Terence Crawford became a four-weight world champion with a win over Israil Madrimov on Saturday, and ‘Bud’ has now given a big update on a potential showdown with Canelo Alvarez.
Crawford was pushed hard by Madrimov but ultimately came out on top in a close fight, with the judges handing him a unanimous decision victory as he claimed the WBA title at 154lbs.
It means he has now won world titles at lightweight, super-lightweight, welterweight and super-welterweight, but boxing fans hahe already began to turn their attention towards a potential clash with Canelo.
The Mexican superstar is next out in September, when he puts his WBA, WBC and WBO super-middleweight titles on the line against Edgar Berlanga in Las Vegas.
Crawford has made it clear previously that he would relish a showdown against Canelo, but speaking after the win over Madrimov he appeared keen to bide his time before deciding his next move.
“If the money’s right, we got a fight, but at the same time, he’s got a fight that he’s focused on. I’m going to relax, enjoy this win.”
Crawford handed Madrimov the first defeat of his professional career in their clash, and he praised his opponent for his efforts during the contest.
“Israil was a tough competitor. I knew he was gonna be tough, I knew all about him when I went to Uzbekistan. He’s really strong, he’s durable, he took a lot of good shots. He got me to round 12. He had fast feet, good rhythm upstairs, and he was strong. And he was waiting to counter me, just like I was trying to counter him.
“He wasn’t throwing wild shots like I was wanting him to do. I figured it out from the get-go, but I was being patient. I didn’t wanna rush in with anything; that’s how I got caught a couple of times, trying to eat too soon.”
If it isn’t Canelo next for Crawford, there a number of other potential opponents, with Saudi chief Turki Alalshikh naming Vergil Ortiz as an option for ‘Bud.’
Ortiz is back in action this weekend, taking on Serhii Bohachuk for the WBC interim super-welterweight title at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
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