The chance exists that today's bout will present an opportunity for Crawford to reclaim his pound-for-pound status from Oleksandr Usyk. While Usyk recently solidified his top spot by defeating Tyson Fury, Crawford's return to the ring could shift the narrative if he delivers a standout performance.
Madrimov, the WBA junior-middleweight champion, poses a significant challenge. The Uzbek fighter is known for his athleticism, versatility in switching stances, and power. His rapid progress in the professional ranks and extensive amateur experience make him a formidable opponent and both Crawford and Madrimov share a Spartan-like dedication to their craft, making this matchup even more intriguing.
Crawford, who has adeptly moved up in weight classes throughout his career, seems well-prepared for the 154-pound division. His intensive training regimen, which involves weight lifting and pushing sleds, has equipped him to handle the added weight. Despite the challenges of moving up in weight, Crawford's speed and power are expected to be advantageous for him.
However, Crawford faces high stakes. In order to reclaim his position at the top of the pound-for-pound list and attract the attention of fans and potential opponents like Canelo Alvarez, he needs to deliver an outstanding performance. Madrimov, although a tough competitor, doesn't have the same broad appeal as Spence, so it's crucial for Crawford to impress convincingly. A cautious start may be necessary, but Crawford's strategy will likely involve finding his rhythm and exploiting Madrimov's weaknesses as the fight progresses.
Read more and watch preliminary fights of this event live here.
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