Terence Crawford became a four-weight world champion with a win over Israil Madrimov on Saturday, outpointing the Uzbek in Los Angeles.
Crawford entered the BMO Stadium as a three-weight champion, having reigned undisputed in two divisions, and he enhanced his already stunning legacy with a unanimous-decision win, claiming the WBA super-welterweight title.
Many of the rounds were closely contested, but the American’s experience told in the later frames, securing him scorecards of 116-112, 115-113, 115-113. With the victory, the 36-year-old stayed unbeaten at 41-0 (31 knockouts), while handing Madrimov his first professional loss (10-1-1, 7 KOs).
After Saturday’s main event, Madrimov said he felt he had done enough to win, while the 29-year-old’s promoter Eddie Hearn called the fight a “waste of time”, bemoaning a lack of “respect from the judges”. But while Madrimov competed impressively, especially considering his relative lack of pro experience, Crawford’s ability to increase his output and find the target in the later phases of the fight proved decisive.
Re-live fight updates and see all undercard results below.
Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: The fight in photos
Alex Pattle4 August 2024 09:00
Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Eddie Hearn hits out at judges
Madrimov feels he won the fight and calls for a rematch. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, is incensed.
Hearn says the fight feels like a “waste of time”, because Madrimov “got no respect from the judges”.
“It wasn’t a 116-112 fight,” he says. I’d disagree. But either way, two of the judges had it closer, so.
Alex Pattle4 August 2024 07:10
Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Result
Crawford: “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.
“He wasn’t throwing wild shots like I was wanting him to do. 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.
“You can feel the difference [in weight], because like I said, he’s a really strong opponent.”
On a rumoured fight with Canelo:
“If the money’s right, we got a fight, but at the same time, he’s got a fight that he’s focused on. I’m gonna relax, enjoy this win.
“Not at all [worried about the weight], because I’m pretty sure he could fight at 160lb.
“It’s not so important to me, it’s just another milestone to greatness, I suppose. And financially.”
Alex Pattle4 August 2024 06:54
Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Scorecards
Indy Sport has it 116-112 to Crawford; 115-113 would be fair, though.
Terence Crawford def. Israil Madrimov via unanimous decision (116-112, 115-113, 115-113)
Alex Pattle4 August 2024 06:45
Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Main event
Into the championship rounds. Madrimov lunges into range and is countered with a pair of uppercuts to the body.
Scraping left hook by Madrimov. Now a clean cross! Crawford with a cross of his own. It’s the American who has the centre of the ring at the moment.
Crawford just blocks a cross. Nice counter jab by “Bud”. Madrimov stumbles while clinching the American.
Tight defence from Crawford, then an uppercut to the body! This is more like the Crawford we know.
Left hook to the head now. Madrimov loads up on an overhand right and misses.
Final round! Crawford with a good uppercut in the middle of a combination. He tests Madrimov’s guard with hooks now.
Both men really load up on body shots! Brutal work. Crawford with a body uppercut then two to the head! That’s so slick!
Now the American holds Madrimov briefly. Madrimov with a right hook after they separate! Crawford with a combination to the body.
Madrimov overshoots on an overhand and eats a body shot. Another well-timed uppercut by Crawford.
To the judges’ scorecards we go…
Alex Pattle4 August 2024 06:37