Terence Crawford is a "tough task" for Israil Madrimov but it won't be an easy challenge for 'Bud' either, says coach

Israil Madrimov's head coach recently expressed his thoughts on the upcoming boxing clash between Terence Crawford and Madrimov. Joel Diaz hailed Crawford as a tough matchup for the Uzbek but added that the welterweight champion will face a difficult challenge as well.

In his next bout, Crawford is scheduled to compete in the super welterweight/junior middleweight division. 'Bud' will challenge Madrimov for the latter's WBA title at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on Aug. 3.

In his illustrious boxing career, Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) has won world titles in three weight divisions. The legendary American boxer recently defeated Errol Spence Jr. via technical knockout in the ninth round during their title unification match last year, making history as the undisputed champion in two weight classes.

Meanwhile, Madrimov (10-0-1, 7 KOs) holds the belt in one weight class. In his most recent boxing bout, the 29-year-old defeated Magomed Kurbanov via fifth-round TKO in March 2024 to win the vacant WBA super welterweight title.

In a recent interview with ProBox TV, Diaz talked about their preparations for the upcoming fight with Crawford, saying:

''It’s a very tough task. Terence Crawford is the best fighter pound-for-pound and very well-rounded. It’s an honor to work on a plan to beat him. We have a good strategy with a good fighter.''

He added:

''He’s [Madrimov] been 100 percent disciplined … he makes his opponents uncomfortable and it’s not going to be easy for Crawford... A lot of things give me hope. Crawford was great at 140. Now, he’s moving up to 154. Madrimov is a solid 154. We’ll see how Crawford’s punches affect him.'' [H/t: Boxingscene]

Check out Joel Diaz's comments below (0:44):

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Eddie Hearn sees Israil Madrimov defeating Terence Crawford

Terence Crawford is set to challenge Israil Madrimov this Saturday for the WBA super welterweight title.

Many anticipate that Crawford's 154-pound debut will go without a hitch. However, leading boxing promoter Eddie Hearn expressed his faith in Madrimov's ability to upset Crawford. In an interview with Fight Hub TV, Hearn said:

''I've got bad, bad feelings for Terence Crawford against Israil Madrimov. Because all I hear is Crawford-Canelo, Crawford-Boots, Crawford-this. He is fighting the biggest puncher he's ever faced on August 3rd... I'm telling you now, if Crawford gets hit on the chin by Israil Madrimov, he is gonna really, really know about it.... I've got a really sneaky feeling for my guy on August 3rd, I really have. I think it's a really tough fight."

Check out Eddie Hearn's comments below (8:08):