Former world champion Antonio Tarver emphasizes the importance of Terence Crawford utilizing his technical abilities when facing WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov on August 3rd. Tarver warns that engaging in a brawl with the powerful puncher Madrimov, who possesses a similar frame to fighters like Canelo Alvarez and Gennadiy Golovkin, could spell disaster for Crawford. Given his 13-month layoff and approaching age of 37, Crawford may not have the durability to withstand the heavy shots that Madrimov is known for landing.
Antonio Tarver commends Terence Crawford for willingly taking on one of the toughest opponents in the division by moving up to face Israil Madrimov, the WBA junior middleweight champion. However, Tarver speculates that this decision may not have been entirely Crawford’s, suggesting that external forces may have influenced the matchup. Despite Madrimov’s intimidating physical attributes and power, Tarver believes that Crawford’s diverse skill set gives him an edge in the fight. Crawford’s ability to avoid unnecessary shots and apply a sound defensive strategy could be key to controlling the aggressive Madrimov.
Tarver acknowledges that several factors could work against Crawford in this upcoming bout. He points out Crawford’s recent weight gain, reduced speed, advancing age, and inactivity as potential obstacles to overcome. Unlike facing a diminished opponent like an Errol Spence post-injury, Crawford will be tested by a younger and fiercer competitor in Madrimov. While Tarver recognizes Madrimov’s power and unorthodox fighting style, he remains confident that Crawford’s speed and tactical prowess will ultimately give him the upper hand in the fight.
Despite Madrimov’s comparable speed to Golovkin, Tarver highlights the differences in their fighting styles. While Golovkin tends to apply constant pressure and unleash a flurry of power shots up close, Madrimov adopts a more measured approach, utilizing long-range power shots and switching between orthodox and southpaw stances. Tarver believes that Crawford’s superior speed and ability to establish his rhythm and timing will enable him to dictate the pace of the fight. However, the challenge lies in Crawford’s ability to withstand and counter Madrimov’s potent punches, especially given his inactivity and move up in weight.
Tarver acknowledges the risks associated with Crawford’s decision to face a formidable opponent like Madrimov. He highlights Crawford’s lackluster competition in previous weight classes and points out that he has yet to face someone as talented and dangerous as Madrimov. The absence of high-caliber opponents in Crawford’s past fights, with the exception of a past-his-prime Yuriorkis Gamboa, raises questions about his preparedness for a challenging adversary like Madrimov. Despite Tarver’s confidence in Crawford’s abilities, he cautions that Crawford’s age, inactivity, and move up in weight could pose significant challenges in the upcoming fight.
Antonio Tarver’s insights shed light on the complexities of Terence Crawford’s upcoming bout against Israil Madrimov. While Crawford possesses a wealth of skills and experience, he faces formidable obstacles in the form of Madrimov’s power, unorthodox style, and physical attributes. By heeding Tarver’s advice to rely on his technical abilities and defensive acumen, Crawford may have a fighting chance against a tough opponent like Madrimov. However, the outcome of the bout remains uncertain, given the numerous factors working against Crawford in this high-stakes matchup.