Israil Madrimov Q&A: On the opportunity of a lifetime against Terence Crawford

Israil Madrimov (10-0-1, 7 KOs) will look to defend his WBA junior middleweight title against Terence Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) on Aug. 3 in the main event of Riyadh Season’s debut event in the United States at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. A vacant interim WBO title will be on the line as well. 

The event will be distributed on DAZN, ESPN and PPV.com.

BoxingScene recently interviewed Madrimov, a 29-year-old from Uzbekistan who is coming off a title-clinching fifth-round stoppage against Magomed Kurbanov in March, about his preparation for fighting the three-division champion and pound-for-pound top star Crawford.

BoxingScene: The 154-pound weight class is loaded right now. What do you make of Crawford choosing to fight you first in his division debut?

Israel Madrimov: I’m happy to fight Crawford. It’s my dream come true. I’m training hard. It will be the most favorite of my career. He’s my favorite boxer, too. He’s a lefty and righty who can punch. I have the punch, too. And I am technical, with a lot of amateur experience. I didn’t have time to pad my record like most guys. I fought tough guys in my fights. I’m ready for the fight. 

BS: What does Crawford do better than everyone else?

Madrimov: Terence is a great fighter. I respect all of my opponents.  He’s good all-around and has all of the tools. What he does better than others are that he finds a way to win. Even if the fight goes tough, he finds a way to win. That’s the key to greatness.

BS: What are Crawford’s weaknesses?

Madrimov: I can’t really tell you right now without mentioning what we have been working on. It’s hard to say that he has a weakness. He’s never lost. He’s a winner. But the ring will show. Let’s see how it plays out, and if something we have seen actually exists.

BS: What do you think you do better than Crawford?

Madrimov: We are the same. We’re both smart. The fight will show who is better. 

BS: Do you think your styles can deliver an entertaining fight of the year?

Madrimov: Maybe. I hope. 

BS: Your nickname is “The Dream.” What are the dreams you’ve had about how the fight will play out?

Madrimov: I’ve dreamed about fighting him. But did I think I would actually fight him? No. He’s a superstar and seven years older than me, so I didn’t think I could get to him so soon. Now I have the opportunity. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I need to use it properly and prove that I am one of the best fighters in the world.

BS: Will Crawford’s age and fighting in a fourth division against a natural 154-pound fighter be his biggest disadvantage against you?

Madrimov: You’re only as good as your last fight, and in his last fight he showed the best fight and shape of his career against Errol Spence Jr. I met him face-to-face during the introductory press conference. He doesn’t look like an old man. He appears to be in great shape and good spirits. He’s a great fighter and warrior. I don’t expect any kind of downgrade. I’m looking at him as the best version of Terence Crawford.

BS: What have you learned from the mistakes Errol Spence Jr. made in his fight against Crawford?

Madrimov: It’s hard to compare because we are different fighters, and I don’t do the things Errol does. Style-wise, it was a good fight for Terence. One thing is that Terence does not forgive you for any mistakes. He makes you pay for them. I hope I won’t be making any mistakes.

BS: You’ve looked big in recent training footage. Do you plan on using your size to bully Crawford?

Madrimov: It’s my natural body. I’ve seen people’s reactions, but people don’t know me. I’ve always been like that. I fought at 165 pounds as an amateur. I’ve done judo, gymnastics, wrestling and soccer, and have been building my body since I was a baby. I’m an athlete, and different sports give you different looks. No matter how I look during training footage, I’m still low on my weight and under check-in limits.

BS: You’re in a similar situation as your teammate Dmitry Bivol was in 2021 as an underdog without mainstream fanfare, and he shocked the world by beating Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. What is the advice Bivol has given you to prepare for your big moment against Crawford?

Madrimov: I was one of Bivol’s sparring partners for the Alvarez fight. We did a lot of great work together. Beating Alvarez was not a big shock and surprise for us. He went through the same things I am going through right now. He gives me helpful advice, and I always listen because he has more experience. I hope I will use his advice on fight night and that it helps. 

BS: Crawford wants to fight Alvarez. But if you beat Crawford, are you interested in moving up two weight classes to face Alvarez?

Madrimov: Of course I am interested in the Canelo fight. But maybe I’ll be having a trilogy with Crawford. I won’t mind giving Terence a rematch if I am successful on Aug. 3.

Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist, writer and broadcast reporter. He’s also a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and the MMA Journalists Association. He can be reached on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan, through email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com or via www.ManoukAkopyan.com.