Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov predictions: Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov Predictions: Picking the winner for the world title fight

Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov is set to go down this Saturday on Aug. 3. Crawford, a generational pound-for-pound great, will challenge Madrimov for the latter's WBA super welterweight title and vacant WBO interim super welterweight strap.

The bout marks 'Bud's' continued ascension to the very pinnacle of boxing, as he hopes to secure a matchup with Mexican phenom Canelo Álvarez at some point down the line. He must, however, first get past Madrimov, a power-puncher with serviceable skills and a whole lot of confidence that stems from his undefeated record.

The card also features some big names like Isaac Cruz and Andy Ruiz Jr., among others. With several thrilling fights taking place this Saturday, which fighters are favored to win, and why?

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#1. WBA and WBO Super welterweight titles: Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov

The Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov winner will be determined by who imposes their gameplan the best, and whether Crawford's masterful switch-hitting will confound the larger and more powerful Madrimov. Defensively, Crawford is unorthodox, maintaining a low and wide guard.

He does so to keep his vision unobstructed, enabling slick defensive movement in response to an incoming punch. Since he's moving up in weight to face Madrimov, this defensive approach will have to be on point. As the smaller, faster fighter, Crawford will do well to avoid his foe's powerful blows.

Moreover, this invites his opponents to overextend with their punches, leaving them out of position once they commit to a blow, only for Crawford to pivot or slip and land counterpunches with shocking power and regularity.

Additionally, 'Bud' often switches between orthodox and southpaw, allowing him to change the alignment of his and his opponent's punches, forcing them to make adjustments to his movements. In short, he has the skills to dictate the pace of the bout.

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These attributes are what have enabled Crawford to author an undefeated 40-0 record and capture numerous championship belts. Meanwhile, his opponent, Madrimov, is far less experienced at the highest level, with a 10-0-1 record. However, what many don't know is his 300+ fight history as an amateur.

This has led to Madrimov crafting an unorthodox style built around movement, angles and power. Like Crawford, the WBA super welterweight king is a counterpuncher. However, he operates differently, keeping his hands low, as he leans forward, presenting himself as an open target.

But because he stays light on his feet, bouncing back and forth, he darts in and out of range with blistering quickness. He does so to draw out jabs from his opponent, which he then counters by darting in with a punch over the top. Though his movement isn't just linear.

Madrimov also circles and steps across his foe. He does so not to cut off their angles of escape, but to force them to turn to him, drawing them completely out of position, since he's already facing them and in position to land punches on their open side.

This is aided by the fact that he often sets a rhythm only to break it by throwing his punches and moving at a certain speed, before suddenly changing tempo to shock his opponents. Thus, his bout with Crawford will be complicated, as it pits two counterpunchers against each other.

Madrimov is a live dog, and should not be counted out. However, Crawford's speed and fight IQ should carry him to a win this Saturday.

The Prediction: Terence Crawford via majority decision

#2. The rest of the Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov picks

The Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov matchup isn't the only notable fight taking place on the night. Isaac 'Pitbull' Cruz defends his WBA lightweight strap against Jose Valenzuela. Their bout is defined by a stylistic mismatch in the eyes of many. Cruz is a powerful puncher with a granite chin and an almost impregnable defense.

He is difficult to hit, and even when established power punchers like Gervonta Davis hit him, they're unable to knock him out. Meanwhile, Valenzuela has well-known defensive issues that could lead to an uncomfortable beating. However, there is potential for both men to find moments inside the ring.

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Valenzuela is a southpaw body-puncher, who can make Cruz pay for his use of the high guard by battering his midsection. Moreover, Cruz has a habit of lunging into exchanges, which is risky against foes who are excellent off the backfoot like Valenzuela. That being said, it is more than likely that 'Pitbull' emerges victorious.

The Prediction: Isaac Cruz via unanimous decision

Andy Ruiz Jr. who famously upset Anthony Joshua, will be taking on Jarrell Miller at heavyweight. However, the win likely goes to 'Big Baby,' who is much larger and tougher. While Ruiz is certainly full of toughness and grit, he lacks power to stop Miller from walking him down. With two fighters who embody heart and toughness but have significant technical holes in their games, the fight is likely to devolve into a brawl.