Joel Diaz Sees Clear Advantages for Madrimov Over Crawford
Uzbekistan’s Israil “The Dream” Madrimov (10–0-1, 7 KOs) will enter what is often called boxing’s big stage on August 3 in Los Angeles when he defends the WBA junior middleweight title against reigning unified welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs). Madrimov’s trainer, Joel Diaz, feels his fighter is ready for the moment and believes that Crawford and the boxing world are in for a big surprise.
The Dream won the WBA strap in March 2024 with an impressive fifth-round stoppage over Magomed Kurbanov. However, the level of competition for Madrimov steps up significantly in the form of Crawford.
Currently ranked number one in the 3kingsboxing.com Top Ten fighter rankings, Crawford is the definition of elite. In his last outing in July 2024, the Omaha, Nebraska native scored a dominant ninth-round stoppage over Errol Spence to become an undisputed champion at welterweight.
A significant segment of the boxing community feels that Crawford is the heavy favorite against Madrimov. But the defending champion and his camp are single-minded in the pursuit of victory and will not be bothered by the opinion of fans and pundits.
REFUSING TO BOW TO ANY NARRATIVE
During an exclusive interview with media outlet Fight Hub TV, Diaz talked up Madrimov’s versatility and that he’s ready and willing to win by outboxing Bud on the outside or pressuring and chopping Crawford down. Diaz feels that the junior middleweight champion has the advantage over Crawford when it comes to speed, and that will show itself on fight night.
“This fight is going to end up going the distance, and I just think that Israil is going to be the more effective fighter because he’s really sharp with his defense.
I don’t think Crawford has the speed to catch Israil . . . Israil is going to be really sharp on his defense, and he’s explosive with his power.”
Crawford’s skill and boxing IQ is undeniable. But the welterweight champion is 36 years old. It’s been some years since he’s faced an opponent with the speed, athleticism, and youth he will see coming from the 29-year-old junior middleweight champion.
When it’s all said and done, is Diaz correct that Madrimov will be too fast and elusive for Crawford? He hopes that is the case when they square off in front of the bright lights of Los Angeles on August 3.
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