Moving up a weight class, Terence Crawford came out victorious against Israil Madrimov on August 3 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. The Omaha native claimed world title in his fourth weight division, dethroning WBA light middleweight champion of Uzbekistan.
Battling it out in the main event, “Bud” Crawford earned the win by unanimous decision. After 12 rounds of a tough fight, the scores were 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113.
36-year-old Terence Crawford earned his first world title at 154 lbs and improved to 41-0, 31 KOs. Earlier in his career, the undefeated southpaw held world titles at lightweight, super lightweight and welterweight, including two undisputed crowns at 140 lbs and 147 lbs.
“He wasn’t throwing wild shots like I was wanting him to do,” Crawford said post-fight. “I figured it out from the get-go, but I was being patient. I didn’t wanna rush in with anything – that’s how I got caught a couple of times, trying to eat too soon.”
“Israil was a tough competitor. I knew he was gonna be tough, I knew all about him when I went to Uzbekistan. He’s really strong, he’s durable, he took a lot of good shots. He got me to round 12. He had fast feet, good rhythm upstairs, and he was strong. And he was waiting to counter me, just like I was trying to counter him.”
Israil Madrimov dropped to 10-1-1, 7 KOs. The 29-year-old suffered his first career defeat and didn’t succeed in his first world championship defense.
“I fought the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world and I believe that I did enough because I was the champion,” Madrimov said. “I was defending the belt and I was controlling the rhythm and I felt very comfortable inside of the ring.”
“I made a couple mistakes, but I felt I did enough in each round. I was holding myself back a lot too, so in the rematch I can make a lot more. I already know what to do and can push harder.”
Tough fight indeed! If Crawford intends to stay at that weight he will need to put on some muscles to increase his power!