Riyadh Season LA: BMO Stadium; Los Angeles, California
There is no two ways about it, it was not “pretty” in the eyes of the casual boxing fan. But to those who know the sweet science it was a high paced chess match. Now whether you agree or disagree with the three judges is another thing all together. But it was more history for Bud Crawford, now becoming a four-division champion.
If judging by the eye test alone, Israil Madrimov had a right hand that just couldn’t miss Terence Crawford‘s face. He landed overall the harder shot and was more accurate between the two. While the duo started out very disciplined trying not to be the first to make a mistake, it was Madrimov controlling the center of the ring. And doing a lot of feinting.
Crawford is now not only the WBA super welterweight champion, but the WBO interim also. He had issues all night getting into a rhythm thanks to the great footwork and body movement of Madrimov. But he did come on late, especially in the championship rounds with some nice flurries. Him stepping on the gas shows he and his team knew just how close the fight was. And that was one of his advantages. The ring-IQ and being there and doing that under the bright lights in big fights.
Crawford and his team, along with those in the know, realized just how tough a fight this was going to be. Which might be one reason why he switched to southpaw and didn’t keep going back and forth between stances. Madrimov never took a backwards step in the fight. It’s hard to say a unanimous decision is wrong, but there may have been some home country favor. Especially when someone has a huge advantage in ring generalship.
More History For Bud But Things Need To Be Slowed Down A Bit
Turki Al Sheikh has been throwing around his Saudi money left and right. And yes, it has brought fights to reality that most likely would have never come about. However, he really wants Crawford and Canelo Alvarez to scrap.
If this version of the Nebraska native gets into that ring at 168; Alvarez tears through him. He hits harder than anyone Crawford has faced. And he goes to the body probably better than 99.99999% of the sport. Plus Alvarez has next level defense, and lands all over the body. With Crawford being a counter sniper you don’t want to just sit back with someone like Alvarez. It might just be better for him to zero in on grabbing as many straps at 154.
Sebastian Fundora might be the perfect next target. He likes fighting on the inside, but he leaves his body open to be broken. Crawford’s movement will help him there, he just needs to crash space consistently. But we will see what the team all come up with.
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