Israil Madrimov vs Terrence Crawford

[aioc]

History has been made, although not easy. Crawford just won his 4th title in 4 divisions; this is Crawford's first decision to win after 11 years, and it did not come easy.

Although he won by a unanimous decision, I have doubts if he can keep up fighting Canelo with what he showed tonight. It was a hard win for Crawford; he had to rally in the latter rounds to win the fight.
Congratulations to Crawford. 

[FinneysTrueVision]

Wow, this is unexpected. Rayo Valenzuela just happened to upset Pitbull Cruz by winning the fight via split decision. Rayo fought a very intelligent fight, warding off Pitbull's attacks. He has a good strategy, and he easily won the early rounds. He landed the most punches, although Cruz had the most significant or strong punches of the fight.

This is a major shake-up in the division, as Pitbull is looking forward to fighting Tank Davis after this fight. I think there's going to be a rematch in this fight, as the former champion usually has an option for a rematch in case he loses the fight.

Pitbull Cruz is pretty one dimensional. It was a matter of time until somebody with a defensive style came along and was able to frustrate him. I didn’t expect it to be Valenzuela, who is inexperienced, and isn’t that slick of a fighter. Pitbull is just very limited and only does well against fighters with more offensive styles like Tank and Rolly.

History has been made, although not easy. Crawford just won his 4th title in 4 divisions; this is Crawford's first decision to win after 11 years, and it did not come easy.

Although he won by a unanimous decision, I have doubts if he can keep up fighting Canelo with what he showed tonight. It was a hard win for Crawford; he had to rally in the latter rounds to win the fight.
Congratulations to Crawford. 

The scorecards were extremely close. Madrimov’s awkward style made it difficult for Crawford to find his rhythm. For a counterpuncher who relies on timing and accuracy, this was a bad style matchup for Crawford. As a top pound for pound fighter I would have expected him to eventually figure him out and win a wide decision, but that did not happen. In my opinion, Crawford is now clearly below Inoue and Usyk.

The heavier weight might have also been a factor. Madrimov was strong enough to withstand Crawford’s power without much issue. Against an even bigger Canelo, Crawford will be even less effective at imposing his will.

[bisdak40]

The heavier weight might have also been a factor. Madrimov was strong enough to withstand Crawford’s power without much issue. Against an even bigger Canelo, Crawford will be even less effective at imposing his will.

Surely the weight is one of the factors that made Crawford struggle against Madrimov as this is his first in the 156-pound division if I'm not wrong. Though he struggled but he won, that's the important thing for now as promoters have planned for him to face Canelo Alvarez.

Lost my bet as I was betting that this fight would not go over 10.5 rounds and a little bit of trivia this was the first unanimous win by Crawford in eight years.

[robelneo]

I have to give respect to Madrimov for going through the full 12 rounds he was leading through the championship rounds, I share Hearns opinion that there was a discrepancy in the way one judge scored the fight; seriously, 116–112 did not reflect what happened, I scored the fight for Crawford winning by one round.
Anyway, Crawford now has 4 world titles, but his performance is not enough to convince experts that he can beat Canelo.

[coin-investor]

Wow, this is unexpected. Rayo Valenzuela just happened to upset Pitbull Cruz by winning the fight via split decision. Rayo fought a very intelligent fight, warding off Pitbull's attacks. He has a good strategy, and he easily won the early rounds. He landed the most punches, although Cruz had the most significant or strong punches of the fight.

This is a major shake-up in the division, as Pitbull is looking forward to fighting Tank Davis after this fight. I think there's going to be a rematch in this fight, as the former champion usually has an option for a rematch in case he loses the fight.

Pitbull Cruz is pretty one dimensional. It was a matter of time until somebody with a defensive style came along and was able to frustrate him. I didn’t expect it to be Valenzuela, who is inexperienced, and isn’t that slick of a fighter. Pitbull is just very limited and only does well against fighters with more offensive styles like Tank and Rolly.

That is why I'm so surprised that it was Valenzuela. Pitbull's weakness is a fighter with good counterpunching, but part of the credit should go to his trainer, Robert Garcia. Garcia has trained many great counterpunchers, so he knows what plan to implement to counter Pitbull's attack.

I'm sure there will be a rematch of this fight if Pitbull wants it, as he is the former champion, but he'll need a lot of work to do as Rayo has his number. Pitbull does not expect Rayo to dance all throughout the fight, and this somewhat frustrates him.

[Kemarit]

I have to give respect to Madrimov for going through the full 12 rounds he was leading through the championship rounds, I share Hearns opinion that there was a discrepancy in the way one judge scored the fight; seriously, 116–112 did not reflect what happened, I scored the fight for Crawford winning by one round.
Anyway, Crawford now has 4 world titles, but his performance is not enough to convince experts that he can beat Canelo.

I had Crawford winning specially in the championship rounds, which I think he really put everything and try to score and take that fight. We have seen Madrimov face, and this is due to the jabs of Bud. But yes, he should give respect for Madrimov as no one see that he can last the full 12 rounds against one of the pound for pound fighter that we have right now.

And I do agree that in this fight at 154 lbs, first time that we have seen Crawford not dominating his opponents and so he should not go and move up two divisions to fight Canelo Alvarez. I'm seeing that he is going to struggle with Canelo's power. And maybe we might be seeing the start of the decline of Crawford because he is not getting any younger as well.

[cabron]

I have to give respect to Madrimov for going through the full 12 rounds he was leading through the championship rounds, I share Hearns opinion that there was a discrepancy in the way one judge scored the fight; seriously, 116–112 did not reflect what happened, I scored the fight for Crawford winning by one round.
Anyway, Crawford now has 4 world titles, but his performance is not enough to convince experts that he can beat Canelo.

I had Crawford winning specially in the championship rounds, which I think he really put everything and try to score and take that fight. We have seen Madrimov face, and this is due to the jabs of Bud. But yes, he should give respect for Madrimov as no one see that he can last the full 12 rounds against one of the pound for pound fighter that we have right now.

And I do agree that in this fight at 154 lbs, first time that we have seen Crawford not dominating his opponents and so he should not go and move up two divisions to fight Canelo Alvarez. I'm seeing that he is going to struggle with Canelo's power. And maybe we might be seeing the start of the decline of Crawford because he is not getting any younger as well.

I did bet for Crawford but was expecting a KO though. Maybe the age already affected Crawford but he is still sharp in his jabs. He could be declining and times like this is when he is matched to a fighter that can test his fight IQ. If money will not be a problem Crawford vs Canelo could happen before Benavidez this year or early next year.
 
He won so its still a success for Crawford. Congrats.

[bisdak40]

I did bet for Crawford but was expecting a KO though. Maybe the age already affected Crawford but he is still sharp in his jabs. He could be declining and times like this is when he is matched to a fighter that can test his fight IQ. If money will not be a problem Crawford vs Canelo could happen before Benavidez this year or early next year.
 
He won so its still a success for Crawford. Congrats.

A fight with Canelo Alvarez is what Crawford wants as it is a big money fight and i think Canelo won't hesitate to take the bait after Crawford's not so impressive win against Madrimov. Crawford struggled in the 154-lbs division, how much more in the 168-lbs category? With all due respect to Crawford, this would be another easy win for Canelo and there might be a chance that Crawford will kiss the canvass as he the smaller fighter here.

[FinneysTrueVision]

A fight with Canelo Alvarez is what Crawford wants as it is a big money fight and i think Canelo won't hesitate to take the bait after Crawford's not so impressive win against Madrimov. Crawford struggled in the 154-lbs division, how much more in the 168-lbs category? With all due respect to Crawford, this would be another easy win for Canelo and there might be a chance that Crawford will kiss the canvass as he the smaller fighter here.

Crawford is about to turn 37. At this age his body might be at the limit of what it can handle. In order to have a real chance of beating Canelo, he needs to settle in at 154 and then gradually work his way up to super middleweight. Unfortunately, time is not on his side. He should forget about Canelo entirely and focus on the other champions or on fights in his weight where he can earn lots of money. Boots, Vergil Ortiz, and Spence are all potential opponents that would make for interesting bouts in the future.

[Finestream]

A fight with Canelo Alvarez is what Crawford wants as it is a big money fight and i think Canelo won't hesitate to take the bait after Crawford's not so impressive win against Madrimov. Crawford struggled in the 154-lbs division, how much more in the 168-lbs category? With all due respect to Crawford, this would be another easy win for Canelo and there might be a chance that Crawford will kiss the canvass as he the smaller fighter here.

Crawford is about to turn 37. At this age his body might be at the limit of what it can handle. In order to have a real chance of beating Canelo, he needs to settle in at 154 and then gradually work his way up to super middleweight. Unfortunately, time is not on his side. He should forget about Canelo entirely and focus on the other champions or on fights in his weight where he can earn lots of money. Boots, Vergil Ortiz, and Spence are all potential opponents that would make for interesting bouts in the future.

But he could make bigger money if he faces a more popular boxer like Canelo. However, it's really risky, and I agree with you that his age might limit his capability. Winning and becoming an undisputed champion in the current division might be an easier path for him, but if he could negotiate with Canelo for a catchweight fight, that would be better.

[Distinctin]

But he could make bigger money if he faces a more popular boxer like Canelo. However, it's really risky, and I agree with you that his age might limit his capability. Winning and becoming an undisputed champion in the current division might be an easier path for him, but if he could negotiate with Canelo for a catchweight fight, that would be better.

Both fighters are popular, but Canelo is an obvious cash cow. So if Crawford wants to earn easy millions in a fight, he should be the one to submit to Canelo's demands in order for the fight to happen. Crawford actually has nothing to prove; he has already achieved the peak of his career. Now, he has to be smart to ensure that every fight brings him a lot of money, as retirement is approaching soon for him. Canelo is a good prospect for that.

[Baofeng]

A fight with Canelo Alvarez is what Crawford wants as it is a big money fight and i think Canelo won't hesitate to take the bait after Crawford's not so impressive win against Madrimov. Crawford struggled in the 154-lbs division, how much more in the 168-lbs category? With all due respect to Crawford, this would be another easy win for Canelo and there might be a chance that Crawford will kiss the canvass as he the smaller fighter here.

Crawford is about to turn 37. At this age his body might be at the limit of what it can handle. In order to have a real chance of beating Canelo, he needs to settle in at 154 and then gradually work his way up to super middleweight. Unfortunately, time is not on his side. He should forget about Canelo entirely and focus on the other champions or on fights in his weight where he can earn lots of money. Boots, Vergil Ortiz, and Spence are all potential opponents that would make for interesting bouts in the future.

Yeah, I think he can still go down to 147 lbs or fight Boots, or go up to 154 lbs, and fight Spence for a rematch. That will be a super fight as Crawford has the belt right now. He should not mention Canelo though, Lol, he will get a lot of hurt from Canelo a bigger guy.

And then I do agree with that age, it just shows that no one can really beat father time isn't it. At 37, he might be slowing down and with the amount of punishment he got from Madrimov here, the wear and tear has started to show and the damage here might add up to him.

[TravelMug]

I have to give respect to Madrimov for going through the full 12 rounds he was leading through the championship rounds, I share Hearns opinion that there was a discrepancy in the way one judge scored the fight; seriously, 116–112 did not reflect what happened, I scored the fight for Crawford winning by one round.
Anyway, Crawford now has 4 world titles, but his performance is not enough to convince experts that he can beat Canelo.

I had Crawford winning specially in the championship rounds, which I think he really put everything and try to score and take that fight. We have seen Madrimov face, and this is due to the jabs of Bud. But yes, he should give respect for Madrimov as no one see that he can last the full 12 rounds against one of the pound for pound fighter that we have right now.

And I do agree that in this fight at 154 lbs, first time that we have seen Crawford not dominating his opponents and so he should not go and move up two divisions to fight Canelo Alvarez. I'm seeing that he is going to struggle with Canelo's power. And maybe we might be seeing the start of the decline of Crawford because he is not getting any younger as well.

I did bet for Crawford but was expecting a KO though. Maybe the age already affected Crawford but he is still sharp in his jabs. He could be declining and times like this is when he is matched to a fighter that can test his fight IQ. If money will not be a problem Crawford vs Canelo could happen before Benavidez this year or early next year.
 
He won so its still a success for Crawford. Congrats.

I didn't bet but if ever I will, I will also go with Crawford by KO. And yes, he is what late 30's already and so that will be another factor. Or if could be ring rust as he is out for a year. He should have taken a tune up first at 154 lbs and so how it goes for him, but he decided not to.

And if we look at how he fights at 154 lbs and how Canelo looks at 164 lbs, it's going to be a mismatch and everyone will favor Canelo for a win. Crawford should stay at 154 lbs, a Fundora fight is also great and same with Tim Tzyu or Charlo. So I guess he will still be good even if he doesn't want to fight Canelo.

[Yaunfitda]

I have to give respect to Madrimov for going through the full 12 rounds he was leading through the championship rounds, I share Hearns opinion that there was a discrepancy in the way one judge scored the fight; seriously, 116–112 did not reflect what happened, I scored the fight for Crawford winning by one round.
Anyway, Crawford now has 4 world titles, but his performance is not enough to convince experts that he can beat Canelo.

I had Crawford winning specially in the championship rounds, which I think he really put everything and try to score and take that fight. We have seen Madrimov face, and this is due to the jabs of Bud. But yes, he should give respect for Madrimov as no one see that he can last the full 12 rounds against one of the pound for pound fighter that we have right now.

And I do agree that in this fight at 154 lbs, first time that we have seen Crawford not dominating his opponents and so he should not go and move up two divisions to fight Canelo Alvarez. I'm seeing that he is going to struggle with Canelo's power. And maybe we might be seeing the start of the decline of Crawford because he is not getting any younger as well.

I did bet for Crawford but was expecting a KO though. Maybe the age already affected Crawford but he is still sharp in his jabs. He could be declining and times like this is when he is matched to a fighter that can test his fight IQ. If money will not be a problem Crawford vs Canelo could happen before Benavidez this year or early next year.
 
He won so its still a success for Crawford. Congrats.

I didn't bet but if ever I will, I will also go with Crawford by KO. And yes, he is what late 30's already and so that will be another factor. Or if could be ring rust as he is out for a year. He should have taken a tune up first at 154 lbs and so how it goes for him, but he decided not to.

And if we look at how he fights at 154 lbs and how Canelo looks at 164 lbs, it's going to be a mismatch and everyone will favor Canelo for a win. Crawford should stay at 154 lbs, a Fundora fight is also great and same with Tim Tzyu or Charlo. So I guess he will still be good even if he doesn't want to fight Canelo.

Good for you for not pulling the trigger here, as we have seen Crawford had a hard time against a very durable boxer in Madrimov. Crawford said that he is on the top 4 of his list as the toughest fight that the had in his career.

Perhaps Crawford might have reach his boundaries already, this could be his last weight class. I do not think that like Charlo, he can go up as high as 168 lbs and beat Canelo. So he should stay in his division and the best thing for him if to unify all the belts, that is if father time will not catch up on him as we have seen that he had struggled at 154 lbs and age is catching up even to the best boxers like him.

[Kemarit]

A fight with Canelo Alvarez is what Crawford wants as it is a big money fight and i think Canelo won't hesitate to take the bait after Crawford's not so impressive win against Madrimov. Crawford struggled in the 154-lbs division, how much more in the 168-lbs category? With all due respect to Crawford, this would be another easy win for Canelo and there might be a chance that Crawford will kiss the canvass as he the smaller fighter here.

Crawford is about to turn 37. At this age his body might be at the limit of what it can handle. In order to have a real chance of beating Canelo, he needs to settle in at 154 and then gradually work his way up to super middleweight. Unfortunately, time is not on his side. He should forget about Canelo entirely and focus on the other champions or on fights in his weight where he can earn lots of money. Boots, Vergil Ortiz, and Spence are all potential opponents that would make for interesting bouts in the future.

Yep, probably this is the first sign that Crawford is going to slow down or slowing down as he has age already. And good call not to push himself not to fight Canelo. And I do not think that it will be on his calendar to fight him.

There are a lot of names at 154 lbs, Ortiz, Tim Tsyzu or even Charlo. Any on the Charlo's will be a good fight for Crawford as this is going to be money fight. Or the next thing he can do is to try to unified that division, another record for him. Or go down to 147 lbs and shut the mouth of Boots Ennis. But for sure time is running out for him and there could be limited options as he can't turn back the hands of time.