Comments Thread For: Terence Crawford Will Be Toughest Test Yet of Israil Madrimov's Mettle

[ELPacman]

Why? Charlo went into hiding. Madrimov is a solid, exciting fighter who is now a champion. What is there to criticize about going for a new title in his first step up to JMW?

I guess at this point, I expected Bud to pick a "star" in boxing to share the ring with to maximize his money at this point in his career. I can't knock him for going for another belt, but I just feel like not as many folks are going to tune in when they have no idea who Madrimov is compared to Spence. I'm not going to lie, I don't know who Madrimov is and I try to stay in the know in boxing these days despite having a lot more going on in life. I catch ProBoxTV episodes, try to watch their Wednesday night fight telecasts religiously now and haven't heard of this guys name spoken once yet. Perhaps they will now that the fight is being made, but up until now, I haven't heard of him. I guarantee the general public has no idea who this guy is.

[jackblack008]

After watching Garcia-Haney, anything is possible. Lol.
Madrimov is strong and has good power, but I am sure Crawford would find the tools needed.

[crimsonfalcon07]

What is up with the casuals around here. He's literally the next best 154lb champion with Tszyu and Fundora out on medical, and a switch hitter with good power and skills. He let his career stagnate a bit during the pandemic, but c'mon now. And unlike certain other hyped up email champs, he's got a belt that Bud hasn't already won.

[famicommander]

What the hell? Bud's gone for nearly a year and this is the best dance partner they could find for him? He might as well just retire instead. Geezous.

It's essentially a two belt world title fight (the WBO interim strap will become a full belt if Fundora doesn't fight him) in his first fight in a new weight class against a guy ranked #3 by both TBRB and The Ring.

[Goatintheboat]

Fair play to Crawford moving up to fight a champion. Wonder what the plan really is? If he wins this unify against Fundora or Spence then move up to take Janibek or Charlos gold. Then on to Canelo

[uppercut510]

Buds resume is full of good fighters with no names... I get the frustration but these guys are good fighters just not great and arent big names, we all knew he wasnt fighting boots next

[TheOneAboveAll]

I guess at this point, I expected Bud to pick a "star" in boxing to share the ring with to maximize his money at this point in his career. I can't knock him for going for another belt, but I just feel like not as many folks are going to tune in when they have no idea who Madrimov is compared to Spence. I'm not going to lie, I don't know who Madrimov is and I try to stay in the know in boxing these days despite having a lot more going on in life. I catch ProBoxTV episodes, try to watch their Wednesday night fight telecasts religiously now and haven't heard of this guys name spoken once yet. Perhaps they will now that the fight is being made, but up until now, I haven't heard of him. I guarantee the general public has no idea who this guy is.

Yeah, I agree that Madrimov is a significant step down from Spence in terms of profile, but I guarantee he winds up being a stiffer test than Spence was. I do think Bud will have a bit too much craft for Madrimov (who has shown some weakness against pure boxers who can jab well), but he's a ball of energy, with great foot movement who can crack. I've watched his last 4-5 fights on DAZN and he really seems to be peaking atm.

[famicommander]

Buds resume is full of good fighters with no names... I get the frustration but these guys are good fighters just not great and arent big names, we all knew he wasnt fighting boots next

Boots is not a big name or an accomplished fighter yet. All he has is talent and a belt Crawford already vacated.

Madrimov isn't a big name either but this fight is for the WBA 154 strap and the WBO interim 154 strap, and it potentially sets Crawford up for the Charlo fight for the lineal title or the Fundora/Tszyu winner for a WBA/WBC/WBO unification.

[crimsonfalcon07]

Boots is not a big name or an accomplished fighter yet. All he has is talent and a belt Crawford already vacated.

Madrimov isn't a big name either but this fight is for the WBA 154 strap and the WBO interim 154 strap, and it potentially sets Crawford up for the Charlo fight for the lineal title or the Fundora/Tszyu winner for a WBA/WBC/WBO unification.

Not to mention, once he gets this belt, he's 4 division champ and it looks like Turki wants to make the Canelo fight. Bud got all kinds of options if he wins.

[_Rexy_]

This is a fantastic fight that won't move the needle with casuals.

Oh well. I'm excited.