‘Canelo’ or Crawford? As the Bard remarkably wrote, ‘That’s the big question.’ Till the gong of the final bell echoes across the Allegiant stadium, the poser will trouble scores of fans. To soothe frayed emotions, former and reigning champions, pundits, experts, and even artificial intelligence have done their bit with the predictions. But there’s one particular segment that seems to have fallen between the cracks. The former opponents. Anything to do with sour grapes? Maybe.
But having exchanged jabs, they are perhaps the best suited to offer an educated guess. Amir Khan, who has fought both Crawford and Canelo, had shared his thoughts on the fight and its potential outcome. Six months after ‘Bud’ Crawford inflicted his first professional loss, Israil Madrimov will be back in the ring to face Vergil Ortiz Jr. The clash for the unbeaten American’s WBC interim light middleweight title features on the Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol rematch card. A humble man, not known for verbosity, Madrimov revealed his thoughts on his former foe’s fate against the Mexican icon.
‘Canelo’ has the edge, but Crawford will have his moments
With just a few days left for the momentous duel, Israil Madrimov is busy with a hectic schedule at the training camp. With an assistant helping him strengthen the abdominal muscle, the former WBA champion nevertheless responded to queries raised by the Fight Hub TV reporter.
May 3, 2024, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA: Undisputed super middle weight champion SAUL CANELO ALVAREZ 60-2-2-39KOs of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico weighed in at 166.8 lbs while challenger JAIME MUNGUIA 43-0-34KOs of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico weighed 167.4 at the weigh-in for their main event boxing fight for the undisputed super middleweight title tomorrow night on PBC Prime at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Las Vegas USA – ZUMAo117 20240503_zsp_o117_049 Copyright: xMikaelxOnax
A few minutes after checking about his chances against Vergil Ortiz Jr., the reporter asked, “Crawford and Canelo Alvarez, what do you think about that fight if they did fight? It looks like it’s set for September.” Like many, the Uzbek fighter acknowledged that it’s going to be a great fight between two of boxing’s most well-known names.
However, the fight is taking place at 168 pounds. So Madrimov felt that ‘Canelo’ Alvarez may have an upper hand. “If 168 pounds, I think it’s Canelo,” he emphasized. However, he stressed that the fight remains a 50/50 affair. So Madrimov projected his outcome based on the endings. “If 12 rounds Crawford wins, I think if knock out, it’s Canelo,” stated Israil Madrimov.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 24: Terence Crawford (L) poses with Israil Madrimov of Uzbekistan (R) during a press conference to announce their super welterweight title fight as part of the Riyadh Season Card at Gotham Hall on April 24, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Last August he faced Terence Crawford. The reporter wanted to know what makes Crawford so special that he is simply difficult to defeat. According to Israil Madrimov, it’s nothing but a beautiful blend of speed, power, and experience that makes the Nebraskan such a formidable boxer.
Israil Madrimov responded with a smile. However, the challenge to separate the winner from the loser was apparent even for experienced hands like him.
A mind-boggling challenge
‘The Last Crescendo’ is a dream come true for all boxing purists. On its own, each fight makes for an individual headliner. But where the fans are taking immense delight, the pundits and oddsmakers are having a tough time. With an array of lineups featuring the very best of sport, it’s become a nightmare to pick the heavy favorite.
Vergil Ortiz Jr vs. Israil Madrimov loading @VergilOrtiz vs. @IsrailMadrimov pic.twitter.com/ii6SelTRfs
— Mo Boxing No Problem (@MoBoxingNP) February 7, 2025
Perhaps the fight that offers the most troublesome quandary remains the Vergil Ortiz Jr.-Israil Madrimov showdown. Both the light middleweights match each other in size and fighting skills. Needless to say, it’s become agonizing for many to draw a clear distinction between the two.
What about you? Do you agree with Israil Madrimov’s thoughts about Terence Crawford’s fate against Canelo Alvarez?
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