During yesterday’s grand arrivals for this weekend’s junior middleweight title fight between Terence Crawford and Israil Madrimov, Crawford fields some media questions from boxing reporters about the event. Here’s some of what he had to say below.
Crawford on why he thinks he can compete at 154 against Madrimov in his first fight in the division
“Well that remains to be seen this weekend. I feel like he never fought a fighter of my caliber. I know he’s big, I know he’s strong, I know he got an extensive amateur background, pedigree, but it’s my time. I’m not letting nothing stop me from taking that belt.”
On how he’s feeling leading into this junior middleweight fight
“I feel stronger than ever, stronger than ever. Ready.”
On Madrimov appearing a bit dehydrated leading into the weigh-in
“Well, he’s been here for a minute. I’m just moving up so of course you’re going to see a little bit of that going into the fight but I’m sure he’ll be alright.”
On what energy he senses from Madrimov in their face offs
“He’s a good dude. Like, there’s no bad blood, it’s only business. Israil is a kindhearted guy but he’s ferocious in the ring and you got to watch those type of guys.”
On how he motivates himself for this fight
“I’m motivated because he’s got something that I want, and that’s the title. I coming to take it so we can be respectful, we can be cordial, shake hands, smile and have a little fun doing what we love to do, but come fight time all the smiles are away.”