In a highly anticipated bout, Terence Crawford faced off against Israil Madrimov, with the WBA junior middleweight championship on the line. The fight took place at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles and was witnessed by a sold-out crowd. The atmosphere was tense, with both fighters showcasing their defensive skills for much of the fight.
The Fan Reaction
The fans in attendance were vocal in their disappointment, booing the fighters starting as early as the fourth round due to the lack of action. They had come to see an entertaining matchup but instead were treated to a tactical battle between two highly skilled counter-punchers. The general sentiment was that they did not get their money’s worth.
Following 12 rounds of closely contested action, the judges awarded a narrow unanimous decision to Terence Crawford, with scores of 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113. However, many felt that the fight could have easily been scored as a draw, given the back and forth nature of the contest. Both fighters showcased their talents and it was a true test of skill.
Israil Madrimov expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision, believing that he deserved the victory. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, echoed his sentiments, labeling the result as a robbery. It was a testament to the close nature of the fight that opinions were divided on who the rightful winner should have been. The controversy surrounding the decision only added to the drama of the night.
The Future
With the win, Terence Crawford secured his fourth division world title and added another feather to his cap. However, his performance may have not been enough to sway potential opponent Canelo Alvarez into agreeing to a future fight. The defensive nature of Crawford’s approach may not have impressed Canelo, who is known for his aggressive style. The possibility of a matchup between Crawford and Canelo added another layer of intrigue to the aftermath of the fight.
The Crawford vs. Madrimov fight was a display of skill and tactics, with controversy adding to the excitement. Both fighters gave it their all, and while the decision may have been disputed, the quality of the matchup cannot be denied.