Israil Madrimov vs. Terence Crawford: Press Conference Highlights and Fight Prediction

Israil Madrimov (10-0-1, 7 KOs) will soon defend his WBA super welterweight title against Terence Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs), who seeks to win a belt in a fourth weight class.

Their fight headlines a Riyadh Season event at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. Boxing fans in the United States can catch the action as a pay-per-view on ESPN+, DAZN and Prime Video. Those in the United Kingdom can also do the same with TNT Sports Box Office. DAZN and PPV.com will also carry the action for the rest of the world.

The entire event is part of Riyadh Season, a state-funded entertainment and sports festival in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority is responsible for its organization.

Ahead of their August 3 clash, Crawford and Madrimov spoke at a press conference. Below is what they had to say.

Israil Madrimov vs. Terence Crawford Press Conference Highlights

Crawford

“I’m expecting Israil to come out and do what he been doing,” said Crawford. “He’s been phenomenal in the fights that he’s had, but a lot of people forgetting that I punch hard and I’m strong too. You know a lot of people is overthinking this whole fight, like he’s the bigger guy, he’s the stronger guy since I’m moving up in weight. But we always have them same questions from Jeff Horn to Errol Spence to [José] Benavidez. All these big guys that’s naturally bigger than me, when they get in the ring with me everybody say ‘wow, Terence Crawford is stronger than we thought.’ And I think here Saturday people going to be saying the same thing.”

Madrimov

“I am happy to be here,” said Madrimov in English initially. “This fight [is] a big chance for me. I am fighting [the] best fighter in the world. It’s my dream come true. I feel great and then I want history.”

“I’ve had an extensive amateur career,” he said via interpreter. “I’ve been in boxing all my life. I know I have 10 pro fights [sic], but I fought some good fights and I’ve had some really good experience in the pro ring as well. I’ve had a lot of experience in camp. I’ve been living in Indio basically for six years. I’ve been spending time at the gym with the Diaz brothers and I’ve been gaining experience there, more than the fights. With all due respect to team Crawford, as I said before he’s my favourite fighter, but at the same time I believe that I can prove that I am the best in the world as well and I believe that anything is possible…”

Fight Prediction

While Crawford moves up in weight for this fight, he is only half an inch shorter than his opponent. However, “Bud” has a roughly six-inch reach advantage, so expect him to put that to good use. That being said, Madrimov has good fundamentals and movement, which should make him a tougher opponent than some expect. The Uzbek only has 11 professional bouts to his name, but he should perform like a veteran of the sport. Expect this fight to go late with Madrimov making Crawford work before he gets stopped. Crawford by late rounds knockout.

Full Press Conference

For the press conference in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Queensberry Promotions.