Promoter Eddie Hearn has doubts that Terrence Crawford will win if his fight against WBA junior middleweight champion Aylem Madrimov takes place on August 3 in Los Angeles.
Eddie feels it's a mistake for fans to think Crawford will beat Madrimov because he's facing a different kind of beast than he's ever faced in his 16-year career.
Crawford is a good fighter, but his resume is short. The only person who can attest to his long career is Errol Spence, who was wrecked in a car accident. Beyond Spence, Crawford's resume is full of fighters who have washed up, including Amir Khan, Kell Brook, Shawn Porter, Ricky Burns and Julius Indongo.
Hearn noted that Madrimov's (10-0-1, 7 KOs) size and punching power will be a problem for Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs), who has lost 154 in his 16-year career. I've never fought and I'm not. A weathered 36 degree spring chicken.
Age, lack of athleticism, facing his opponent Madrimov, a young bulldozer, and being a novice at junior middleweight may prove to be too much for Crawford on August 3rd.
His Excellency Turki Alarusik is interested in a fight between Crawford and 26-year-old Jaron “Boots” Ennis, but that fight won't happen unless Terrence can get through his bout with Madrimov.
Crawford's underrated challenge
“We are in talks for the next fight. We don't speak on behalf of Terence, but on behalf of Israel Madrimov, and we don't know if Terrence will beat Israel Madrimov,” promoter Eddie said. Hearn spoke to FightHype about ongoing negotiations for a bout between Terrence Crawford and WBA junior middleweight champion Israel. Madrimov in Los Angeles on August 3rd.
We'll soon find out if a Crawford vs. Madrimov fight happens. Even if Lord Crawford had deep pockets, he could sacrifice himself if he asked for too much money. Crawford is a good fighter, but he's never drawn.
If he's looking for Canelo Alvarez-like money to fight Madrimov, His Excellency might look in another direction on one of the more talented candidates at 154.
“When you're 154 tall and you play against a huge puncher, when you're talking about hydration and all that stuff, Madrimov is going to come in like a monster in that fight,” Hearn said. “I probably rate Crawford as No. 1 pound-for-pound, but if that fight were to happen, there would be no other fights until Terrence Crawford faces and wins against Israil Madrimov. I think it would be very naive to start looking at it.”
Obstacles for Madrimov to defeat Crawford:
- inexperienced Elite competition: Madrimov has never fought a fighter as talented as Crawford.
- arrival: Terrence enjoys a 6-inch reach advantage against Madrimov and will likely use his jab to lengthen the fight.
- Low work rate: Madrimov is a potshot fighter and isn't busy enough to beat older fighters like Crawford. He will likely need to adopt a Gennady Golovkin-type attacking style to defeat Crawford, as throwing the occasional single punch won't do the trick.
- Stamina issues: Madrimov looked tired in some matches, despite his slow pace and light workload.
Watch out for Jaron “Boots” Ennis
“If he can get through that fight, Crawford vs. Jaron Ennis will probably be one of the biggest fights in this sport, and His Excellency wants to have the best and biggest fight. Jaron and I met with His Excellency, and His Excellency said, “We'd like to pit you against Crawford.'' Jaron Ennis' answer was, “Yes, please, I'm always ready.'' ”
Some boxing fans believe that Crawford wants nothing to do with fighting Jaron Ennis and will resist any negotiations that begin if he defeats Madrimov. The fight Crawford wants is Canelo Alvarez, who will get that great paycheck.
But Crawford doesn't seem keen on getting it the hard way, moving up to 168 and swimming with the sharks in this division. Interestingly, Crawford isn't even interested in facing Boots Ennis. He wanted to fight Tim Tzu before losing the title, but then he reportedly wants to fight Sebastian Fundora.
“he [Boots] I have to protect my title first. [against Cody Crowley]And who knows what will happen later this year. “Absolutely,” Hearn said when asked if Boots was on Crawford's level.
