Riyadh Season has made its way to Los Angeles, and on Saturday night (6 p.m. ET, ESPN+ PPV), Terence Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) will face WBA super welterweight champion Israil Madrimov (10-0-1, 7 KOs) in a much-anticipated match at BMO Stadium. For many fighters, moving up a weight class to win another title is a landmark achievement. However, for Crawford, who has already held titles in three different weight classes, it has become almost a routine occurrence.
Crawford, renowned for his exceptional fight IQ and technical skill, will be up against Madrimov, a naturally larger and stronger competitor. Although Crawford expressed confidence in his ability to compete effectively at 154 pounds, some speculate that he might be underestimating the challenge. Madrimov’s trainer, Joel Diaz, suggested that Crawford, who started his professional career in 2009 at super lightweight, might encounter more difficulty than expected against a capable 154-pound fighter like Madrimov. At BetMGM, Crawford is listed as a -600 favorite to win, while Madrimov is at +450.
Madrimov is determined to make a significant impact and views the fight against Crawford as an opportunity to change his and his family’s future. On the other hand, Crawford emphasizes that his focus is on competing against the best rather than merely preparing for future high-profile matches, such as those against stars like Canelo Alvarez.
A win for Crawford would enhance his legacy even further, potentially earning him a fourth world title across different weight classes. As “Bud” continues to gain recognition beyond dedicated boxing enthusiasts, a victory on this prominent Riyadh Season event could significantly boost his profile.
Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov Main Card (Start time 6 p.m. ET, ESPN+ PPV)
Odds from BetMGM:
- Super Welterweight: Terence Crawford -600 vs. Israil Madrimov +450
- Super Lightweight: Jose Valenzuela defeated Isaac Cruz by split decision (116-112, 113-115, 116-112)
- Heavyweight: Jarrell Miller vs. Andy Ruiz ended in a majority draw (112-116, 114-114, 114-114)
- Heavyweight: Martin Bakole defeated Jared Anderson by KO in the 5th round
