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Terence Crawford vs. Madrimov: Night weigh-in sets stage for substantial event

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Image: Terence Crawford vs. Madrimov: Late Night Weigh-In Sets the Stage for a Big Event

Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed today that the weigh-in for the Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov event will take place at 9pm on the Friday prior to the event on Saturday, August 3 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles and will be broadcast live on DAZN.

Hearn says the Crawford-Madrimov weigh-in will be held outdoors in Los Angeles. It’s that behind schedule on a Friday night because they want it to be an “event” with music to get people involved.

Madrimov (10-0-1, 7 KOs), the WBA junior middleweight champion, is an underdog against Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs), but Hearn likes his fighter, Madrimov, and his chances of causing a surprise against the 36-year-old.

Crawford is moving up to 154 pounds for the first time after an extended layoff since July 2023 and facing a guy who fights in an unconventional style, much like he does. Madrimov is slower than Crawford and has less experience as a pro. But he hits harder, is much younger, at 29, and has been more vigorous in his career.

Hearn is not talking about a plan for Madrimov if he wins on Saturday night. If he beats Crawford, many boxing fans will be clamoring for him to face Canelo Alvarez in 2025. However, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh seems to have his eye on a Crawford-Canelo fight in 2025 and may stick to that plan even if Terence loses to Madrimov.

It wouldn’t be an ideal way for Crawford to fight Canelo. Still, the Mexican star has fought smaller opponents recently, fighting Edgar Berlanga, Jaime Munguia and John Ryder.

If Crawford returns to fight Canelo and loses to Madrimov, it will be a reference to the Mexican star’s recent, unexciting fights.

“There will be a press conference at the Chinese Theatre on Thursday. It will be stunning. There will be an outdoor weigh-in in Los Angeles on Friday at 9pm because the official weigh-in will be earlier in the day of course,” said Eddie Hearn iFL TV on the weighing of Terence Crawford and Ismail Madrimov.

Having the Crawford-Madrimov weigh-in behind schedule Friday night will make it compelling for East Coast fans who would have to stay up behind schedule to watch it. This is great news for West Coast fans as they will be able to watch it when they are not working.

“It’s going to be an unbelievable crowd,” Hearn said when asked why the weigh-in was taking place so behind schedule on Friday night. “Why do it at five or six? Why not do it as an event in the evening with music and get people interacting?”

It will be compelling to see what kind of crowd there is at the weigh-in on Friday, since it’s such a huge event. Crawford’s fans are mostly in Nebraska, and Madrimov is still unknown to fans in the States.

It wouldn’t be surprising if the majority of fans who show up for the weigh-ins are there to see the fight between Isaac Cruz and Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela, who some believe will be the main event on Saturday night.

“It’s an eight-fight card on Saturday. It’s unbelievable. So, from top to bottom, the promotion, the activity in fight week. It’s the biggest thing I’ve been involved with in America and I can’t wait. I think it’s a brilliant card,” Hearn said.

Eddie is right about the fight card on Saturday. It’s incredible and certainly one of the best boxing fights in many years.

Saturday’s fight card:

  • Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov
  • Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela fight
  • Jared Anderson vs. Martin Bakole
  • David Morrell vs. Radivoje “Heated Rod” Kalajdzic
  • Andy Cruz vs. Antonio Moran
  • Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Jarrell Miller

“Madrimov is not a household name. You don’t have to be polite to him. He’s an incredible fighter. He’s a world champion who is on the way to establishing himself in the sport. When he won the world title in Saudi Arabia, [against Magomed Kurbanov last March in Riyadh]“We never expected him to fight Terence Crawford,” Hearn said.

Madrimov was fortunate to get the fight with Crawford, as Sebastian Fundora was Bud’s original target for the 154-pound world title. Fundora chose Errol Spence, resulting in Crawford going with his second favorite, Madrimov, to try to win the 154-pound world title.

“We were going to have two or three defenses, maybe look for a unification fight and fight Tim Tszyu or Errol Spence. Crawford comes in and it’s one of those tough decisions. In terms of maneuvering Madrimov, it’s probably not the fight you would expect. But in terms of the opportunity, the money, the legacy and the faith of the team, he accepted it.”

The money Madrimov will make for the Crawford fight is much bigger than what he would make fighting Tszyu, Sebastian Fundora or Errol Spence. Turki Alalshikh has put together a huge preliminary card for Saturday’s Crawford-Madrimov fight, and we probably wouldn’t have seen that if Madrimov had fought those other guys.

“No, ‘Oh, it’s just a few pounds.’ He took that to mean, ‘I can win this fight.’ [Madrimov’s trainer] Joel Diaz: “We think we can win this fight.”

Madrimov’s Super Bowl is Saturday, and a win over Crawford would make him a substantial name in the sport. Even if Madrimov doesn’t get the Canelo fight, a rematch with Crawford is a sure thing. The Nebraska native has too much pride not to try to avenge his loss to Madrimov.

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The fight between Alexis Rocha and Raul Curiel will take place on December 14 at the Toyota Arena

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Rocha vs Curiel

In a clash of forces between two world title contenders, NABO welterweight titleholder Alexis “Lex” Rocha (25-2-0, 16 KO) will put his skills to the test against undefeated knockout and NABF welterweight titleholder Raul “El Cugar “. Curiel (15-0, 13 KO).

The 10-round main event will take place on Saturday, December 14, live from the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN.

“‘The best versus the best’ is Golden Boy’s mantra and that’s what fans will see as Rocha and Curiel take on everything that’s on the table,” said President and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “Rocha is a veteran whose goal is to win the world title, Curiel is an undefeated blue-chip prospect with huge potential. It’s really a 50/50 fight and I’m looking forward to it.”

Tickets for the Rocha vs. match Curiel will go on sale on Friday, October 11 at 10 a.m. PT and will be priced at $100, $75, $50 and $25, excluding applicable service fees. A confined number of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available, including exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades. Standard and VIP tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, Toyota-arena.com, Goldenboy.com or at the Toyota Arena box office from Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 16:00

“I’ve seen Raul Curiel all these years and he never once mentioned my name,” Alexis Rocha said. “After my last defeat, he suddenly became interested in fighting me. If he thinks I’ve lost a step or somehow had an simple fight, he’s in for a rude awakening. I can’t wait to make a statement and show the world what I’m capable of.”

Santa Ana, California Rep. Alexis “Lex” Rocha comes from a struggling family. The younger brother of Ronny Rios, he was the youngest fighter to win a gold medal at the Junior Olympics at the age of 14 in 2012 and caught the attention of the boxing world by becoming a six-time national champion during his amateur career. Rocha signed with Golden Boy in January 2016 and made his professional debut in March 2016, defeating Jordan Rosario at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles. Since then, he has amassed an enviable record of powerful knockouts over top contenders and plans to return to world title contention, with his last fight being a victory over undefeated Santiago Dominguez on July 19 last year.

“The fans can expect a war,” said Raul Curiel. “I’m going to prepare well to put on a great show. This will be the most essential fight of my career so far. I know Alexis is a great fighter, a good opponent and will also show up prepared. My focus is on Alexis and if I can beat him, I know it will give me a chance to fight for the world championship.

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George Kambosos moves up to 140, adds Eddie Hearn to team

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George Kambosos beats Teofimo

Former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos approached promoter Eddie Hearn asking for more massive fights.

Kambosos has signed a co-promotional deal with Eddie Hearn, under which the Greek-Australian slugger will continue his association with DiBella Entertainment Inc. and his own company, Ferocious Promotions.

The 21-3 star will move up to the super lightweight division of Matchroom Boxing’s lively division. He aims to become a two-weight world champion in early 2025, and as part of the deal, a title fight is promised as long as he continues to win.

Since his stunning victory over Teofimo Lopez, Kambosos has never shied away from competing against the best. Those three losses on his resume came to Devin Haney [twice] and Vasily Lomachenko, all at home and all for world titles.

The 31-year-old is now set to face compatriot Liam Paro after defending his IBF title against Richardson Hitchins in December in Puerto Rico.

“I am thrilled to be working with Matchroom Boxing. I am excited to have signed a three-way promotional cooperation agreement with my long-time promoter DiBella Entertainment Inc. and Ferocious Promotions,” Kambosos said.

“I made great success and history when I moved up the Matchroom shows by winning my UK elimination fight against Lee Selby. The most noteworthy and unforgettable is my victory against Teofimo at Madison Square Garden in Up-to-date York to become the 135-pound world champion.

“I am officially announcing that I will be moving up to 140 pounds and signing with Matchroom will ensure my continued success and the legacy I want to leave in the sport of boxing.”

Hearn, who adds an experienced campaigner to his stable, added: “I am delighted to welcome George to the team. George’s victory over Teofimo tore up the script and showed that George was the man for the massive time. He has proven to be a huge attraction in Australia and one of the real driving forces behind the rapid growth of boxing Down Under.

“The 140-pound division is full of massive names and massive potential fights. Adding George to the mix only elevates the level, and a possible fight with Liam Paro is a truly appetizing prospect. If Liam manages to win in a great fight against Richardson on December 7th [the fight could be on].

Lou DiBella, who has worked with Kambosos for years, said: “I’m glad I was able to make a deal with my antique buddy Eddie to work with George Kambosos Jr. and Ferocious Promotions.

“Throughout his career, George has been a fighter who has never shied away from a challenge, and now he wants to test himself against top junior welterweights.

Matchroom works with top 140-pounders, including George’s compatriot Liam Paro, and, like DiBella Entertainment, is heavily invested in Australia.

“It’s a natural partnership,” added the Up-to-date Yorker.

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Mike Tyson had absolutely no chance of knocking out Jake Paul

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Mike Tyson comeback black

One of the hottest topics surrounding Mike Tyson’s return at the age of 58 was the possibility of the boxing legend scoring a knockout of Jake Paul.

WBN has weighed in on this topic several times, questioning the validity of five-second training clips that revealed nothing about Tyson’s abilities at this overdue age. One of the most intriguing observations during the preparations was the opinion of UFC commentator Daniel Cormier.

Speaking on his show “Funky and the Champ,” Cormier reflected on Tyson’s social media videos and offered an informed opinion on the meaning of the clips.

“I understand that [he is in amazing shape at 58]and I understand what he is saying [he feels as though he can compete]– Cormier said. “And I agree that when he hits the pads with Rafael Cordeiro, it looks like there’s still something left in him.

“But then I watch Jake Paul fight Mike Perry. I saw Jake Paul get overwhelmed to the point where he started to feel uncomfortable. It looked like Mike Perry had a chance. But Jake has a reserve tank he can go to and benefit from because he’s 28 years ancient. Then he comes back and finally finishes Mike Perry.

“At the beginning of the fight, Mike Perry gets beaten up and dropped. He looks trained and unmatched. This worries me because what if it looks like a 58-year-old man fighting a 28-year-old man while Mike can’t employ the backup tank to stay and compete with this newborn kid? I think it’s a failure for Jake Paul because if you beat Mike Tyson, everyone will love him.

He added: “What if Mike knocks him out? It’s over. Everything is ready. This would be the backfire of all time. If he gets knocked out, nothing like that has ever happened in the history of the sport.”

Unfortunately for Tyson, this revenge backfired spectacularly, as the former heavyweight champion’s return was the only event that bombed. Tyson had nothing left twenty years after he had nothing left in his tank and no desire to box in his mind.

Paul parlayed this into a money-making scheme that would forever be a success for him and his company, but would be poorly received by the die-hard boxing fraternity.

Cormier’s words resonate, especially after what happened in the ring when Mike Tyson struggled to shift into first gear, warning former fighters thinking about returning after 50.

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