In just over a week, one of boxing’s best returns to the ring. Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) takes on Israil Madrimov (10-0-1, 7 KOs) of Uzbekistan at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. Nebraska native Crawford will be contesting his first fight in the 154-pound weight division.
The former undisputed junior and welterweight world champion is looking to clean up in a third weight class. Instantly taking on a fighter of Madrimov’s caliber will give boxing observers an idea of how successful Crawford will be in his new weight division. Before looking too far ahead, it’s time to put ‘Bud’ In Focus and evaluate how he may fare against Madrimov on August 3.
Crawford’s Last Outing Was Phenomenal; Inactivity Not So Good When the bell rings in California next Saturday, it will have been just over 12 months since Crawford demolished welterweight rival Errol Spence Jr . In a contest many picked Spence to win, the man from Nebraska proved he was the superior boxer by putting a relentless beating on his compatriot, which featured three knockdowns before it was stopped in the ninth round. It completed Crawford’s journey to undisputed status at 147 pounds, placing him at the top of most pound-for-pound lists.
Unfortunately, as has been the pattern with Crawford for the past four years, his fans have had to wait a while to see him in action again. 2019 was the last time he gloved up more than once in a year. His one-fight-per-year output since then has been slightly frustrating, as, with such talent, it would be nice to see Crawford box more often.
Normally, more criticism would be aimed at a world-class fighter for boxing so infrequently, but so far, it hasn’t affected Crawford’s ability to look impressive every time he gets in the ring. Will that remain the case against Madrimov? What Does Crawford Do Well In The Ring? The short answer to this is everything. Standing 5’8” and boxing as a southpaw, Crawford has an intimidating ring presence.
He always seems nicely in control of things. He works patiently, looking for opportunities to deliver his power punches. Generally, when these chances arrive, Crawford doesn’t let his opponents off the hook.
He is one of the very best finishers in the sport. Although a southpaw, Crawford is comfortable boxing out of the orthodox stance from time to time. Over the years we have seen him switch to orthodox to confuse opponents.
He perhaps loses some of his defensive poise when he goes orthodox, but offensively, he is just as dangerous out of the right-handed stance. Another asset Crawford possesses is his counterpunching ability. This marries up perfectly with his patient style as he can damage opponents while on the back foot as he waits for the correct moments to take control on the front foot.
In order to do this, a boxer must be highly athletic. Crawford also ticks that box. To this point, the significant gaps between fights haven’t affected him.
He is always on weight and in terrific shape. With his boxing intelligence and being comfortable fighting at close, mid, or long ranges, Crawford truly presents a challenging puzzle for opponents to solve. He has many ways to win a fight.
With elite power in both hands, ability to adapt, and no apparent weaknesses, Crawford is one of the most complete boxers we have seen over the last 25 years. The one thing that he is missing is a genuine rival to test him fully. Maybe he will find that in the 154-pound division.
Will Moving Up In Weight Be An Issue? Throughout his professional campaign, Crawford has moved up in weight at the correct times. His moves from lightweight to junior welterweight and then welterweight were seamless. Since he moved to 140 pounds in 2015, only one opponent has heard the final bell – Viktor Postol in 2016.
Crawford is currently on an 11-fight stoppage streak. Regarding moving up to 154 pounds now, it seems like at 36, Crawford has decided this is what is best for his body. He has spoken about going all the way to 168 pounds to face Canelo, so clearly, facing larger men doesn’t intimidate Bud.
Something else to bear in mind about Crawford is his background in wrestling. This helps him with his inside game in the ring. Although he is about to face a stern test against a more naturally heavier opponent, it should be expected that Crawford will be able to handle things on the inside.
He won’t be outmuscled or intimidated when the fight is at close quarters. What To Expect Against Madrimov Just as he did when he moved from junior welterweight to welterweight, Crawford is taking on a world champion in his first fight at a new weight class. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Crawford takes the first few rounds to get his eye in and calculate precisely what he is up against.
Once he has done this, Crawford will look for the most efficient way to win the fight. He might play a long game against Madrimov or bring the power as soon as he has worked out the defending champion, as we saw him do against Spence. His versatility affords him the luxury of choosing how to break down an opponent.
Unless Crawford’s skills have deteriorated in the last year, it will take an exceptional outing from Madrimov to defend his belt. While his inactivity is a small concern for his fans, Crawford just has too many ways to win. As he looks to capture a world title in a fourth weight division, expect Crawford to be on top form in Los Angeles next weekend.
Enjoy watching a modern great at work. This article first appeared on Fights Around The World and was syndicated with permission..
