EDDIE HEARN believes Israil Madrimov is the best super welterweight in the world but understands his fighter is facing a “genius” Terence Crawford.
Madrimov, 10-0-1 (7), makes the first defense of his WBA world title against Crawford outdoors at BMO Stadium on August 3. This card marks the first of its kind for the Riyadh Season in the US and has brought together a number of promoters who have allowed Andy Ruiz, Jarrell Miller, David Morrell, Andy Cruz, Tim Tszyu, Vergil Ortiz Jr and Isaac Cruz to fight on the same show.
The title fight will see number one Terence Crawford, 40-0 (31), win the world title and win his fourth weight class. One belt at lightweight, four at super lightweight and four at welterweight are his achievements to date. Now, the talented Nebraskan is looking to elevate his status in the sport by competing in the super lightweight division.
“Madrimov is the best 154-pounder in the world, I truly believe that,” Hearn said Boxing news in New York following today's launch press conference.
“Terence came straight out the gate and he wanted all the champions. Sir (Turki Alalshikh) contacted me. We fought, main event on a big card but like I told him, 'Each warrior grows old, each warrior walks away [up] one weight class too many'.”
Hearn is polishing his guy and that is to be expected. The Matchroom promoter even brought up some of Madrimov's best attributes before admitting the level of opposition they faced.
“Madrimov has great footwork, he's elusive, his defense is good, he punches very hard, but we understand that we're facing the number one guy. The guy is a genius. Undisputed in '40, undisputed in '47, trying to be undisputed in '54. You can look back [at him] as the greatest warrior of our generation.
Hearn added: “It was a pleasure working with Terence again. “He broke my heart with Ricky Burns many years ago in Glasgow. He broke our hearts against [Julius] Indongo will win undisputedly and now is the time to break his heart.”
