We should savour multi-weight world champion Terence Crawford whilst we can. For many, he is the pound-for-pound best boxer in the world.
Despite the proven quality and achievements of Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk and Japan’s Naoya Inoue, it’s hard to argue against Omaha, Nebraska’s ‘Bud’ Crawford being P4P king, to most observers.
Tomorrow night in Los Angeles, at age 36, he has his 41st fight, having compiled a flawless 40-0 (31 KOs) record as a pro, and never looking close to being beaten.
It is though only his first outing in just over a year. His last appearance being a historic seventh round stoppage victory over previously undefeated WBC welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. in a much anticipated ‘superfight’. That to unify the 10st, 7lbs (147lbs) title and win a world title in a third weight class.
Tomorrow he goes for his fourth and to secure his name further in boxing history.
Victory though is no ‘given’. He will face Uzbekistan’s Israil Madrimov (10-0-1, 7 KOs) for his WBA ‘world’ title at 11st (154lbs). At 29 years old, the Uzbek is a strong champion and should provide a stern test.
It’s hard though to see past a Crawford victory and a further enhancing of his achievements and reputation. Madrimov is a ‘live’ opponent and although has been relatively inactive himself, has youth and size on his side. He’s campaigned exclusively at 11st and has a good amateur background.
He could shock the boxing world, but the odds are on a Crawford late stoppage or clear points victory.
The fight and supporting card is being bankrolled by The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, forming part of their Riyadh Season (albeit an overseas promotion) and is available on the DAZN streaming site as a pay-per-view event (Box Office in the UK).
The main event is interesting enough, but it has a strong undercard with some heavyweight meetings of world significance, including Andy Ruiz v Jarrell Miller and Martin Bakole v Jared Anderson, among others. Crawford though is the main draw and your outlay should not disappoint.
The Undisputed 