Israil Madrimov expressed his disappointment after losing his WBA junior middleweight title to Terence Crawford in a controversial decision last Saturday at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Despite feeling that he won the fight by 2 to 3 rounds, the judging crew scored it for Crawford by a twelve-round unanimous decision. Madrimov felt that he displayed an impressive performance in the ring, showcasing his skills against the pound-for-pound star.
Following the fight, Madrimov expressed his desire for a rematch with Crawford to settle the score. However, it seems unlikely as Crawford has his sights set on a title shot against super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez in 2025. This leaves Madrimov in a difficult position, with limited appealing options for his next move in the boxing world.
Despite the victory, questions have been raised about Crawford’s power and ability to dominate in the ring. Madrimov noted that Crawford lacked the power and youth to handle him, as he struggled to land significant shots throughout the fight. Crawford’s fighting frequency, age, and vulnerability to powerful punches have come under scrutiny, raising concerns about his future in the sport.
Madrimov’s comments about feeling he won by a significant margin were echoed by his promoter, Eddie Hearn, who believed the judges were unfair in their decision. The controversial outcome of the fight has left many questioning the validity of Crawford’s victory and whether the judging crew accurately assessed the performance of both fighters.
The fight against Madrimov highlighted potential weaknesses in Crawford’s career trajectory, with doubts emerging about his ability to compete at a high level in the future. Comparisons have been drawn to other boxers who struggled to maintain their power and dominance as they moved up in weight classes, suggesting that Crawford may face similar challenges as he continues his career.
Israil Madrimov’s loss to Terence Crawford was a contentious moment in the boxing world, raising questions about judging fairness and the future of both fighters. The desire for a rematch, doubts about Crawford’s power, and concerns about his career trajectory are all factors that will influence the boxing landscape moving forward. As the sport continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how both Madrimov and Crawford respond to this significant turning point in their respective careers.