When you’re as good as Terence Crawford, the only way is up. After laying claim to the undisputed welterweight championship of the world last year, the switch-hitting superstar from Omaha moves into his fourth weight class for a shot at WBA super welterweight titleholder Israil Madrimov.
The 12-round bout, plus undercard action, will take place at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Both DAZN PPV and ESPN+ PPV will carry the action, which will mark the U.S. debut for Riyadh Season.
Last July, Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) put on a virtuoso display of boxing brilliance to stop long-time welterweight rival Errol Spence Jr. in nine one-sided rounds. That was the second time “Bud” achieved the undisputed distinction – that box was also ticked at super lightweight – and he also became the consensus choice for pound-for-pound king.
When Madrimov (10-0-1, 8 KOs) turned professional in November 2018, Crawford was already a three-weight world champion. But don’t let that fool you. The Uzbekistan native had an extensive amateur career and he’s a world-class operator. In March, Madrimov scored a brutal and decisive triumph over Russian star Magomed Kurbanov to win the title he now holds.
The Sporting News provides odds and a final prediction for Crawford’s super welterweight debut.
Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov betting odds
Per BetMGM, Crawford is the -800 favorite while Rodriguez is the +450 underdog.
Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov trends
- Crawford via KO/ TKO/ Tech. Dec/ DQ: -125
- Crawford via decision: +180
- Madrimov via KO/TKO/Tech. Dec/ DQ: +900
- Madrimov via decision: +1000
- Draw: +1800
WATCH: Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, live on DAZN
Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov prediction, best bets
Because Madrimov is not a household name, many fans and experts will write him off. That’s a mistake because this a tougher challenge for Crawford than Errol Spence, stylistically and physically, so don’t be looking for an early night.
While Bud’s ability to improvise caused the much more robotic Spence to flounder, Madrimov won’t be as easy to finesse. The Uzbekistan fighter posted 350 amateur victories out of 370 – a remarkable achievement – and took gold at the Asian Championships and the Asian Games.
Despite being only 11 bouts into his professional career, Madrimov is a complete fighter, and his title-winning effort proves it. At 29 years old, he’s seven years younger than Crawford and a natural super welterweight. Bud began his career as a lightweight.
However, Crawford has been sprinkled with magic dust. You don’t go unbeaten for 16 years, win double undisputed, and become pound-for-pound No. 1 for nothing. Against Spence, his skills were comparable to fighters like Ezzard Charles and the two Sugar Rays. He was brilliant!
I think the American becomes a four-weight world champion on Saturday, but he’ll have to earn it the hard way. And if he does pull it off, then he should be given ample credit for this victory.