Crawford defeats Madrimov recap – Unbeaten US icon becomes four-weight world champion

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It has been a thrilling evening of boxing in LA, but it ends with Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford moving onto 41 fights unbeaten. Madrimov wants a rematch, but will Crawford now focus on Canelo? That be will the question asked in the weeks ahead.

Crawford-Madrimov: Round 12 – New champion Crawford makes history!

A unanimous points decision for the legend that is Terence Crawford. 116-112, 115-113, 115-113 to the US fighter as he claims the vacant WBO interim super welterweight title and WBA super welterweight title. Which is probably about right on the night. Now an unbeaten four-division world champion. “He is really strong, and he took a lot of good shots,” said Crawford. “He was strong, and was very disciplined. He fought a good fight. I was just being patient, and didn’t want to rush in trying to eat too soon. Israil is very strong, and we knew this.”

On a possible fight with Canelo, Crawford said: “If the money’s right, then we gotta fight. It would be another milestone to greatness I guess, and financially.”

Crawford-Madrimov: Round 12

A frantic late dash to impress the judges by both men. Crawford unloads two brilliant upper cuts as he bids to earn this decision and the title. But three right hands by Madrimov find the range and is excellent stuff so late on. Phew! What a tense and taut battle this has been. First time in eight years Crawford has gone the distance. Which says it all. We await the decision.

Crawford-Madrimov: Round 11

Left upper cut from Crawford lands right on the money, but Madrimov does well to take the hit. Suddenly some really energy in the Crawford shots as he ends the round on a high. One more round to go, and then we go to the judges. Which seems inevitable.

Crawford-Madrimov: Round 10

Madrimov continues to find ways to trouble Crawford. Doesn’t stop moving. Which is proving a headache for Crawford as he tries to find his range. But a decent combo from Bud may just have edged the 10th round. Heading for the championship rounds.

Crawford-Madrimov: Round 9

That is a cracking overhead left by Madrimov with a minute left off the ninth round. This has been the Uzbek’s best round. Growing in confidence out there. What has Crawford got in response?

Crawford-Madrimov: Round 8

Both men finally deciding to unload some shots in this round. Madrimov starting to let his hands go, but Crawford comes bouncing back. This fight has been complicated for Crawford who is trying to solve a puzzle as much as win a boxing match. Madrimov proving very tricky. And he has won a couple of these rounds.

Crawford-Madrimov: Round 7

11 straight knockout wins for Crawford, but Madrimov looks like he will be a tough figure to get out early this evening. Crawford ending the round by going for three probing body shots.

Crawford-Madrimov: Round 6

Heading for the halfway point in this fight. Both men looking for any advantage they can earn. Looks like Crawford has a bruise over his right eye. Perhaps from a clash of heads. Meanwhile, both men continue to trade blows. That was a close round to call.

Crawford-Madrimov: Round 5

Crawford takes an accidental tumble as he evaded a shot by his opponent, who is showing plenty of quality with his footwork if not his shot-making. A right hand by Madrimov is decent, but perhaps not enough to win a round. Bud has probably won every round.

Crawford-Madrimov: Round 4

Madrimov unearths a decent right hand. That was a great shot. Crowd a bit quiet so far. It has been a very tactical and technical battle, but nobody willing to risk their defensive skills. Crawford responds with an upper cut of his own as he increases his work-rate.

Crawford-Madrimov: Round 3

Madrimov with another right hand before Crawford responds with an upper cut. Short and sharp, but right on the button. Madrimov doing plenty of bobbing and weaving without throwing caution to the wind. Crawford in control of this contest while boxing within himself.

Crawford-Madrimov: Round 2

This is a very strategic affair so far with Crawford waiting to hit on the counter. Madrimov with a couple of decent straight rights to let Crawford knows he means business. Crowd want to see more punches traded, but both men are focussed on their own game plans.

Crawford-Madrimov: Round 1

MC Michael Buffer with his traditional ‘Lets get ready to rumble’ pre-match delivery. And it certainly looks like both fighters are ready to rumble. And they bounce into the centre of the ring to the sound of the bell. 12 rounds for the world title. And for Crawford, a piece of boxing history on the line. Both men sizing each other up in the first few moments of the opening round. Nice combo from Crawford to finish the first round.

Crawford is on his way out

Defending a proud unbeaten record of 40-0, 31 KOs against an opponent who at 29 is seven years younger with a record of 10-0-1, 7 KOs. Respective national anthems are played amid a sense of expectation from the sell-out crowd.

Madrimov makes his way to the ring

So we are just minutes away from the main event of the evening. The defending champion is also the underdog, but opportunity knocks against arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. In only his 12th professional fight, the Uzbek gets a shot at the big time tonight.

Eminem takes to the stage

A bit of a breather for some music as the boxers prepare for the ring walks for the main event of the evening in LA. Crawford bidding to become a four-weight world champion and possibly set up a meeting with Canelo Álvarez. Eminem walked Bud to the ring to the sound of ‘Lose Yourself’ ahead of his win over Errol Spence Jr last year.

Next up: Terence Crawford v Israil Madrimov – For the vacant WBO interim super welterweight title and WBA super welterweight title

Unbeaten US boxing icon Terence Crawford bids to become a four-weight world champion when he takes on Uzbek world champion Israil Madrimov for the vacant WBO interim super welterweight title and WBA super welterweight titles.

How do I watch Crawford chase history on TNT Sports Box Office?

Terence Crawford and Israil Madrimov go head-to-head for the WBA super-welterweight title in Los Angeles on Saturday, August 3, live on TNT Sports Box Office. We preview everything you need to know about the fight, including how to watch Crawford v Madrimov on TNT Sports Box Office in the UK and details on when the fight will start and expected ring walk times. 4:30am UK time they should be on their way to the ring. Full details here

Cruz-Valenzuela: Round 12 – Valenzuela wins the WBA super-lightweight title!

A split decision and a massive upset as Valenzuela outboxes Cruz to claim the title. Not sure why Pitbull was given the nod by a judge. It seemed unanimous in the new champion’s favour. 116-112, 116-112, 113-115 in favour of Valenzuela. Richly deserved too. “I’d like a rematch,” said Pitbull, who felt like he did enough to win the fight.

Cruz-Valenzuela: Round 12

A fierce ending to the fight. Pitbull Cruz as animated as ever, but it would astonishing if he has done enough to get the decision. Pitbull had a muzzle put on him tonight and his belt will probably be heading elsewhere in Mexico.

Cruz-Valenzuela: Round 11

Cruz with a frantic swipe and chase across the ring looking for Valenzuela, who is caught by Cruz late in the round. His corner urging him to keep his gloves up for the final three minutes.

Cruz-Valenzuela: Round 10

A full house inside the stadium as darkness descends upon LA and they are surely looking at the new world champion in Valenzuela. Cruz being outboxed and outpunched in this fight.

Cruz-Valenzuela: Round 9

Pitbull having a bit more joy in the ninth round, but then catches his opponent with a punch below the belt. Also clubbed the chin of Valenzuela with a telling left. Which may have given him the edge in the round.

Cruz-Valenzuela: Round 8

Boxing legend Roberto ‘Hands of Stone’ Duran spotted in the crowd, and Cruz could do with some of his inspiration in this fight. The narrative of this fight is very much Valenzuela ducking and diving, and landing the accurate shots.

Cruz-Valenzuela: Round 7

Cruz landing with an uppercut in that round, but his success in prodding punches is sporadic in these rounds. The ringcraft and defence of Valenzuela is very impressive.

Cruz-Valenzuela: Round 6

Cruz pegged with a stunning uppercut as the ambition continues to grow within the Valenzuela set-up, but he comes roaring back. Looks like it is a 5-1 lead in rounds for Valenzuela as we reach the halfway stage. Cruz needing a big second half to this fight.

Cruz-Valenzuela: Round 5

Pitbull isn’t lacking effort, but he is finding little or no joy against a figure who is dominating with his height and length of jab. Cruz needs to get inside.

Cruz-Valenzuela: Round 4

Valenzuela controlling this fight from the centre of the ring. Pitbull’s tactics are obvious and he is being repelled by the jabs of his opponent. Can’t seem to gain a foothold in this fight at the moment. Jabs and the odd heavy shot is a dream strategy.

Cruz-Valenzuela: Round 3

A very impressive round from Valenzuela as he manages to float a few heavy thuds into the face of Pitbull before spinning clear. Jabs and variety of punches earn him another round surely.

The Pitbull style of punching looks familiar

Cruz-Valenzuela: Round 2

A boxer against a fighter this one, and at the moment, you might suggest Cruz is just shading this contest. Cruz such an uncompromising figure as he stalks the ring and his opponent. Big left by Pitbull really rocked back his compatriot.

Cruz-Valenzuela: Round 1

A very lively start to this fight. Very lively. Pitbull with an incessant pressing style as Valenzuela tries to keep him at arm’s length. Which is easier said than done. A tight opening round.

Crawford in line to face Canelo

But the fight the world wants to see depends upon a victory for Bud tonight. First up is the main co-event of the evening between Pitbull and Valenzuela in LA. This could be a ferocious bout.

Big Baby Miller shocked by draw

Next up: Isaac Cruz v Jose Valenzuela – WBA super lightweight title

Mexican WBA super-lightweight champion Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz (26-2-1, 18 KOs) defends his belt against challenger and fellow countryman Jose ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela (13-2, 9 KOs). Not a bad warm-up for the main event of the evening.

How do I watch Crawford chase history on TNT Sports Box Office?

Ruiz-Miller: Round 12 – It is declared a draw!

One judge gave the fight to Miller 116-112, but two scored it 114-114. So it is a majority draw! Drama!. Ruiz wants a rematch with Miller. “Let’s do it again,” he said. “I know I did enough,” said Miller.

Ruiz-Miller: Round 12

And once again, a frenetic flurry of punches are unleashed by Miller into the Ruiz body. Ruiz walked backwards for the second half of the fight. But did he do enough early on to get this decision? Doesn’t look overly happy. In fact, looks exhausted. Big Baby the sharper figure.

Ruiz-Miller: Round 11

Both men look a bit jaded. Ruiz’s punches landing, but not troubling Miller too much. Big Baby back on the front foot. Heading for the final round with the decision in the balance.

Ruiz-Miller: Round 10

Miller going to work with some relish, but Ruiz has managed to steady himself enough to get away enough blows of his own to keep the judges interested. Big Baby senses the potential of a points win.

Ruiz-Miller: Round 9

Ruiz with a brighter start to the ninth round, but Miller responds with some terrific shots. A blistering uppercut in there too. Ruiz head rocks back, but he remains active in the bout.

Ruiz-Miller: Round 8

Miller seems keen to finish each round by getting away some jabs for the judges. Ruiz not doing much in that round, but Miller was rocked by a potent Ruiz jab. Very little in this match.

Ruiz-Miller: Round 7

This fight is finely poised in the seventh. Ruiz has struggled to keep pace in the second half of the fight. Big Baby clips Ruiz with another straight right to the head.

Ruiz-Miller: Round 6

Ruiz suddenly looking like a man who hasn’t fought for 23 months. Miller right back in the mix as he finishes the sixth round with another flurry of shots and a crisp uppercut on the bell. Ruiz breathing heavily.

Ruiz-Miller: Round 5

It’s Miller time in LA. Ruiz worryingly looks to be running out of gas, and Big Baby is making his combos tell as he unloads two or three punches unanswered into the chin of Ruiz, who looks to be breathing heavily. A wind of change in this bout.

Ruiz-Miller: Round 4

Miller is the bigger man and is trying to lean on the smaller figure, but Ruiz has too much speed of hand and thought. Ruiz first to the punch. Miller not getting any telling jabs away. Dominant so far from Ruiz.

Ruiz-Miller: Round 3

Big Baby responding to a Ruiz body shot show by powering his fists into the stomach of Andy. Ruiz yet to eat any of his jabs. In fact, Ruiz looking the likelier bloke with simple body shots.

Ruiz-Miller: Round 2

Ruiz has lost none of that hand speed. Looks very, very comfortable back in the ring. Also working some nice shots to the body. Provides an interesting conundrum for Miller to solve.

Ruiz-Miller: Round 1

First round of a possible 12 in this heavyweight dust-up. All very cagey in these opening exchanges. Miller looking for a big shot before Ruiz unloads a lovely combo from close up towards the end of the round. That won’t do his confidence any harm.

Next up: Andy Ruiz v Jarrell Miller – Heavyweight fight

Well, Ruiz making his comeback a month short of being out of the ring for two years, but don’t forget this is the bloke who stunned Anthony Joshua with a TKO in seven rounds in 2019. Ruiz has fast hands. He defeated Luis Ortiz on points in September 2022. Big Baby Miller lost to Daniel Dubois by TKO in the 10th round last December. Former heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz Jr. (37-2, 22 KOs) v Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller (26-1-1, 22 KOs).

Bakole: I’m a machine

“This is what I’m doing for Congo and Scotland. I want to thank my people who follow me everywhere,” said Bakole. “We come over from Scotland to take over in America. I’m a machine, I want to take over No. 1. I can take a punch. I’m a machine.”

Anderson-Bakole: Round 5 – Bakole wins by KO!

A stunning series of left and right uppercuts by Bakole. Brutal finishing power to end Anderson’s unbeaten record. That was stunning from the man from Congo. He just ripped through the Anderson defence before the referee waved it off at the third time of asking. Looks a bit like George Foreman, and has the quality to go with it. Brute force.

Anderson-Bakole: Round 4

Anderson doing well to keep on the move. Bobbing and weaving, and getting a few shots away as Bakloe continued to hunt him down. Better from Anderson.

Anderson-Bakole: Round 3

This fight isn’t going the distance. Both men just opening up on each other, and exchanging some brutal blows. Baklole lands again with an uppercut, but Anderson survives to bounce back, A riveting watch.

Anderson-Bakole: Round 2

Bakole’s tactics won’t change here. Just looking for another clubbing shot into the head of Anderson, who is being pressed back by those huge hands of the man from Congo.

Anderson-Bakole: Round 1

Bakole looks a bit bigger than Anderson, who is fighting out of Toledo. Nice left then right from Anderson. Bakole is just looking for one big hit to put this fight to bed. Not much movement from him. And he catches Anderson with the big right uppercut. Down goes Anderson. Two minutes 55 seconds and Bakole suddenly in the box seat.

The big boys get ready to rumble

Martin Bakole from Congo, but who lives in Scotland, makes his way to the ring ahead of his fight with Jared Anderson. Martin Bakole (20-1, 15 KOs) fights unbeaten American Anderson (17-0, 15 KOs). This one could go either way.

Some more thoughts from Morrell after his points victory

Next up: Jared Anderson v Martin Bakole – Heavyweight fight

Counting down to the main event as Terence Crawford takes on Israil Madrimov bidding to become a four-division world champion. Expect the ring walks for the main event at 4:30am UK time.

Morrell-Kalajdzic: Morrell wins by unanimous decision!

Well, there we have it! Morrell wins the fight on all three judges’ scorecards. 118-110, 117-111, 117-111 as he takes the vacant WBA light heavyweight belt. “He’s a tough guy,” said Morrell. “Thanks for this opportunity! I feel great.” He moves to 11-0 in his career, but no KO tonight.

Morrell-Kalajdzic: Round 12

Low blow taken by Morrell, but he is happy to continue before landing a decent body shot of his own. Morrell finishing the stronger man after a hectic old battle with Hot Rod. We go to the judges for the decision.

Morrell-Kalajdzic: Round 11

Another fabulous straight right hand from Hot Rod prompts a smile from Morrell. Kalajdzic growing in confidence the longer this one goes. Fair to say, he might well have edged that round. Great uppercut too by Morrell.

Morrell-Kalajdzic: Round 10

We are heading into the long grass of the championship rounds. Morrell keen to press ahead with his trademark gait, but the tactics of Hot Rod continue to frustrate the Cuban boxer.

How do I watch Crawford chase history tonight?

Morrell-Kalajdzic: Round 9

The Morrell corner is not happy with his performance. “You can’t give away rounds,” says the trainer. That round definitely slipped away. Great uppercut by Hot Rod, who is right in the mix here. Morrell might be ahead, but not by much.

Morrell-Kalajdzic: Round 8

Well, Hot Rod wanted to know how the points were shaping up before being caught by a serious right hook. Kalajdzic rocked back, but does well to survive. No question this round is going towards Morrell. Hot Rod hitting back late in the round with a power right hand of his own.

Morrell-Kalajdzic: Round 7

Morrell continues to plod forward, but Hot Rod is refusing to be hemmed in. Boxing nicely and using some sharp blows to assert himself. Morrell could be feeling a bit frustrated out there.

Morrell-Kalajdzic: Round 6

And Hot Rod is certainly growing in confidence out there. Kalajdzic has done well to hang tough, and will try to assert himself in the second half of the fight.

Morrell-Kalajdzic: Round 5

Well now, Hot Rod suddenly finding some shrapnel on the counter attack. Waiting for the aggressive tactics of Morrell before picking out a few nice jabs. Right game plan with short, sharp punches meeting the oncoming traffic.

Morrell-Kalajdzic: Round 4

Steadier round from Kalajdzic. Not really unearthing much going the other way, but does well to nullify the Morrell threat. A solid chin helps too. His corner says: “Stay alert, you have plenty of rounds”.

Morrell-Kalajdzic: Round 3

Well, this fight looks to be heading one way, and it is surely not going to be good news for Kalajdzic, who is in survival mode out there. Morrell picking his shots at will. An excellent third round for the Cuban, whose aggressive approach is paying off. And then some.

Morrell-Kalajdzic: Round 2

Morrell showing why Mike Tyson was his favourite fighter. Really likes to get his walk on. Hunting down the man in front of him. Another testing blow by Morrell forces his opponent back onto the ropes. Getting to work nice and early in this fight. You don’t get paid for overtime. This the second of six big fights tonight. With Eminem also putting on a show before the main event. And another good body shot by Morrell to finish the second round.

Morrell-Kalajdzic: Round 1

Morrell easing himself into this fight. Lands a heavy blow early on to the head of Kalajdzic. He is used to putting his opponents away early on. Hot Rod feeling the heat of Morrell’s gloves.

Next up: David Morrell v Radivoje Kalajdzic – Light heavyweight title bout

12 rounds for the vacant WBA light heavyweight championship. Kalajdzic 29 wins, two defeats, 21 KOs and is Serbian-American. Cuba’s unbeaten Morrell making his debut at light heavyweight with 10 wins, and nine KOs. Morrell starts a decent favourite for this one.

Crawford: Size won’t make a difference tonight

Terence Crawford has stated his supreme confidence in hearing the immortal phrase “and the new” on Saturday night in Los Angeles.

‘Bud’ moves up in weight to fight Israil Madrimov for the WBA 154-pound title, with the stacked card live on TNT Sports Box Office and discovery+.

Is Crawford the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter?

Tonight might go a long way to sorting out that status as Terence Crawford moves up to junior middleweight to fight WBA world champion Israil Madrimov in Los Angeles. One of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world, Crawford boasts a perfect 40-0 record across his career.

Cruz-Moran: Round 7 – Cruz wins by KO!

It is all over! Two minutes, 59 seconds of the seventh and Andy Cruz is 4-0 with two KOs. Toughest fight of Cruz’s young career, but he comes through with flying colours in the seventh. Some stunning blows landed on Moran before the referee intervened as he was propped up by the ropes. Overhead right from Cruz bang on the money late in the round, and that was enough to seal the deal.

Cruz-Moran: Round 6

First action of the evening of the main card is underway, the lightweight bout between Andy Cruz and Antonio Moran. Six rounds down of 10. Andy Cruz (3-0, 1 KO) in control for the first half of this fight (30-6-1, 21 KOs) but Moran starting to find his range in the sixth round. Is there a recovery on the cards?

How do I watch Crawford chase history tonight?

Hello and welcome to fight night

Thanks for joining our coverage of a huge night of world-class boxing ahead from the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles as American boxing icon Terence Crawford bids to become a four-weight world champion when he takes on Uzbek underdog Israil Madrimov for the vacant WBO interim super welterweight title and WBA super welterweight titles. Here is the full card on what is set to be pulsating few hours ahead:

Full card

Terence Crawford v Israil Madrimov – vacant WBO interim super welterweight title and WBA super welterweight titleIsaac Cruz v Jose Valenzuela – WBA super lightweight titleAndy Ruiz v Jarrell Miller – HeavyweightJared Anderson v Martin Bakole – HeavyweightDavid Morrell v Radivoje Kalajdzic – Light heavyweightAndy Cruz v Antonio Moran – LightweightHow to watch Crawford v Madrimov in the UK

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Who is fighting on Crawford v Madrimov undercard?

Both fighters will see this as a must-win clash if they are to land lucrative future fights.

There will be another world title fight on the evening with Mexican WBA super-lightweight champion Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz (26-2-1, 18 KOs) defending his belt against challenger Jose ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela (13-2, 9 KOs).

Martin Bakole (20-1, 15 KOs) fights unbeaten American Jared Anderson (17-0, 15 KOs) in a heavyweight bout, David Morrell (10-0, 9 KOs) meets Radivoje Kalajdzic (29-2, 21 KOs) for the vacant WBA light heavyweight title and Andy Cruz (3-0, 1 KO) will face Antonio Moran (30-6-1, 21 KOs).

Live coverage details

TNT Sports Box Office coverage will be live from 9:30pm. Anyone will be able to tune into watch the first two fights of the night between 9-11pm as Ziyad Almaayouf takes on Michal Bulik before Steve Nelson and Marcos Ramon Vazquez face off.

Then, on TNT Sports Box Office or TNT Sports 2, the PPV will begin at 11pm with Andy Cruz v Antonio Moran.

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