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‘He could tarnish his legacy’ – Terence Crawford warned Canelo Alvarez fight could be step too far after date planned

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Terence Crawford

Renowned boxing trainer Andre Rozier is concerned about Turki Alalshikh’s plans to make Terence Crawford vs Canelo Alvarez.

The chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority recently revealed to ESPN that he is planning to stage the super fight in either December or January over in the United States.

“I’m working to deliver [Canelo] but it will be a big fight [for Crawford],” Alalshikh said. “I’ll discuss with him the names. ”

Crawford, who has won world titles at lightweight, super lightweight and welterweight – earning undisputed status in the later two – is moving up to super-welterweight for his next outing against WBA champion Israil Madrimov on August 3 in Los Angeles.

Although he is edging closer to super-middleweight, where Canelo is the reigning undisputed champion, ‘Bud’ is still two weight classes below the former pound-for-pound king.

Rozier, trainer to former world champions Demetrius Andrade and Daniel Jacobs, is worried that the gap in size will be too great for Crawford to bridge.

“I don’t like it. Canelo hasn’t been rattled by anybody, and he’s been in with some big punchers. I don’t like that fight for Crawford,” Rozier told Fight Hype.

“I like him at 154, and maybe touching ground at 160. But at 168, I don’t like it.

“He’s going to box well because he’s a fantastic athlete and a fantastic boxer, but I don’t want to see TC going into that deep waters like that.

“If it’s about money, it’s a different story, but his legacy is being lamented in a fantastic way, and I’d hate to see it tarnished by trying to do too much.

“I think he’s already there. He’s going to the Hall of Fame. His accolades have mountain-high stats to them.

“I don’t want to see him get into a situation where [he could get beat]. He has to build up to it. I just can’t see it.”

Alalshikh did not disclose the weight he is planning to have Canelo and Crawford fight each other at, however, it is unlikely the Mexican superstar will drop down.

Canelo started his career at welterweight but has only fought at super-middleweight and light-heavyweight over the last five years.

“These things didn’t happen before. Once in a blue moon, but now, it’s modus operandi,” said Rozier about the recent trend for fighters to move up two to three weight classes.

“Now, it’s like, ‘I’m fighting at 140. I’m going to be fighting at cruiserweight in a year.’ It’s ridiculous.

“There’s a common phrase and it holds true. There’s a reason why there’s weight classes.”

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BOXING

Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford fight plan laid out as Saudi boxing chief reveals date for blockbuster showdown

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Terence Crawford

His Excellency Turki Alalshikh is hoping to deliver Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford in the not-so-distant future.

The chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority revealed to ESPN that he is looking at making the super fight in either December or January over in the United States.

“I’m working to deliver [Canelo] but it will be a big fight [for Crawford],” Alalshikh said. “I’ll discuss with him the names. ”

Former two-weight undisputed champion, Crawford, is working with Alalshikh for his upcoming clash against WBA super-welterweight champion Israil Madrimov on August 3 in Los Angeles.

Providing he wins that fight a bout against Canelo should come next for ‘Bud’.

“You got two of the top fighters of this decade, not just in the past year or so,” Crawford said of a possible showdown with Canelo.

“You got two fighters that’s been at the top for 10 years. You got the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world and you got the No. 1 money man. I never like to overlook anybody, I got a fight coming up Aug. 3, and that’s where my main focus is at.”

Canelo proved he is still the best 168lber on the planet when he retained his undisputed super-middleweight titles on Saturday night against Jaime Munguia via unanimous decision.

Crawford was in attendance for the fight and delivered his verdict in the immediate aftermath.

“I thought it was a good fight,” he added. “I thought Munguia fought hard.

“I just think his inexperience caught up to him and made him fall in and square up and not stepping in with his punches allowed Canelo to sit back, counter and pick his shots. … Canelo was real patient.”

Alalshikh is also planning to stage a UK-USA 5 vs 5 event for December in the same format as the Queensberry-Matchroom 5 vs 5 on June 1 but with a team of British boxers competing against a team of Americans.

This is all part of the Saudi boxing chief’s plan to fix boxing.

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BOXING

Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford Boxing Fight Eyed by Turki Alalshikh

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Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez

An official for Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority laid out his plans to stage what would be one of the most hotly anticipated fights in boxing.

Turki Alalshikh told ESPN’s Mike Coppinger he’s prepared to do what it takes to make Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford happen.

“I’m working to deliver [Canelo], but it will be big fight [for Crawford],” he said. “I’ll discuss with him the names.”

Securing one half of the equation might be fairly straightforward. Alalshikh is helping to present the card headlined by Crawford and Israil Madrimov on Aug. 3 in Los Angeles.

“There’s a lot of respect that comes with Turki and myself,” the welterweight champion said to Coppinger. “He’s seen the road that I had to take to get to where I am now. And he just wanted to display respect for the sport of boxing and not just somebody that’s coming to hold these type of fighters down and not let the world see him. It’s an honor that he chose me. He could have chosen anybody else. So I’m definitely grateful.”

When it comes to Álvarez, there’s little doubt a Saudi-backed venture would at least theoretically have the finances to meet his likely asking price. When dismissing the idea of a bout with David Benavidez, he said in March he might reconsider for $150 million or more.

There’s no question that Canelo vs. Crawford would have massive broad appeal. The winner would be able to make a strong claim as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

A lot of boxing fans will also agree with Alalshikh when he told Coppinger that boxing is “broken” thanks in part to a lack of a centralized authority over the sport. The matchups that failed to materialize over the last decade or so would probably rival what was actually presented.

Alalshikh’s involvement, however, would renew the concerns over the wider “sportswashing” efforts by Saudi Arabia. The country has widened its foothold across multiple sports, with critics arguing it’s an effort to sanitize the Saudis’ image and turn the attention away from human rights violations by the ruling regime.

Either staging or working to promote a Canelo vs. Crawford card would be another big feather in Saudi Arabia’s cap.

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BOXING

Terence Crawford Looks To Take Over 154 As He Did At 147

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Terence Crawford

“Well, it’s not a priority but it’s up in the air (with regard to chasing the undisputed title at 154 pounds). You gotta understand, its potentially two belts on the line. If Fundora don’t fight me after this, then I’m WBO & WBA champion. If he do fight me, then that’s three belts on the line. There’s only one more to catch. Potentially, two -three fights, that’s undisputed”- Terence Crawford

Unified welterweight champion Terence Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs), who hasn’t fought since brutally beating Errol Spence Jr (28-1, 22 KOs) in July 2023, is now scheduled to return, but this time at the junior middleweight division. His fight on August 3 will be against Israil Madrimov (10-0-1, 7 KOs), not only at a new weight class but also for a full (WBA) and interim (WBO) title. The 36-year-old Crawford wasted months waiting to see if the Spence rematch would occur, and when the contracted time window passed, Crawford decided to move on to bigger fish, which was one division north of welterweight.

As Crawford mentioned, if he wins in August and Sebastian Fundora does not fight him by December 31, he becomes the full WBO champion. Currently, Fundora is not scheduled to return until September as he suffered a broken nose in that war against Tim Tszyu. Speaking of Tszyu, he will be on the Crawford vs Madrimov card as he is scheduled to face Vergil Ortiz Jr if Ortiz gets by his opponent on Saturday. It’s boxing, so you never know, but Ortiz should pick up the win and head towards a potentially explosive battle with Tszyu.

These scenarios are only possible after the lineal champion Jermell Charlo failed to fight his mandatories with the sanctioning bodies stripping him one by one of his titles. There are opportunities for Charlo to get a shot at any of the titles but only time will tell if that ends up being the case, as he hasn’t been seen or heard from since his shutout loss to Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in September.

There is a path where Crawford can become undisputed in his third weight class, which would be historical, but if Charlo becomes too much of a roadblock with the business part of it, then Crawford will continue to look for the biggest fights available, and that may end up being Canelo at some point. Although Canelo said he has nothing to gain from fighting Crawford, it may come to a point where Crawford becomes an offer that is too rich to pass up, especially if it comes from Turki Alalshikh.

Crawford has already arguably become one of the best fighters of this era, but the course he is on now, if successful, will see him leave the pack and without a doubt, become the best fighter of this era. Can Crawford do it? The eye test says he can, but he must first get past Madrimov in August before continuing his quest to either take over the division and become undisputed or take the biggest fights available from 154-168 pounds before retiring.

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BOXING

Terence Crawford vs. Jaron Ennis – Leading trainer makes prediction for potential fight

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Terence Crawford
Who wins between Crawford and Ennis?

Terence Crawford vs. Jaron Ennis is a fight that many would like to see, and one trainer has given his backing to the Nebraska man.

Crawford is set to move to super-welterweight to face Israil Madrimov on August 3, but Andre Rozier, the trainer of Danny Jacobs, has been speaking about Crawford vs. Ennis.

The Philadelphia fighter recently signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom, and he’s expected to fight in his home city later this year.

The ultimate target for Ennis is a showdown with Crawford, and Rozier thinks the three-weight world champion would be too good for Ennis.

“I got Terence [Crawford] at 154 now,” said Rozier when speaking to FightHype.

“Boots is the only one I can see, but I’m with TC all the way. I’m with Terence Crawford all the way.

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BOXING

WBA Rules Terence Crawford Can Maintain 147 Title Through Aug. 3 Bout

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Terence Crawford

The World Boxing Association has confirmed that Terence Crawford (40-0, 30 KOs) will be allowed to retain his WBA welterweight title ahead of his pursuit of the organization’s junior middleweight crown in a matchup with Israil Madrimov (10-0-1, 7 KOs) on Aug. 3 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.

Crawford-Madrimov was officially confirmed by Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing and Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, at a press conference in New York on Wednesday.

The Aug. 3 event will be Alalshikh’s first venture into boxing outside of Saudi Arabia.

Crawford currently holds three of the four world welterweight titles and had made no secret of his intentions to move up to super welterweight after the collapse of a contractually obligated rematch with Errol Spence Jr., whom Crawford beat last year to become undisputed champion.

Madrimov claimed the then-vacant title last month in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a fifth-round stoppage of Magomed Kurbanov.

Jermell Charlo, the former undisputed champion at 154 pounds, previously held the WBA title. He was undisputed until last September, before his unsuccessful 168-pound title challenge of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, with the WBO stripping Charlo on the day of the fight.

The WBA officially stripped Charlo (35-2-1, 19 KOs) of the WBA title in March but still made him “champion in recess,” effectively giving Charlo the freedom to choose when to call for an immediate title opportunity for his old belt.

As reports circulated last week regarding Crawford’s upcoming contest with Madrimov, Charlo promoter Tom Brown wrote to the WBA explaining that his fighter would be returning at junior middleweight and that he was open to fighting Madrimov for his title.

After Wednesday’s confirmation of Crawford-Madrimov, the WBA published an official notice to clarify the situation at 154 pounds.

Crawford, if successful in claiming the WBA junior middleweight world title, will have five days to decide which weight class he wishes to continue in due to the rule prohibiting world titles being held in two separate weight classes.

The WBA also confirmed that the winner of Crawford-Madrimov would have to face the sanctioning body’s current mandatory challenger, Vergil Ortiz Jr. (20-0, 20 KOs).

Ortiz is scheduled to feature on the Crawford-Madrimov card against Tim Tszyu (24-1, 17 KOs), with the WBA interim junior middleweight title added to that fight as an extra bauble for the winner.

The WBA also ratified Charlo’s status as “champion in recess” in the official resolution.

The resolution in full, published by the WBA: 

“With the official announcement of the bout between Israil Madrimov and Terence Crawford, the World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee issued a resolution on the special permission Crawford received to move up in class and the [junior middleweight] situation. 

“Crawford, who is the [junior middleweight champion], will move up to the next division to challenge champion Madrimov on August 3, in Los Angeles. The American requested the permission to move up and keep the welterweight crown and the committee granted it provided that if he beats Madrimov he will have five days after the fight to make a decision about which title he will keep.

“On the other hand, Vergil Ortiz Jr., is the mandatory challenger of the category, and for that reason will be given the opportunity to dispute the interim belt against Australian Tim Tzsyu. 

“Additionally, Jermell Charlo was ratified as champion in recess, the American will have the right to face the winner of Madrimov-Crawford or Madrimov in case that fight ends in a draw. 

“The body formally informed all those involved in the situation, who are obliged to know the WBA rules. This resolution annuls all the previous ones while any situation that may arise will be resolved through the interpretation of the rules.”

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‘You will be heartbroken again’ -Terence Crawford issues ice cold warning to Eddie Hearn in exchange at press conference

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Terence Crawford

Terence Crawford exchanged words with Eddie Hearn, vowing to beat another one of his fighters.

On Wednesday, ‘Bud’ announced that his return to the ring will come against undefeated WBA super-welterweight world champion Israil Madrimov on August 3 in Los Angeles

Crawford spoke at a press conference to confirm his first bout since beating Errol Spence in July 2023, and came face-to-face with Madrimov’s promoter Hearn.

Hearn began by suggesting Crawford could come unstuck against Madrimov, in his debut at the new weight of 154lbs.

And in a devious exchange with the Matchroom kingpin, Crawford vowed: “You are going to get heartbroken again.”

It was an ice-cold moment from Crawford who laughed with Hearn, but is clearly keen to once again assert his name at the top of the pound-for-pound list.

Hearn had a different view, and quickly responded: “My heart’s been broken before.

“You broke my heart in Glasgow once [with Ricky Burns], and with [Julius] Indongo so hopefully we can reverse the roles this time.

“As I said all the respect and credit but let’s make one thing clear. They know it, this guy [Madrimov] is for real.

“And BoMac [Crawford’s trainer Bran McIntyre] is absolutely right, he [Madrimov] is the best 154lbs fighter in the world.”

Crawford has already been up against Hearn on previous occasions, when he promoted Ricky Burns, who was beaten by the American in Glasgow in March 2014.

The 36-year-old also got the better of Hearn, who co-promoted Indongo’s undisputed title defeat to ‘Bud’ in August 2017.

In the present day, Crawford is considered a pound-for-pound great, and will look to become a world champion in a fourth weight class.

The champion looks in sensational shape having added on the weight comfortably to make the 7lbs switch to 154lbs.

A win for Crawford would not only crown him WBA champion, but he will become WBO interim champion and will be in line for a shot at champion Sebastian Fundora next.

A super fight with Canelo Alvarez has been teased down the line if Crawford is able to make the leap all the way up to 168lbs.

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TERENCE CRAWFORD: AMERICAN BOXER TO FACE ISRAIL MADRIMOV IN BID TO WIN WORLD TITLE AT FOURTH DIFFERENT WEIGHT

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Terence Crawford

Terence Crawford is looking to cement his boxing legacy and become a world champion at a fourth different weight. The unbeaten American boxer confirmed that he will take on light-middleweight world champion Israil Madrimov in Los Angeles in August in a mouthwatering encounter. The 36-year-old has won all of his 40 professional fights including a stunning victory over Errol Spence Jr in July.

Terence Crawford will step into the ring against light-middleweight world champion Israil Madrimov on August 3 in Los Angeles as he attempts to win a world title at a fourth different weight.
The 36-year-old holds an unbeaten record in 40 professional fights, winning all of them, and has held world titles in the welterweight, super-lightweight and lightweight divisions.
The American was last in action in July when he produced a stunning performance to knock out Errol Spence Jr in Las Vegas.
Crawford has also enjoyed key victories over British boxers Ricky Burns, Amir Khan and Kell Brook during his career.
“I cannot wait to get back in the ring in my fourth weight class and remind the world why I’m the best pound for pound fighter in the world,” Crawford said.
“Israil Madrimov is a tremendous and entertaining fighter, but on August 3, he will be my next victim. This is the Terence Crawford era.”
Crawford is already regarded as one of the biggest names in the sport and seen as the best pound for pound boxer in the world right now.
His opponent Madrimov defeated Magomed Kurbanov to win the vacant belt in March.
The 29-year-old is also unbeaten and has won 10 fights and drawn one.
“Terence Crawford is one of my favourite boxers and one of the best boxers in the world,” he said. “I am very excited to get this opportunity to make a statement, and I will.”
Former heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz is also set to feature on the undercard as he makes his return to the ring for the first time in two years.
The Mexican famously dethroned Anthony Joshua in 2019 before losing the rematch in Saudi Arabia.
Ruiz, who has not fought since a unanimous decision victory over Luis Ortiz in September 2022, will take on Jarrell Miller at BMO Stadium.
Miller lost his unbeaten record to Britain’s Daniel Dubois when the two stepped into the ring last year in Riyadh.
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Terence Crawford Will Be Toughest Test Yet of Israil Madrimov’s Mettle

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A brutal life being raised, effectively in the wild, of Uzbekistan is one thing.

A main event under the hot lights of a summer ring in Los Angeles, with Terence Crawford in the opposing corner, is quite another.

For new WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov (10-0-1, 7 KOs), the opportunity to parlay that title glory into a victory over an unbeaten three-division champion is appetizing.

In the eyes of ProBox TV analysts Teddy Atlas and Paulie Malignaggi, pulling off that upset will require a display of slippage from Crawford, who will turn 37 a month after the Aug. 3 fight at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.

“At this time, you can always age overnight,” former welterweight titleholder Malignaggi said on Tuesday’s episode of “Deep Waters.” “Guys [just] show up older. You consider that in the Madrimov fight.”

Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) will have been out of the ring for a full calendar year when he steps into the ring at BMO Stadium to headline the debut U.S. card of Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the nation’s General Entertainment Authority.

However, that most recent bout was a doozy – an utter domination of then-unbeaten three-belt welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr., which Crawford closed with a ninth-round stoppage to cement his second term as an undisputed champion (after also doing so at 140 pounds).

“It’s like going into a sausage grinder. [Crawford’s] going to grind you up with counterpunches,” Atlas predicted, predicting that age and slowed skills “are the only things I see beating Crawford.

“It’s not [linked to] moving up in weight. And he doesn’t have a lot of miles on the odometer. I judge a guy by the amount of punches he’s taken, by how many tough fights he’s been in. He’s still fresh. I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.”

Madrimov, who counts unbeaten light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol and former unified junior featherweight titleholder Murodjon Akhmadaliev as gym mates in the Coachella Valley desert locale of Indio, California, has seen an inspired rise to becoming a world titleholder after a distinguished amateur career and a gritty youth.

“Madrimov is rough around the edges and can give you a rough time,” Malignaggi said. “He’s a new champion and he’s going to be hungry and wanting to create a bigger name for himself and his legacy. Crawford [would] be a huge feather to have in his hat.

“But if Madrimov is going to have a chance, he has to hope Crawford has lost a few steps.”

Atlas responded that “the problem for Madrimov is going to be speed and all the elements Crawford brings. He’s got good eyes, good timing; he’s so calm that he slows the fight down like Michael Jordan would slow the game down.

“I’ve watched Madrimov and, yeah, he’s a real experienced amateur and, yeah, he’s physically strong and, yeah, he’s technically solid.

“But he’s also predictable. He comes at you straight on, uses his physicality, goes to the body. His feet and his hands are too slow. Both of those will conspire against him.”

Crawford and Madrimov appeared together in New York on Wednesday for the introductory news conference to launch their bout.

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Terence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov: Fight Card, Betting Odds, Start Time

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Terence Crawford

All the fights for the Riyadh Season: Terence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov card on Saturday 3rd August 2024. With betting odds, start time, date, fight card, and information on how to watch.

  • Event: Riyadh Season: Terence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov
  • Date: Sat, August 3, 2024
  • Location: Los Angeles California
  • Broadcast: DAZN PPV

  • Riyadh Season: Terence Crawford Vs Israil Madrimov: Full Fight Card

    • Terence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov: Middleweight
    • Andy Ruiz vs Jarrell Miller: Heavyweight
    • Vergil Ortiz vs Tim Tszyu: Light middleweight
    • Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela: Lightweight
    • David Morrell vs Radivoje Kalajdzic: Super middleweight
    • Andy Cruz vs Antonio Moran: Lightweight
    • Fight card, bout order, and number of fights are subject to change

       

      Start Date And Time

      Riyadh Season: Terence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov: takes place on August 3rd in California. Start times will be released soon.

      Betting Odds

      TBC

      Tickets

      If you are lucky enough to be nearby or in California or have plans to be there on the 3rd of August to see Riyadh Season: Terence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov, When tickets are available you will be able to purchase them here. VIP ticket packages will also be available here.

      Tickets will be available at different prices. At the time of writing the current ticket prices are starting at the lowest of TBC and the highest price being TBC

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