Israil Madrimov knows he will need to “discover weaknesses” of an iconic boxer he has long admired, if he is to defend his WBA super-welterweight world title against Terence Crawford.
Madrimov last took to the ring in March, when he wrestled the belt from Magomed Kurbanov via TKO.
Crawford – who is unbeaten in 40 fights – is attempting to become a four-weight world champion, but that does not worry Madrimov.
He told reporters at the Grand Arrivals in Santa Monica: “I don’t think this fight is about the size, it’s about the experience and knowledge he can use. This division is my division and I’m the champion, I have to defend the belt.
“My dream has always been to fight the best boxers and the pound-for-pound boxers. When I received the news that I would be making my first world title defence against Terence Crawford, I was very happy. I am ready all of the time.“
Although Madrimov is full of respect for the man he is to come up against, he also wants to be the first one to give him a taste of defeat.
“I have always been a fan of Terence Crawford. I like his style. He has great movement. It’s a good style.
“It is true that he is one of my favourite boxers. There is always a first guy, and I want to be the first guy to beat him and to break all of the records.
“He doesn’t have any weaknesses. I haven’t seen any of those, but I will try to discover some. I am very excited to get this opportunity to make a statement. I’m not Errol Spence Jr. I am Israil Madrimov.
The only thing preventing a perfect record for Madrimov is a technical draw against Michael Soro in 2022 – when the fight was stopped due to Soro suffering a cut eye after an accidental clash of heads.
Therefore, the Uzbek fighter is expecting an intriguing clash against Crawford, when two boxers who are yet to taste defeat arrive at the top of their game and in full confidence.
“He’s moving up in weight. I’m the world champion here, and I don’t think about him. I think about myself and I think about accomplishing my goals and winning this fight.
“It’s a huge honour and opportunity for me to show my skills and I want to win this fight in style. And still!
“I’ve been waiting a long time for this moment and we are here and just waiting for Saturday where I want a victory.“
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Source link : https://www.eurosport.com/boxing/terence-crawford-v-israil-madrimov-weaknesses-errol-spence-jr_sto20023556/story.shtml
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Publish date : 2024-07-31 19:05:54
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