Uzbek Prospect Israil Madrimov Faces Daunting Test Against Terence Crawford
Uzbekistan-born Israil Madrimov (10-0-1, 7 KOs) has secured the WBA junior middleweight title, but he now faces the daunting challenge of taking on undefeated three-division champion Terence Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) on August 3 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
Madrimov, who hails from a rugged upbringing in Uzbekistan, has impressed with his pedigree as an accomplished amateur. However, he will need to overcome Crawford’s considerable skills and experience to pull off the upset. ProBox TV analysts Teddy Atlas and Paulie Malignaggi believe Madrimov’s best chance lies in the potential for Crawford to show signs of aging, as the defending champion will turn 37 a month after the fight.
“At this time, you can always age overnight,” former welterweight titleholder Malignaggi noted. “Guys [just] show up older. You consider that in the Madrimov fight.”
Crawford, who hasn’t competed since his dominant victory over Errol Spence Jr. last year, is expected to maintain his technical superiority and ring generalship against the younger challenger. Atlas praised Crawford’s ability to “slow the fight down” with his sharp timing and composure, likening his approach to that of basketball legend Michael Jordan.
While Madrimov possesses physical strength and technical solidity, the analysts believe his predictable style and slower footwork and hand speed may work against him in this high-stakes encounter. As Malignaggi stated, “If Madrimov is going to have a chance, he has to hope Crawford has lost a few steps.”
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