Promoter Eddie Hearn believes Terence Crawford is stepping up one weight class too many when he moves up to his fourth division to challenge unbeaten champion Israil Madrimov (10-0-1, 7 KOs) for his WBA junior middleweight title on August 3rd in Los Angeles.
The Matchroom promoter Hearn thinks Crawford is pushing his luck by climbing to the 154-lb division, facing the biggest puncher and the most talented fighter in the weight class on his first try.
Hearn points out that all fighters get old, and Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) is no exception. He turns 37 in September and will have been out of the ring for over a year when he faces Madrimov at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
A Step Too Far?
While Hearn respects what Crawford has done during his career winning world titles in three divisions, he’s not aging in reverse like Benjamin Button.
“Every fighter gets old. Every fighter steps one weight class too many. Can it be? Madrimov has tremendous footwork. He’s elusive, his defense is good, and he punches really, really, really hard,” said promoter Eddie Hearn to Boxing News, talking about WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov ahead of his fight against Terence Crawford on August 3rd.
It’s hard enough for a younger fighter to move up one weight to challenge the most powerful puncher in the division. Still, when you’re talking about an older one on the wrong side of 30 who hasn’t fought in 13 months and has faced mostly softer opposition, it might be too much to ask of the Omaha, Nebraska native.
“We understand the guy [Crawford] is a genius. Undisputed at 140, undisputed at 147, and trying to become undisputed at 154. It’s time to break his heart,” said Hearn.
The Myth of Crawford’s “Undisputed” Reign
Fans and some of the media have made a big production about Crawford’s having captured two undisputed championships during his 16-year professional career. However, few mention the level of opposition he beat to accomplish that feat. His wins weren’t over top-grade guys, which detracts from his accomplishments.
Fighters Crawford beat to become two-time undisputed:
– Jeff Horn
– Julius Indongo
– Thomas Dulorme
– Viktor Postol
– Errol Spence Jr: *post car crash
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