Terence Crawford went the distance to beat Israil Madrimov via unanimous decision, claiming the title in a fourth division. In a close and exciting 12-round battle at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, Crawford outboxed WBA super welterweight champion Israil Madrimov. The judges scored the bout 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113 in favor of Crawford.
The early rounds were unhurried, with both fighters feeling each other out. Madrimov landed a few significant shots to Crawford’s head in the third round and briefly sent Crawford to the mat in the fifth, though it was ruled a trip. Crawford responded strongly in the sixth round with a combination of head shots, pulling ahead at the midway point.
Madrimov appeared to gain momentum in the eighth and ninth rounds, landing a massive blow to Crawford’s head in the ninth. However, Crawford countered effectively each time. In the final round, Crawford came out aggressively. Though he couldn’t finish Madrimov, he secured the unanimous decision victory to claim his fourth title.
Terrence Crawford is now 41-0 (31 KOs), while Israil Madrimov falls to 10-1-1 (7 KOs).
“He had fast feet, he had good rhythm upstairs and he was strong,” Crawford said of Madrimov in the ring. “He was waiting to counter me just like I was waiting to counter him. … He fought a good fight.”
Jose Valenzuela becomes new WBA super lightweight world champ!
In the pre-main event, Judges reach a split decision: 116-112 for Valenzuela, 115-113 for Cruz and 116-112 for the new WBA super lightweight world champion, Jose Valenzuela.
Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov fight card results:
- Terence Crawford def. Israil Madrimov for the WBA super welterweight titles (116-112, 115-113, 115-113)
- Martin Bakole def. Jared Anderson via KO 5 (2:07); Heavyweights
- David Morrell def. Radivoje Kalajdzic via UD 12 (118-110, 117-111, 117-111) for the WBA “regular” light heavyweight title
- Jose Valenzuela def. Isaac Cruz (c) for the WBA super lightweight title (116-112, 116-112, 113-115)
- Andy Cruz def. Antonio Moran via KO 7 (2:59); Lightweights
- Andy Ruiz Jr. draw Jarrell Miller (112-116, 114-114, 114-114); Heavyweights
