Terrence Crawford becomes four division world champion in tough fight

Saturday’s Riyadh Season pay-per-view lived up to the billing as one of the best boxing cards of all time. Featured on that card was undefeated world champ Terrence Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs). Crawford took on undefeated WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov (10-1-1, 7KOs). 

Prior to Saturday night Crawford hadn't gone to a decision since July 2016. Crawford had his 11-fight knockout streak snapped, prevailing by scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113 to become a four-division champion. 

“Israil was a tough competitor," Crawford said. "I knew he was going to be tough. ... He's real strong, he's durable, he took a lot of good shots and he got me to Round 12. ... He had fast feet, good rhythm upstairs. ... He was waiting to counter me just like I was trying to counter him."He was disciplined; he didn't come in throwing wild shots like I intended him to. And he fought a good fight."

This was a very difficult fight to score Madrmov feints and landing the cleaner more effective shots than Crawford.  Crawford shots did more damage, and his right and accurate jabs were able to get him rounds. The pair rarely punched in combination, electing to mostly throw one punch at a time. For Madrimov, it was a looping overhand right that was his best shot. He also missed wildly with that same shot at times.

Madrimov was a huge underdog, he proved that he belongs with the elite level of fighters. It's unlikely he'll land a rematch, but he surely will be featured in plenty more notable fights. Crawford is in a different stage in his career he mentioned earlier in the year he didn’t have much time left in the sport. The making of 154 was a pretty good jump in weight for the champion. The talks will now be centered around Canelo Alvarez barring Alvarez win in September and his acceptance of the bout.