Bigger Picture: Crawford vs. Canelo?

Among all these stories of Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, one thing that stands out is the potential matchup between Crawford and middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Despite the weight difference, a fight between them would be highly anticipated and financially rewarding as both men near the end of their careers.

In the start, Alvarez dismissed this idea, but he has shown more interest in the recent months. For this fight to take place, Terence Crawford must avoid any missteps against Madrimov.

Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov Fight Prediction

Israil Madrimov is a daunting opponent and possibly the best fighter in the 154-pound division. However, Terence Crawford is one of the greatest fighters on the planet, making him the favorite to win. While Crawford’s age (37) and a year of not fighting might challenge him, his skills and years of experience should prevail.

Also, Crawford might face some early-round challenges, but once he finds his way back, it will be hard to put a stop to his momentum. The Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov prediction is Terence Crawford via TKO in the 8th round.

Update: Watch the Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov Fight highlights.

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