TERENCE CRAWFORD is now a four-division world champion.
The 36-year-old left the ring inside the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles as the new WBA super-welterweight champion having beat Israil Madrimov on points (116-112, 115-113 twice).
In a tactical affair neither man grabbed the initiative with both respective of one another and their skillsets. After a lengthy night’s action the main event was definitely one for boxing purists but lacked real moments of drama to make it memorable.
With everything at arm’s length there were minimal risks taken. In rounds eight and nine Madrimov landed some eye-catching right hands which pulled him back into contention for winning. It wasn’t until the final session that we watched Crawford’s offence click with the punches coming together in combinations and vicious uppercuts finding a home.
Crawford was in control for the majority of the fight with the former two-time undisputed champion now looking to move beyond this victory and the 154lbs weight class to earn a shot at Canelo Alvarez.