Terence Crawford, the reigning boxing champion, recently appeared on SportsCenter to discuss his upcoming fight against Israel Madrimov and the possibility of future matchups, including a potential showdown with Canelo Alvarez. The interview covered a range of topics, including Crawford’s training regimen, his thoughts on his opponent, and his plans for the future.
Training and Preparation
Crawford has been training in Colorado Springs to take advantage of the altitude. He explained that training at higher altitudes helps him feel more energized and accumulate more oxygen when he returns to lower sea levels. This advantage becomes evident in the ring, where Crawford finds himself more energized and fresher compared to his opponents who may tire more quickly.
Upcoming Fight Against Israel Madrimov
Crawford is set to fight Israel Madrimov, the junior middleweight champion in the WBA, on Saturday. He acknowledged Madrimov’s skills, noting his decent head movement, strength, and hard punches. However, Crawford emphasized that he couldn’t fully assess Madrimov’s capabilities until they face off in the ring.
Addressing Concerns About Age and Inactivity
At 36 years old, Crawford will soon turn 37. Despite concerns about his age, potential ring rust, and inactivity, Crawford remains confident. He mentioned that he stays in the gym year-round and spars with younger fighters, ensuring that he remains in top condition. Crawford dismissed any worries about his performance, stating that he is ready to continue his successful career.
Reflections on Past Fights and Missed Opportunities
Crawford expressed some frustration over not securing big fights during the prime of his career, particularly a rematch with Errol Spence that didn’t materialize due to Spence’s cataract surgery. However, he maintained a positive outlook, believing that everything happens for a reason and trusting in God’s plan for him. Crawford is focused on taking full advantage of the opportunities currently available to him.
Plans for Future Fights
While Crawford didn’t specify how many more fights he plans to take on, he indicated that he intends to be more active in the future compared to his recent past. He mentioned the impact of his promoter, Turkey Alik from Saudi Arabia, who has significantly invested in promoting Crawford’s talent and marketability.
Alik’s efforts have led to a more vibrant atmosphere at weigh-ins, media workouts, and overall promotion.
Potential Fight with Canelo Alvarez
A highly anticipated potential fight between Crawford and Canelo Alvarez has been a topic of conversation. However, Crawford emphasized that his current focus is solely on his upcoming fight with Madrimov. He acknowledged that both he and Canelo have their respective fights to concentrate on before any discussions about a match between them can take place.
Moving Up in Weight Classes
If a fight with Canelo were to happen, Crawford is open to moving up to 168 pounds. He expressed confidence in his ability to perform well at that weight, noting that he wouldn’t have to lose any weight or strain his body. Instead, he could focus on getting stronger and sharpening his skills to compete against a fighter of Canelo’s size.
Approach to Knockout Streak
Crawford is currently on an 11-fight knockout streak. While he doesn’t specifically aim for knockouts, he takes each fight as it comes. His primary goal is to secure victory, and if the opportunity for a knockout arises, he will take it. However, he doesn’t enter fights with the sole intention of achieving a knockout.
Prediction for the Upcoming Fight
As always, Crawford predicts a victory in his upcoming fight against Madrimov. Fans can watch the bout on ESPN+ pay-per-view, and Crawford is looking forward to showcasing his skills once again.
Conclusion
Terence Crawford remains a dominant force in boxing, with a disciplined training regimen and a focused mindset. His upcoming fight against Israel Madrimov is highly anticipated, and discussions about future matchups, including a potential fight with Canelo Alvarez, continue to generate excitement among boxing enthusiasts. Crawford’s confidence and dedication suggest that he will remain a formidable competitor in the sport for the foreseeable future.
