Terence Crawford looks to make more history as he attempts to become a four-division champion at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. The former undisputed welterweight champ participates in the first U.S.-based boxing event of Riyadh Season against WBA super welterweight titleholder Israil Madrimov.
The 12-round bout, plus undercard action, will air on ESPN+, DAZN, and Prime Video in the U.S.
Madrimov is unbeaten in 11 fights with seven wins via knockout. The Uzbekistan native started boxing to take care of his family and make his country proud and his discipline is beyond reproach. He's been competing in America and has improved from fight to fight under coach Joel Diaz.
The 29-year-old Madrimov is a massive underdog against Crawford, 36, who is already a pound-for-pound great. “Bud” last fought a year ago, when he decimated Errol Spence Jr. to become the undisputed welterweight champion.
WATCH: Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, exclusively on ESPN+
“I know for sure once I beat him, people will say he turned old. But you’re only as good as your last fight, and he showed the best fight of his career in his last performance. So I’m expecting the best Terence Crawford who can possibly step in the ring – comfortable and confident,” Madrimov told Boxing Scene.
“I feel like we’re both in our best mode, and the best man in the ring will win… That’s the best for me. Train until your idols become your rivals. That’s where we are now.”
Here’s all you need to know about Madrimov, the ultimate underdog looking for the ultimate upset against Crawford.
Who is Israil Madrimov?
Born in Uzbekistan, Israil Madrimov had over 300 wins as an amateur. Competing in the Asian Games, he is a 2014 silver medalist and a 2018 gold medalist.
He turned professional in 2018 and is 10-0-1 (7 KOs).
"The Dream" beat Michel Soro via TKO in 2021, but many felt the bout was stopped prematurely. In a rematch, the bout was declared a draw after Soro suffered a serious eye cut following a clash of heads.
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In March, Madrimov beat Magomed Kurbanov via TKO to win the vacant WBA super welterweight title. He found gaps in the Russian's defense and landed clean shots in the fifth that had Kurbanov reeling off-balanced. The referee had seen enough and stopped the bout.
Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn gave him high praise after just a short time at the pro level.
"This guy’s an animal,” Hearn said via Boxing Scene. “This guy’s the new Gennadiy Golovkin, he walked through Kurbanov with ease. Remember the name, Uzbek power, Ismail 'The Dream' Madrimov is coming for all the belts in the 154-pound division.”