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Terence Crawford solidified his status as a four-division champion on Saturday night in Los Angeles. The Omaha native outclassed Uzbekistan's Israil Madrimov in a unanimous decision victory, claiming the WBA super welterweight title at BMO Stadium.
Crawford, widely regarded as the world's top pound-for-pound boxer, showcased his versatility in his 154-pound debut. The judges' scorecards reflected a closely contested bout, with tallies of 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113 in Crawford's favor. This victory extends his unblemished professional record to 41-0, with 31 knockouts.
The fight began cautiously, with both men feeling each other out through the initial rounds. Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) later admitted he had no intention of rushing, which would ensnare him . The measured approach initially drew jeers from the capacity crowd, who had endured sweltering temperatures throughout the day.
Momentum shifted in the fifth round when Crawford slipped, prompting an aggressive response from Madrimov. The Uzbek fighter (10-1-1) held his own against the champion, stating post-fight, "I fought the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, and I believe I did enough because I was the champion."
As the bout progressed, both fighters sought to land decisive blows rather than establish prolonged control. Crawford's experience shone through in the championship rounds, culminating in a spirited 12th round push for a knockout that ultimately proved elusive.
This victory marks Crawford's first outing since his July 2023 stoppage of Errol Spence Jr., which earned him the undisputed welterweight championship. With titles now secured across four weight classes, speculation mounts regarding a potential super-fight with Canelo Alvarez, the current 168-pound kingpin.
Crawford addressed the possibility, stating, "You know what I say, if the money is right, we got to fight."
The undercard featured notable contests, including Jose Valenzuela's split decision win over Isaac Cruz for the WBA super lightweight title. In heavyweight action, Jarrell Miller and Andy Ruiz Jr. fought to a majority draw, while Martin Bakole scored a fifth-round TKO over the previously undefeated Jared Anderson.
With the height of this new achievement, the boxing world eagerly anticipates his next move. Whether it's a rematch with Madrimov or a blockbuster clash with Alvarez, one thing is certain: Crawford's legacy as one of boxing's elite continues to grow with each masterful performance.
