Terence Crawford defeating Israil Madrimov via unanimous decision

Terence Crawford achieved a significant milestone in his boxing career by defeating Israil Madrimov via unanimous decision on August 3, 2024, at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. 

This victory marked Crawford’s ascent to the 154-pound division, earning him the WBA Junior Middleweight title and making him a champion in four different weight classes.

Terence Crawford entered the ring with an impressive record of 40 wins, including 31 by knockout, and faced Madrimov, who held an undefeated record of 10 wins with 7 knockouts. 

The fight was highly anticipated, as Crawford was stepping up in weight for the first time in his professional career. He was favored to win, but Madrimov was recognized for his power and size, making the matchup intriguing.

Prior to the bout, Crawford experienced a minor issue with his gloves, as one pair split at the seams. Despite initial concerns regarding Madrimov’s Grant gloves, he ultimately agreed to wear them, leading to a slight delay in his warm-up.

Fight Dynamics

The match began cautiously, with both fighters assessing each other’s strengths. Terence Crawford, known for his boxing intelligence and technical skills, seemed to have a slight edge in the early rounds. 

However, Madrimov landed some significant punches, notably in the third round, demonstrating his ability to compete at a high level.

In the fifth round, Crawford briefly hit the canvas, but it was ruled a trip, and he quickly regained his footing. By the sixth round, Crawford responded with a series of headshots, reasserting his dominance. 

The fight continued with back-and-forth exchanges, particularly in the eighth and ninth rounds, where Madrimov landed impactful right-handed punches.

As the fight progressed into the final rounds, Crawford increased his aggression, attempting to secure a decisive finish. However, Madrimov showcased resilience, managing to withstand Crawford’s onslaught and finishing the fight on his feet.

Judges’ Scores and Aftermath

The judges scored the match 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113 in favor of Crawford, solidifying his victory and improving his record to 41-0. This win not only added another title to his collection but also highlighted his ability to adapt to new challenges in the ring.

In his post-fight interview, Terence Crawford praised Madrimov, acknowledging his strength and skill. “Israil was a formidable opponent,” Crawford stated. “He absorbed many solid punches and managed to take me to the final round.” He also expressed his desire for future bouts, particularly hinting at a potential matchup with Canelo Alvarez, stating, “If the financial terms are favorable, we need to make this fight happen.”

Significance of the Victory

Crawford’s victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics not only enhances his legacy as one of boxing’s elite but also opens doors for high-profile matchups against other champions. His ability to compete successfully in multiple weight classes sets him apart in the sport and solidifies his status as a future Hall of Famer.

This fight card also featured other notable bouts, including Jose Valenzuela’s split decision win over Isaac Cruz and Martin Bakole’s knockout victory over Jared Anderson. The event showcased the depth of talent in boxing and left fans eager for more exciting matchups in the future.

Crawford’s performance in this fight, coupled with his plans for future bouts, ensures that he remains a prominent figure in the boxing world, captivating audiences with his skills and determination.

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