BOXING

Israil Madrimov makes a shocking call on Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford megafight

Israil Madrimov shares his surprising take on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford megafight, making an unexpected prediction about who will emerge victorious.

Israil Madrimov arrives prior to the RING Magazine Awards at Old Royal Naval College on January 11, 2025 in London, England.
© Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty ImagesIsrail Madrimov arrives prior to the RING Magazine Awards at Old Royal Naval College on January 11, 2025 in London, England.

Israil Madrimov, who fought Terence Crawfordlast year, has shared his thoughts on the potential showdown between his former opponent and Canelo Alvarez. Madrimov, who was defeated by Crawford last August in a bout for the WBA light middleweight title, weighed in on the highly anticipated matchup.

After 12 grueling rounds, Crawford secured a unanimous decision victory, becoming a world champion in four divisions. Now, his sights are set on Canelo Alvarez, the current unified WBA, WBC, and WBO super middleweight champion.

The fight, which has generated immense buzz, is tentatively scheduled for September in Las Vegas, though an official announcement has yet to be made. Riyadh Season’s Turki Alalshikh has been leading negotiations, bringing two of boxing’s biggest stars closer to a long-awaited clash. After months of speculation, it appears the pound-for-pound elites have reached an agreement to finally face off.

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Crawford vs. Canelo: What did Madrimov say about the fight’s outcome?

Speaking to Boxing News, Madrimov was asked to predict the megafight’s result, and he didn’t give his former opponent much of a chance at moving up two weight classes to defeat the Mexican superstar. His response was clear: “It’s a very different weight class. Canelo will win. I think by decision.”

WBC/WBA/WBO super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez (R) punches Edgar Berlanga during the 12th round of a title fight at T-Mobile Arena on September 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)

WBC/WBA/WBO super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez (R) punches Edgar Berlanga during the 12th round of a title fight at T-Mobile Arena on September 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)

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Too big a weight difference for Crawford?

While Madrimov believes size will be a decisive factor, he is also focused on his own return to the ring next month. He is set to face WBC interim light middleweight champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. on the undercard of the undisputed light heavyweight title rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol at Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia.

Not Crawford: Oscar De La Hoya reveals the fighter who could dethrone Canelo Alvarez

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What’s next for Madrimov?

The 29-year-old Uzbek aims to bounce back after suffering his first professional loss to Crawford last year. However, he faces a tough challenge in Ortiz, who remains unbeaten in 22 professional fights and is in top form heading into their showdown.

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