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Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov – Large Fight Preview and Predictions

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Crawford and Madrimov face-to-face at BMO Stadium ahead of Saturday

Terence Crawford is looking to become a four-division world champion when he takes on WBA super welterweight champion Israil Madrilmov in Los Angeles on Saturday. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Terence Crawford is looking to become a four-division world champion when he takes on WBA super welterweight champion Israil Madrilmov in Los Angeles on Saturday. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

Terence Crawford seeks another piece of history and greatness as he attempts to take the WBA super welterweight title from Israil Madrimov at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles this Saturday night. The WBO interim title is also on the line in California.

Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing is the main promoter of the Crawford vs. Madrimov fight, and the action will be broadcast live DAZN additional package for a subscriber fee.

Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) is at the very top of many people’s mythical no-weight lists, and rightfully so.

The Nebraska fighter first became a world champion in 2014 when he defeated Ricky Burns in Glasgow to win the WBO lightweight title. A decade later, he became the undisputed super lightweight champion, and in 2018, he moved up to welterweight to become the WBO welterweight champion. He has defended that title six times, and in July of last year, he won the full belt at 147 pounds.

There, the 36-year-old left-hander showed off his masterful class by knocking out Errol Spence Jr. in the ninth round, which gave him the WBC, WBA “super” and IBF titles, making him the undisputed leader in the second weight class.

Crawford and Madrimov face off at BMO Stadium ahead of Saturday’s fight Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Crawford and Madrimov face off at BMO Stadium ahead of Saturday’s fight Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

Now, “Bud” will face California-based Uzbek Madrimov (10-0-1, 7 KOs), a man with extensive amateur experience but little professional experience.

Madrimov’s only real downside was a technical draw in his rematch with Michel Soro in July 2022, and after a win over Raphael Igbokwe in April 2023, “The Dream” was given a shot at the vacant WBA title, which he used with both hands in a fifth-round knockout win over undefeated Russian Magomed Kurbanov.

Morrell attacks Kalajdzic

This will be a very thrilling preliminary fight, with the vacant WBA airy heavyweight title on the line as David Morrell moves up a weight class to face Radivoje Kalajdzic.

Morrell (10-0, 9 KOs) was previously the WBA super middleweight world champion, defending the title six times, most recently by knocking out Sena Agbeko in the second round in December 2023.

Kalajdzic (29-2, 21 KOs) has won five straight fights since losing a fifth-round knockout to Artur Beterbiev for the IBF title in 2019, most recently knocking out former world title challenger Sullivan Barrera in the 10th round in March.

Ruiz meets Miller

The heavyweight clash will feature the former unified world champion, Andy Ruiz Jr will appear for the first time in almost two years, taking on Jarrell Miller.

Ironically, when it was discovered that Miller (26-1-1, 22 KOs) had failed a drug test prior to his June 2019 meeting with Anthony Joshua, Ruiz Jr (35-2, 22 KOs) stepped in to score a knockout victory but failed to capitalize on it, losing the immediate rematch and fighting only twice since, most recently a unanimous decision win over Luis Ortiz in September 2022, when he dropped the Cuban three times.

Miller lost in the final round to Daniel Dubois.

Anderson fights Bakole

Another intriguing heavyweight clash will see Jared Anderson face arguably his biggest challenge to date in Martin Bakole.

Anderson (17-0, 15 KOs) has gone 10 rounds in two of his last three fights, most recently a decision win over Ryad Merhy in April, while Bakole (20-1, 15 KOs) has improved since his 2018 loss to Michael Hunter, with victories over the likes of Tony Yoka (MD10) and Carlos Takam (TKO4).

Anderson and Bakole face off on the Santa Monica Pier earlier this week Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Anderson and Bakole face off on the Santa Monica Pier earlier this week Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Cruz clashed with Valenzuela

The third world title fight will take place at super lightweight, with Isaac Cruz (26-2-1, 18 KOs) looking to defend the WBA super lightweight title he won in March by knocking out Rolando “Rolly” Romero in a fight with Jose Valenzuela (13-2, 9 KOs), who recently won a rematch with Chris Colbert by knockout.

Remaining subcard

Talented former amateur Andy Cruz (3-0, 1 KOs) will also be in the fight, and the Cuban could defend his IBF lightweight title with a points win over Antonio Moran (30-6-1, 21 KOs).

Steven Nelson (19-0, 15 KOs), an undefeated super middleweight from Nebraska, can remain undefeated by outpointing Marcos Vazquez Rodriguez (20-0-1, 10 KOs) inside ten rounds, and in the only six-round fight, Ziyad Almaayouf (5-0, 1 KO) can win on points against Michael Bulik (6-7, 2 KOs) in their welterweight fight.

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UK Boxing

Tyson Fury’s contract with Oleksandr Usyk could leave Anthony Joshua out in the frigid

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Tyson Fury is bound by a trilogy contract with Oleksandr Usyk if he triumphs in the upcoming rematch.

The long-awaited sequel is scheduled for Saturday evening, with Usyk looking to extend his 2-0 lead over Fury and repeat his split decision victory in Riyad last May – the only blemish on Fury’s professional record.

Usyk, looking at a possible return to cruiserweight, may decide that his plans will be thwarted by defeat and he will be forced to extend his tenure in the heavyweight division until the third fight with Fury. Frank Warren, Fury’s promoter, confirmed contractual obligations, stating to Boxing News: “Oh, it’s because he’s contracted. And whatever happens, that’s what happens if Tyson wins… as long as no one retires.”

This news seriously undermines the hopes of Anthony Joshua, who recently pulled out of his rematch with Daniel Dubois on February 22, citing health problems and his desire to face Fury after this weekend’s fight. Despite a knockout defeat to Dubois last September, ‘AJ’ harbors aspirations for an all-British fight with Fury.

Fury, known as the “Gypsy King”, has made it clear that he is more interested in a clash with Usyk than Joshua, especially if he triumphs next Saturday. Tyson revealed: “When I win on Saturday night, I think there will definitely be a trilogy next year,” during an interview with Al Arabiya.

“Joshua is in tatters right now. He needs to recover from his last fight. But a fight with Usyk – one on Saturday and one after – would be fantastic for me.”

With the focus firmly on Usyk, Fury candidly shared his strategy for the anticipated rematch, discussing the Undisputed boxing game, asserting: “I had to get Wilder out of there or he got me out of there, and that’s the kind of fight it had to be. It had to be a 50/50 gunslinger with the biggest punch ever, otherwise he would have punched me in the chin in round nine. Going to the rematch with Usyk. it will be the same. I’m going to roll the dice and either you or me… I’ll best step forward and jump away. I was never afraid of getting knocked out. I always threw every time he’s on the line.”

Fury also exposed his all-or-nothing approach, saying: “There is no secret! I’m going there to knock you out because I don’t think I’m going to get a decision no matter what I do. I don’t think I’ll get a boxing decision, so I’ll have to take it into the judges’ hands like I did back then in America and I’ve got to get him (Usyk) out of there. Hand on heart, I’ve got to get him out of there and see the victory.”

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UK Boxing

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 – substantial fight preview and predictions

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Usyk put in a sublime performance to beat Fury in their first fight Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

On Saturday in Riyad, Oleksandr Usyk will face Tyson Fury in a rematch for the world heavyweight title. Photo: Top Rank
On Saturday in Riyad, Oleksandr Usyk will face Tyson Fury in a rematch for the world heavyweight title. Photo: Top Rank

Oleksandr Usyk will defend his WBC, WBA “super”, WBO and IBO heavyweight crowns against Tyson Fury in a long-awaited rematch at the Kingdom Arena in Riyad on Saturday.

Usyk vs Fury 2 is available on pay-per-view in the UK on Sky Sports, TNT Sports and DAZN, and on DAZN pay-per-view in the US.

This is a repeat of May’s meeting between two of the world’s top heavyweights, and many were skeptical of Usyk (22-0, 14 KO) as the smaller fighter in the original fight.

The Ukrainian implemented a fantastic game plan in Riyad, taking the best of Fury before devastating his fighter, defeating the ‘Gypsy King’ in the ninth round to win the title split decision become the undisputed champion.

After winning the same cruiserweight accolade, the 36-year-old rose to the occasion against Anthony Joshua in September 2021, earning well-deserved points in Tottenham to become the unified heavyweight king.

Usyk performed brilliantly, defeating Fury in the first fight. Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank
Usyk performed brilliantly, defeating Fury in the first fight. Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

The split decision rematch victory came before Usyk knocked out Daniel Dubois, and that victory led to undisputed greatness against Fury.

“The Cat” gave up his IBF crown to arrange a second fight with Fury, and the aforementioned Dubois became the IBF champion.

Fury (34-1-1, 24 KO) won the unified heavyweight title in 2015, dethroning the great Wladimir Klitschko, but his life spiraled and he embarked on a monumental comeback that took him back to the top, winning the WBC belt after stoppage of Deontay Wilder’s seventh-round rematch in February 2020.

The 36-year-old repeated the trick in the trilogy match, defending against Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora, who both had success on stoppages.

The Briton then had to embarrassingly leave the ring before delivering a very razor-sharp verdict on boxing newcomer Francis Ngannou before he faced Usyk last October.

Bohachuk fights Davis

The next 12-rounder on the card will see super welterweight contender Serhiy Bohachuk in action against Leeds’ Ishmael Davis, who replaces Israil Madrimov, who withdrew due to illness.

Bohachuk (24-2, 23 KO) lost a majority decision to Vergil Ortiz Jr in August for the WBC interim title, where he scored two knockdowns, while Davis (13-1, 6 KO) sent Josh Kelly into a frenzy in a losing effort. his own majority verdict in September, another fight he took up belatedly.

In August, Bohachuk was eliminated by Ortiz Jr. Photo: Golden Boy/Cris Esqueda
In August, Bohachuk was eliminated by Ortiz Jr. Photo: Golden Boy/Cris Esqueda
Itauma meets McKean

Moses Itauma (10-0, 8 KO) continues his rapid rise to the top and should have a chance to defeat Australian Demsey McKean (22-1, 14 KO) on the schedule, with McKean having not been seen since a last-round stoppage in his meeting with Filip Hrgovic in August last year.

Fisher argues with Allen

Johnny Fisher continues his education against the experienced and popular Dave Allen.

Fisher (12-0, 11 KO) scored an impressive first-round stoppage over Alen Babic in July, while Allen (23-6-2, 18 KO) has recorded two wins since suffering a retirement loss to Frazer last September Clark in the sixth round.

McGrail comes face to face with Edwards

Peter McGrail was scheduled to face Dennis McCann in an intriguing match, but McCann was pulled out after unfavorable pre-fight VADA test results.

Rhys Edwards (16-0, 4 KO) has been preparing to fight Lyon Woodstock and is entering the fray in no time.

(10-1, 6 KOs)

Undercard remaining

Andrii Novytskyi (13-0, 10 KO) should defend his WBC International title, defeating Edgar Ramirez (10-1-1, 4 KO) first.

In the delicate heavyweight division, Daniel Lapin (10-0, 4 KO) can achieve his fifth victory in the initial phase of the fight against undefeated Frenchman Dylan Colin (14-0, 4 KO).

In a breakthrough featherweight fight, I’m banking on Lee McGregor (14-1-1, 11 KO) to defeat Isaac Lowe (25-2-3, 8 KO) and put victory on the scorecards.

Mohammed Alakel (1-0) should score points in the fight against Joshua Ocampo (8-33-5, 6 KO).

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UK Boxing

Oleksandr Usyk shares the incredible moment Tyson Fury fight result was shared on the front line

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As brave soldiers fought on the front lines, radios roared with unchanging on the battlefield. These brave units, defending Ukraine against the invading Russian forces, on the night of May 18 this year. they were waiting for further instructions or warnings about incoming missiles.

They are hailed as national heroes who risk their lives to protect their borders from Vladimir Putin’s troops. Oleksandr Usyk understands this perfectly, he has friends on the front line and has witnessed the horrors himself.

But life also goes on beyond the grim reality of war, and they were also eager to hear about their hero Usyk’s other fight against Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia. “Let me tell you one story,” Usyk, 37, said when asked if he had spoken to the fighters since the victory over Furia.

“This is the front line where the fighting takes place. And the people on the second line have special communications connecting them to the front lines on the battlefield. They have nicknames like: “Rocket, Rocket, can you hear me?” intonation, when they first picked up the phone, they said, “Yes, yes, what’s going on?” What do we have to do? [thinking it was an emergency]but then they got the news that Usyk was the undisputed champion and they started cheering: “Oh yes! All right!'”

In what must have been an incredibly moving time for those who longed for a glimmer of hope in the trenches, the brutal truth remains that Usyk was able to return to his loved ones after his victories, but he cannot take them back to his Ukrainian home. His partner Yekaterina and their children Mykhailo, Kyrylo and Yelizaveta had to leave Ukraine in featherlight of the current crisis, and Usyk kept their whereabouts a secret for security reasons.

Ringside, Ekaterina witnessed Usyk’s best Fury, recording his first defeat and allowing Usyk to win the undisputed heavyweight title – a moment they celebrated away from the public eye with their children, who were nervously watching TV in their short-lived apartment. “They were very scared and nervous, my two boys and my daughter,” Usyk commented.

However, when they saw their father again, the children’s spirits improved. “They said I was a real legend now,” recalls the humble former cruiserweight champion, although he modestly disagrees. “I said, ‘Mm, no.’ They said ‘yes, yes’.

The humility with which Usyk views his achievements was evident when boxing icon Lennox Lewis, the last before Usyk to become undisputed heavyweight champion in 1999, visited Usyk’s training camp in Spain ahead of his long-awaited rematch with Fury in Riyad. Despite winning the heavyweight crown after defeating Fury in early May, the reigning champion was honored and clearly impressed in the presence of his esteemed predecessor.

“It was great,” Usyk said. “I once watched him fight on TV. Now Lennox Lewis is in my camp watching my sparring. I said, ‘Wow, hey, Lennox. Do you miss boxing, do you miss preparations?». – Yes of course.

“Listen, it was great. I made a poster. I said, “Hey, Master, please sign for both of my sons.” My wife’s father said, ‘Oh my God, Lennox Lewis, please sign and take a picture.’

Perhaps Lewis should have asked Usyk for his autograph. “Just my shirt,” he joked with a smile. It is an extreme display of humility on Usyk’s part that he does not consider himself a legend despite being an Olympic gold medalist, world and European amateur champion, and the undisputed king of both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, undefeated in 22 professional fights. And he clearly serves as an inspiration to those in his homeland who are trying to stand up to Russia. “Legend,” he said. “It’s very high class. I don’t like it. I just like being a plain guy. I don’t want others to think of me as an icon. I don’t need it.”

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