Let’s start with the obvious question: What the heck?Navivision Wealth Society
Terence Crawford, boxing’s pound-for-pound king, is fighting a guy with a professional record of 10-0-1?
Well, Israin Madrimov is more than a guy. He’s a seasoned, 29-year-old fighter from Uzbekistan who’s logged 370 amateur fights and good enough to win the WBA super welterweight title in March.
Therein lies the appeal for Crawford (40-0 with 31 knockouts).
At 36, Crawford is aiming to win a title in a fourth weight division, and continuing a steady climb in weight to prepare him for a potential showdown with Canelo Alvarez.
But this could prove to be an entertaining test for Crawford.
(Scheduled for six rounds)
Round 1: Ziyad comes out aggressive with the jab and lands a solid right early. Bulik responds with jabs of his own. Ziyad showing superior quickness and agility. Ziyad 10, Bulik 9.
Round 2: Ziyad comes out the aggressor, but Bulik not surrendering ground. Now Ziyad smothering Bulik on the ropes before Bulik escapes. And here comes Bulik, landing a left despite some awkward style. Ziyad 19, Bulik 19.
Round 3: This videotape isn’t going to the Hall of Fame, but it’s a competitive fight. Ziyad charging forward and Bulik fights him off with counterpunching. They’re mixing it up now, with Ziyad still dictating the action. Ziyad 29, Bulik 28.
Round 4: More of the same, Ziyad aggressive and Bulik fighting him off. Ziyad landing combinations now. Ziyad digging into the body, then draws blood from Bulik’s nose. Ziyad 39, Bulik 37.
Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, super welterweight
Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Jarrell Miller, heavyweight
Jared Anderson vs.Martin Bakole, heavyweight
Isaac Cruz vs. Jose Valezuela, super lightweight
Andy Cruz vs. Antonio Moran, lightweight
Steve Nelson vs. Marcos Ramon Vazquez, super middleweight
Ziyad Almaayouf vs. Michal Bulik, welterweight
The PPV card starts at 4:30 p.m. ET.
The fight is available on DAZN for $79.99 plus a one-month subscription.
Tom Gray, The Sporting News: Because Madrimov is not a household name, many fans and experts will write him off. That’s a mistake because this a tougher challenge for Crawford than Errol Spence, stylistically and physically, so don’t be looking for an early night.
Brent Brookhouse, CBS Sports: Madrimov will likely have some success at times in the early rounds before Crawford locks in his plan of attack and takes over. Once Crawford gets rolling, it's nearly impossible to stop that momentum. Prediction: Crawford by TKO in Round 8.
Norman Frauenheim, The Ring: There’s a lot to like about Israil Madrimov, a versatile fighter who celebrates victories with a back flip. But there’ll be no back flip this time, not against Crawford. Prediction: Crawford, TKO in Round 11.
Josh Peter, USA TODAY Sports: Madrimov gets off to a strong start. And finishes strong, too. Prediction: Madrimov by UD.
He lost in the 2008 U.S. Olympic trials despite being the No. 1 ranked amateur lightweight in the United States at the time.
Eminem walked out Crawford for his fight against Errol Spence Jr. last year. Considering Crawford demolished Spencer and won by TKO, don’t be surprised to see Eminem again Saturday night.
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