So I've already stated what I think of the main event that takes place on Saturday night at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles between WBA junior middleweight champion, Israil Madrimov, and two-time undisputed champion, Terence Crawford.
For those who missed the last column which previewed this match-up, here ya go:
https://snac.com/blogs/k-9-kims-corner/a-real-fight
There is a stacked undercard attached to this main event as part of the debut edition of Riyadh Season in the States. Here's a preview of it...
- Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela
'Pit Bull' is a fighter who comes in with some buzz after he bludgeoned Rollie Romero back in late March for the WBA junior welterweight title. Cruz is built like a muscular fire hydrant, and has heavy hands. What's interesting is that despite the dominant victory for the title, Cruz (26-2-1, 18 KOs), is still not listed in the top 10 at junior welterweight by Ring Magazine.
As for 'Rayo', he is a tall, lanky southpaw with legitimate power. Back in December he cleared up his dubious loss to Chris Colbert by stopping him in six rounds in their rematch. As you see the two fighters in their face off, it's clear that Valenzuela (13-2, 9 KOs) has some clear physical advantages. He's several inches taller, and has a decided reach advantage.
There are more than a few insiders tabbing Valenzuela in this one.
- Jared Anderson vs Martin Bakole
This fight represents a real test for Anderson (17-0, 15 KOs) who discussed retiring from the sport at age 27 ( he's 24 at this moment). Which has given rise to questions about his commitment to this profession. This bout against Bakole will show if Anderson is legitimate heavyweight contender.
Bakole (20-1, 15 KOs) is a solid puncher, and he's bigger than Anderson. On the flip side, Anderson is a more refined technician and a better athlete. But after getting buzzed by Charles Martin last summer, you wonder about his ability to catch.
This is a pairing of two Ring rated big men. Anderson is ranked seventh, with Bakole coming in at number 10
- Andy Ruiz vs Jarrell Miller
Another heavyweight bout on this card, and it's a true crossroads fight. The winner moves on to bigger and better things, while the loser faces an uncertain future. Was it really that long ago that Ruiz (35-2, 22 KOs) caught lightning in a bottle and upset Anthony Joshua?
Well, it was about five years ago, and since losing the rematch to Joshua in what was a desultory effort, he only fought twice. His last fight took place in September of 2022 (a 12 round decision over Luis Ortiz). Has his 15 minutes of fame expired?
Meanwhile, Miller (26-1-1, 22 KOs) in his last outing was stopped in the final seconds by the resurgent Daniel Dubois back in December. What's ironic is that it was Miller who was originally scheduled to face 'AJ' back in 2019 before he tested positive for PED's in the lead up to that fight. Ruiz stepped in, and well, the rest is history.
'Big Baby' understands that his back is against the wall. In his last fight, he weighed 333 pounds. Well, in talking to him and his promoter, Greg Cohen, this weekend he will come in at much closer to 300. Which for him is downright svelte.
If Ruiz still has his hand speed, and Miller shows that less is more (in terms of weight), this should be an entertaining slugfest
- David Morrell vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic
How highly regarded is Morrell? Despite having just 10 bouts under his belt, he is rated second by Ring at super middleweight. But Morrell (10-0, 9 KOs) has made the decision to move up, and this contest is for the vacant WBA 175-pound title. This Cuban is big, strong, fast, and powerful -- and he's a southpaw to boot. He is the very definition of low risk-high reward. Good luck getting any of the marquee names between 168 and 175 to get in the ring with him.
In Kalajdzic (29-2, 21 KOs) you have a guy who is solid and well-respected. Back in 2016 he lost a disputed decision to Marcus Browne. His only other loss came to the human wrecking ball, Artur Beterbiev, who stopped him in five. (And hey, Beterbiev knocks out everybody)
Morrell should win this one. Just how he does so will show where he stands in the light heavyweight class.
3KR
This week's episode of 'the 3 Knockdown Rule' features interviews with Crawford, Madrimov and Cruz, who joined Mario Lopez and I as we previewed this card:
THE 3 KNOCKDOWN RULE EPISODE 54 | TERENCE CRAWFORD, ISRAIL MADRIMOV AND ISAAC CRUZ INTERVIEWS
There are two episodes this week, as Eddie Hearn joined us in-studio. To subscribe on your preferred podcast platform, hit the Linktree:
3knockdownrule - Listen on YouTube, Spotify - Linktree
FINAL FLURRIES
Also on this card at BMO (which I had no idea was pronounced Beee Mo, not B-M-O) is Andy Cruz, the highly decorated Cuban Olympian, who faces Antonio Moran... And yes, Eminem, will perform at some point on this card...It has been announced that Jaime Munguia will face Eric Bazinyan on September 20 at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. It will be part of a Top Rank promotion that will be broadcast on ESPN...I can be reached at k9kim@yahoo.com....
