- Terence Crawford defeated Israil Madrimov to become champion in four weight classes
- After his victory he called for a superfight with Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez
- Crawford would have to move up in weight class again to face Canelo
Terence Crawford called for a superfight with Canelo Alvarez after becoming world champion in the four-weight division on Saturday night.
Crawford, 36, has made his intentions clear: he wants to face the Mexican superstar. But when he first stepped up to the super welterweight division, he had to deal with Uzbekistan’s Israil Madrimov.
In a cunning, tactical battle, Crawford did just enough to get his hand raised, with the judges scoring the bout 116-112, 115-113, 115-113 in his favor.
After his victory, Crawford took aim at Canelo again during his in-ring interview.
“If the money is right, you should fight,” Crawford said, hinting that Canelo could soon receive a big offer.
Terence Crawford became world champion in the four weight class on Saturday evening
Crawford defeated Israil Madrimov (right) by a narrow unanimous decision
After his win, Crawford called for a superfight with Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez
Asked why it was important to him to finally face Canelo, Crawford added: “It’s not that important to me. It’s just another milestone on the road to greatness, I guess, and financially!”
Madrimov gave Crawford some trouble during the fight and kept the American on edge until the final bell.
A fight between Crawford and Canelo would likely take place in the 168-pound super middleweight class, as that is the weight class Canelo has competed in for the past few years.
Crawford won his first world title at lightweight and some may wonder if his issues with Madrimov indicate he has reached the maximum weight limit at which he can compete.
But the undefeated Crawford stressed he is not worried about a potential second division rise.
‘Not at all [worried about moving up] because i’m pretty sure this guy [Madrimov] “I could fight at 160,” Crawford explained.
“This guy is big. In the amateurs he fought at a higher weight than he does now and he was very competitive.”
Canelo had already planned his next fight: the 34-year-old fighter will take on rising star Edgar Berlanga on September 14 in Las Vegas.
But a win in that fight could lead to a showdown with Crawford in a fight that could determine who is the best fighter in the world (pound-for-pound).