Israil Madrimov is hoping to end Terence Crawford’s dream of becoming a four-weight world champion on Saturday – but the reigning title-holder has made a big admission regarding his opponent ahead of their showdown.
Madrimov defends his WBA super-welterweight crown against Crawford in Los Angeles this weekend, on a packed event being broadcast live on DAZN PPV.
It will be the first defence of his belt after he stopped Magomed Kurbanov in March, while Crawford is competing for the first time since July 2023, when he put in a spectacular performance against Errol Spence to become undisputed welterweight champion.
Madrimov has admitted that he doesn’t see any weaknesses in his rival heading into the bout, but insists he will upset the odds and defeat Crawford.
“I’ve been waiting a long time for this moment and we are here and just waiting for Saturday where I want a victory. I like this moment and the first time in my life and only imagined something like this would happen to me.
“Our training has been good and I’m feeling great. I want to make a good game plan and it will be a great fight on Saturday. I don’t think this fight is about the size, it’s about the experience and knowledge he can use. This division is my division and I’m the champion, I have to defend the belt.
“My dream has always been to fight the best boxers and the pound-for-pound boxers. When I received the news that I would be making my first world title defence against Terence Crawford I was very happy. I am ready all of the time.
“I have always been a fan of Terence Crawford. I like his style. He has great movement. It’s a good style. It is true that he is one of my favourite boxers. There is always a first guy, and I want to be the first guy to beat him and to break all of the records.
“He doesn’t have any weaknesses. I haven’t seen any of those, but I will try to discover some. I am very excited to get this opportunity to make a statement, and I will Inshallah. I’m not Errol Spence Jr. I am Israil Madrimov.
“He’s moving up in weight. I’m the world champion here, and I don’t think about him. I think about myself and I think about accomplishing my goals and winning this fight. It’s a huge honour and opportunity for me to show my skills and I want to win this fight in style. And still!”
Elsewhere on Saturday’s card, Isaac Cruz faces Jose Valnzuela for the WBA super-lightweight title, David Morrell meets Radivoje Kalajdzic for the WBA light-heavyweight title, Andy Ruiz takes on Martin Bakole, and Jared Anderson goes up against Martin Bakole.
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