Terence Crawford’s Toughest Challenge: Israil Madrimov, The Canelo-Esque Hurdle

Terence Crawford faces easily his toughest opponent of his 16-year career against Israel Madrimov on August 3 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.

The undefeated 29-year-old Madrimov (10-0-1, 7 KOs) is considered a younger, stronger, more powerful version of Canelo Alvarez, giving Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) a sample of what to expect if he gets the chance to challenge the superstar of Mexico with his 168-lb belts.

Madrimov’s Canelo-esque skillset

Israel Madrimov’s game is more versatile than the flat-footed Canelo’s and has the ability to make up for the knowledge gained by the savvy owl Crawford during his career. He has the power and skills to portray Crawford’s chin, age, and ring rust.

If Crawford is going to fight for the undisputed super middleweight championship in 2025, Madrimov is the perfect man to prepare for that fight. Madrimov is a test to see if Crawford deserves to face King Canelo, and if he can’t win this fight, he doesn’t rate the fight.

I just doubt if Crawford will pass this talent. He has never fought anyone at his level, and he was in the victory zone celebrating his victory against Errol Spence last year.

It is not clear whether it was Crawford’s idea to face Madrimov or whether His Excellency Turki Alalshikh wanted this fight. Either way, Crawford stumbles into what could be a massacre against this Canelo-esque Madrimov.

This isn’t someone you’d expect Crawford to pick because Madrimov is dangerous and could poke holes in his big plans for a golden parachute payday against Alvarez.

Crawford’s Negative Confidence

Crawford believes this will be just another surefire victory like his previous 40 victories. He goes into the game thinking that he will outshine Madrimov with his skills, angles, and strength.

Unfortunately for Crawford, Madrimov has similar skills to Canelo, but is much smaller and has a lower mileage on the odometer.

Madrimov has been busy with his career and has never celebrated a year’s worth of wins, as Crawford has done many times since 2020. He’s not one of those guys who relaxes between fights like most fighters do.

If Crawford was younger and more active in his career, a fight with Madrimov would make sense, but even so, it would be very dangerous because of the strength the Uzbeks have.