Let's make this clear, no matter how badly this upcoming card at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles is struggling at the box-office (and I'm sure you've all seen the discount codes floating around social media for this card), or that it's taking place in the dog days of summer -- the main event featuring Terence Crawford and Israil Madrimov is a real fight.
Don't let the anonymity of the defending WBA junior middleweight champion fool you. Madrimov isn't just a guy who is here to hand over his belt to 'Bud'. This isn't Julius Indongo.
I'll say it right now: Madrimov will provide a much sterner test to Crawford then Errol Spence did a year ago. I know, I know, Spence didn't provide much, (really any) resistance at all on that fateful night. He was made to look like a shell of himself as he was floored three times and dominated over nine rounds.
Riyadh Season
But that's the point, unlike Spence, Madrimov is a hungry, young disciplined athlete. I'll go even further, when it's all said and done, Madrimov will be among the very best opponents that Crawford (who gained undisputed status at 140 and 147) will have ever faced.
Again, this isn't to take anything away from Crawford, who makes a strong argument for being the best boxer post-Floyd Mayweather. In fact, it's a testament to him that he chose this guy in what is his junior middleweight debut. Currently, Madrimov is rated third in the division by Ring Magazine.
Here's what Madrimov has going for him, first, at age 29, he is seven years younger than Crawford. At a certain point, even the great athletes begin to feel Father Time tugging at their shirt tails. Also, Crawford is coming off a 53 week layoff, something which he is accustomed to. 2019 was the last year he boxed more than once. Will rest ever become rust with Crawford?
German Villasenor
But putting all that aside, Madrimov is a legitimate talent. While not classically fundamental, he is athletically gifted. In certain ways he is a mirror image of Crawford with his ability to switch-hit, and he can dart in-and-out with deft footwork. He has the dexterity of a gymnast. Physically, he is as well put together as any junior middleweight you'll ever see. Madrimov also packs a solid punch. Remember, he is the natural '54-pounder in this match-up.
What is working against Madrimov(10-0-1, 7 KOs) is the fact that he still has just 11 bouts under his belt. You just wish he had a bit more seasoning as he faces one of the most well-rounded fighters you'll ever see. The world-wide pandemic a few years ago, and the situation with Michel Soro, hindered his progress, and he was sidelined for long stretches.
Matchroom Boxing
Also, the dogged Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) is one of those guys that till you see firm evidence that he's lost a step, you don't believe it. This is a boxer who lives the life of a professional prizefighter all year round. It certainly gave him an advantage over Spence, who never hesitated to have a good time in-between fights. A message to all you young would-be fighters out there: discipline is a weapon.
Crawford is also one of the most focused athletes in the sport. His mentality is as steeled as anyone you'll ever come across. He's mean, bottom line. Inside that ring he has a predatorial instinct that is rare. Every fight and every competition is personal to him. Logan Roy would call him the most serious person.
Riyadh Season
If Crawford wants to fulfill his destiny of one day facing Saul Alvarez, he will first have to clear this hurdle. This is bout is the very definition of high risk for (relatively) low reward. A win, and his quest for Canelo marches forward. A loss and all that comes to a screeching halt. Regardless, should he come out victorious on Saturday, Crawford should get a lot of credit.
But will he?
WAR HORSE
You've got to hand it to Derek Chisora, the guy is consistently in memorable scraps. The latest one took place at the O2 Arena in England this past weekend versus Joe Joyce. It was a grinding affair that saw both men look haggard and worn, but they kept punching as much as they could.
Derek Chisora STUNS Joe Joyce In Massive Upset | FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS
But it was Chisora who did enough to win a hard-earned 10 round decision. It wasn't that long ago that Joyce was a bona fide heavyweight contender. But he has the style that ages quickly, and he looked like an old 38. Many observers believe he should call it a day. You get the sense that with his plodding style and worn down punch resistance that it wont get any better for him.
As for the Chisora, well, at age 40, he might be best served to walk off into the sunset after this victory. But he made it clear, that there will be two more battles for him to partake in.
FINAL FLURRIES
There will be more on the rest of the card at BMO Stadium in the upcoming column....The pay-per-view results on September 14 should be interesting. While Canelo faces Edgar Berlanga at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, down the street the UFC is putting on a big show at the Sphere....Yes, I am looking forward to the start of the NFL preseason, sue me...Golden Boy Promotions has announced that the likes of Charles Conwell and Kenneth Sims have been added to the Vergil Ortiz-Serhii Bohachuk undercard at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on August 10....I can be reached at k9kim......
