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Crawford Confirms His Next Fight; Madrimov At 154

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated 4/21/24

Terence Crawford has hinted that he will box WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Israil Madrimov on August 3.

According to reports, the fight will occur at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Bud, the two-weight undisputed champion, is looking to enter the ring for the first time since beating Errol Spence Jr. Bud became the first Undisputed Welterweight Champion of the four-belt era. But Crawford struggled to make the biggest fights even with his biggest wins.

Crawford’s Next Bout

The rematch with Spence never happened. Bud then chased a fight with Canelo Alvarez at 168 pounds to try and become undisputed in a third weight class. Canelo ruled that out, stating a win over Crawford did nothing for his legacy since Bud was the smaller man.

The WBO also mandated that Crawford face Sebastian Fundora. Fundora holds the WBO and WBC belts at 154. Fundora is intent on giving Tim Tszyu a rematch first. That was after the Australian suffered a big cut in the second round, leaving him hampered for the rest of the fight. Before the cut, Tszyu was dominating the fight.

“We were all so eager to make this fight that many of our agreements were made verbally. There wasn’t enough time. But I wish to make it clear that Team Fundora will honour the agreement. My word is always equal to a signed contract. Tim Tszyu, your rematch is ready when you are,” Sampson Lewkowicz (Tsyzu’s promoter)

Crawford’s Future

Terence Crawford seemingly confirming reports that he will be working with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh moving forwards and fighting Israil Madrimov on Aug 3rd… pic.twitter.com/qlmzPZ3lIF
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) April 20, 2024

A win for Bud gives him the WBA belt and then sets up a unification with Fundora. Madrimov is no push over. He stopped Magomed Kurbanov to win the belt. Turki Alalshikh/the Saudis are allegedly setting up the fight, with Eddie Hearn potentially carrying the promotion. This may signal that Crawford will work closely with the Saudis since he is a free agent.

Jermell Charlo had been in the conversation to face Madrimov. Charlo is the WBA ‘Champion in Recess’ at 154 after he was stripped. Charlo was the former Undisputed Junior Middleweight Champion who had not made a title defense since 2022. He chose to avoid his mandatory obligations, facing Canelo at 168 instead. After losing to Alvarez, Charlo’s future remains unclear. But for Crawford, he could target a big bout with Jaron Ennis now that Boots is working with Matchroom, which has a good relationship with the Saudis.

“I’m excited for this partnership with Eddie Hearn, Matchroom and DAZN. I can’t wait to continue making my mark and becoming undisputed World champion. I’ve been out of the ring for a year, and I cannot wait to get back in and do what I do best; entertain the fans and put on clinics. There are blockbuster fights on the horizon for me, and I am ready to deliver them. He [Crawford] said a few times he’s not looking my way; I’m not a big enough name. But there’s nobody else left for him to fight. Either you fight me, or you fight nobody,” Ennis said

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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