We asked AI to pick a winner for Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov (and it gave a surprisingly definitive answer)
Terence Crawford is set to move from the welterweight (147-pound) to the super welterweight/junior middleweight (154-pound) division in his upcoming fight. 'Bud' is scheduled to face WBA super welterweight champion Israil Madrimov for the latter's title at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California, USA, on Aug. 3, 2024. Google's AI Gemini has given a decisive prediction for the matchup.
Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) has captured world titles in three separate weight classes in his storied professional boxing career. The American boxing great's most recent fight witnessed him become the undisputed welterweight champion by defeating Errol Spence Jr. via ninth-round TKO in their title unification clash in July 2023.
On the other hand, Madrimov (10 wins, 1 draw; 7 KOs) has won a world title in one weight class thus far. The Uzbekistani's most recent boxing match saw him capture the vacant WBA super welterweight championship by defeating Magomed Kurbanov via fifth-round TKO in March 2024.
The AI deemed Terence Crawford as a significant favorite in the matchup against Israil Madrimov. The primary reasons highlighted were that Crawford possesses the edge in terms of skill, experience, and success at different weight classes.
It was noted that 'Bud' is a highly experienced fighter with a stellar record, who's shown that he's adaptable to various opponents. Additionally, Crawford's power, speed, and ring IQ were referenced.
Besides, an allusion was made that Crawford has proven his mettle in multiple weight divisions whereas Madrimov has yet to do so. The Uzbekistani boxer was acknowledged as a tough opponent, but it was insinuated that Crawford's experience of competing at various weight classes would likely help him as he enters Madrimov's weight class and looks to dethrone him.
Moreover, the prediction implied that Madrimov boasts power and is a strong combatant, but 'Bud's' experience and overall boxing wisdom give him a huge advantage in this fight. In conclusion, it was asserted that Crawford would defeat Madrimov via stoppage (KO/TKO) or by way of a points victory on the judges' scorecards.
Check out a screenshot of the prediction for Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov below:
Terence Crawford's coach on 'Bud' potentially fighting Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez after Israil Madrimov
Terence Crawford has lately been linked to a potential dream matchup against fellow boxing legend Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez. Despite their weight differential, with Alvarez currently being a champion in the super middleweight (168-pound) division, many fans have campaigned for their possible clash. Regardless, Crawford seems solely focused on Madrimov for now.
Alvarez is scheduled to defend his WBA, WBC, WBO, and Ring Magazine super middleweight belts against Edgar Berlanga on Sept. 14, 2024. In a recent interview with Fight Hype, Terence Crawford's coach, Brian McIntyre opined that Alvarez is a veteran fighter who knows what he's doing.
'BoMac' signaled that Crawford making his super welterweight debut against Madrimov would help him get into his groove at the new weight and lay a strong foundation for him to perform well against Alvarez. Underlining that fighting Alvarez after the Madrimov matchup would be good for 'Bud,' McIntyre stated:
"If [Crawford] does get Canelo right after the Madrimov fight, [Canelo] might just be in a little bit of trouble."
Watch McIntyre's assessment below (6:25):