Promoter Eddie Hearn is confident in his fighter, Israil Madrimov, as he heads into the title defense of his WBA junior middleweight belt against Terence Crawford. Despite Crawford being the heavy favorite, Hearn believes that Madrimov has “no pressure” on him going into the fight. This confidence stems from Hearn’s assessment of Crawford’s age and recent weight jump.
Crawford’s Age and Weight Class Jump
Hearn highlights Crawford’s age, who will be turning 37 in September, and his move to the 154-pound weight class. He points out that Crawford has not been as active in the last four years, making him vulnerable to the younger and fresher Madrimov. While Crawford is a favorite based on his past performances, he has never faced someone as good as Madrimov, which could pose a significant challenge for him at this stage in his career.
According to Hearn, Madrimov’s punching power could be a game-changer in the fight. While he may not match Crawford in terms of skills and technical ability, Madrimov’s strength could give him an edge. However, Hearn also acknowledges that Madrimov has certain weaknesses, such as lunging in and fighting with his hands down, which could pose a risk against a seasoned fighter like Crawford.
Hearn emphasizes that this is the toughest fight of Crawford’s career so far and acknowledges that Madrimov is considered the underdog. However, he believes that this presents an opportunity for Madrimov to shine. If Madrimov manages to beat Crawford, he may not be immediately included in the pound-for-pound rankings, but he will gain new fans and potentially open doors for lucrative future opportunities, such as a fight against Canelo Alvarez.
Future Prospects for Madrimov
Should Madrimov emerge victorious against Crawford, Hearn envisions a rematch and the possibility of facing other top fighters in the division, such as Errol Spence, Sebastian Fundora, and Tim Tszyu. While the ultimate goal may not be immediate recognition in the pound-for-pound rankings, a win against Crawford could significantly boost Madrimov’s career and solidify his position in the highly competitive world of boxing.
Eddie Hearn’s unwavering belief in Israil Madrimov’s capabilities, coupled with the analysis of Crawford’s age and recent performance, sets the stage for an intriguing matchup. Despite the odds stacked against him, Madrimov has the opportunity to make a name for himself in the boxing world by taking on one of the best in Terence Crawford. The fight not only holds the potential for a significant upset but also opens doors for exciting future prospects for both fighters involved.