Terence Crawford beat Israil Madrimov by unanimous decision Saturday night and won the WBA super welterweight title, meaning he’s now won world boxing championships in four weight divisions.
But it was closer than expected.
The judges scored the match 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113 in favor of Crawford. This marked the first occasion in 12 bouts that Crawford did not secure a victory by stoppage, a run that extended back to 2016.
“Israil was a formidable opponent,” Crawford remarked. “Very strong, resilient, and absorbed many solid hits.”
The bout featured no knockdowns, and neither boxer appeared to be significantly harmed, resulting in a match that seemed devoid of explosive exchanges or notable punches.
Madrimov said he thought he did enough to win.
“I was controlling the rhythm, and I felt very comfortable inside the ring,’’ he said through a translator. “I believe I did really well and that at least I deserve the rematch.’’
Crawford, 36, improved to 41-0. Madrimov, the 29-year-old from Uzbekistan, suffered his first defeat as a pro. He fell to 10-1-1.
Crawford, who started his professional career in 2009 at super lightweight, was a heavy favorite entering the bout on Saturday night. There was an issue with his gloves earlier in the night, too, as one of them split at the seams. That only came after he initially objected to Madrimov’s Grant Gloves, though he later agreed to wear them. That delayed his warm-up slightly.
Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, round 3
Crawford opens with a right. But more dancing ensues. Madrimov jabs, and Crawford fires back. Madrimov not going to get KO’d at this rate. Might not land a memorable punch either. Now he’s poking with the jab and throws a right, and Crawford lands an uppercut. Some boos from the crowd. Crawford 30, Madrimov 27.
Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, round 4
Pace appears to be quickening. “Appear” being the operative word. Madrimov fires a strong right, deflects off Crawford’s glove and maybe sneaks in. Two more rights from Madrimov. Crawford responds with body shots. Fights on. Nice exchange, and Madrimov’s right proves effective. Crawford 39, Madrimov 37.
Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, round 5
Madrimov fires the right early. That’s his go-to punch as he settles in here, and then swings with the left. Now it’s Crawford who’s looking a little tentative, or maybe he’s just struggling to figure out Madrimov’s movement. Crawford hits the canvas, but it’s ruled a trip. Madrimov appears to be in control as he throws an overhand right. Crawford 48, Madrimov 47.
Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, round 6
Madrimov’s odd movement seems to be vexing Crawford. Still looking tentative.
Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, round 7
Waiting for Crawford to uncoil here, but it’s still Madrimov who looks to be the more confident fighter. Ready for boos from the crowd as the fighters remain largely inactive. Crawford delivers to the body, but not much action. Crawford 68, Madrimov 65.
Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, round 8
No need to watch grass grow when this fight is available. Will things heat up? Madrimov lunges with a left, then fires two left hooks. Madrimov lands a couple of rights and Crawford fires back as the action heats up, with Madrimov landing another right. Crawford 77, Madrimov 75.
Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, round 9
Crawford opens with the jab. Madrimov lunges and lands a right. Still more strategy than slugging. A couple of powerful shots from Madrimov. Crawford responds with less-than-memorable jabs. Crawford 86, Madrimov 85.
Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, round 10
Crawford lands a solid uppercut and follows up with two jabs and a right. Nice exchange of rights. Crawford 95, Madrimov 95.
Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, round 11
Neither letting their fists fly with fury. But both lands. Madrimov connects with another right. Crawford lands a big left uppercut – maybe his best shot of the night. Crawford 105, Madrimov 104.
Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, round 12
Madrimov’s face is full of red marks. Crawford’s definitely landed. Crawford showing more aggression. Madrimov living dangerously, with a big swing and a miss. Crawford lands a couple of uppercuts and follows up with a combination. Crawford 115, Madrimov 113.
