Promoter Eddie Hearn’s bold statement labeling Israil Madrimov as the top fighter in the 154-pound division despite his recent controversial loss to Terence Crawford has caused quite a stir in the boxing world. Hearn firmly believes that Madrimov should be considered the number one fighter at 154, even after narrowly missing out on victory against Crawford. This viewpoint challenges the commonly held belief that Crawford is the best in the division.
One of the most disappointing aspects of the situation is the fact that there will not be a rematch between Madrimov and Crawford to settle the debate once and for all. This leaves fans and analysts wondering about the true hierarchy in the 154-pound division, with Crawford’s position as the top fighter now being called into question.
Eddie Hearn also touched on the possibility of Terence Crawford moving up to the 168-pound division for a potential showdown with Canelo Alvarez. However, Hearn believes that the weight might be too much for Crawford to handle, leading to doubts about the feasibility of such a matchup. This raises concerns about Crawford’s future in the sport and whether he has what it takes to compete at a higher weight class.
With Crawford’s inactivity and advancing age, there are looming questions about his hunger for more success and his willingness to push himself to achieve undisputed status in another division. Hearn’s comments about Crawford being a “generational great” but facing challenges at 168 add further complexity to the situation. The possibility of high-profile fights, such as one against Canelo Alvarez, remains uncertain due to various factors, including financial considerations and scheduling conflicts.
The ongoing controversy surrounding Israil Madrimov’s loss to Terence Crawford and the potential matchups in the 154 and 168-pound divisions have captivated boxing fans globally. The uncertainty surrounding Crawford’s future and the prospect of him facing elite competition like Canelo Alvarez adds another layer of intrigue to the sport. As fans eagerly await developments in the boxing world, the debate over who truly reigns supreme in the 154-pound division continues to fuel discussions and speculation.