Terence Crawford v Israil Madrimov Tips

American star Terence Crawford goes up against WBA light-middleweight champ Israil Madrimov as he attempts to become a four-weight world champion in Los Angeles on Saturday.

Crawford, who has a phenomenal unblemished 40-0 (31 KOs) record, is making the step up to 154lbs as he goes after another important victory in what is already a dazzling career.

Tip 1: Terence Crawford to win by KO, TKO or DQ @ 4/6

Crawford’s devastating defeat of Errol Spence Jr a year ago, a fight which secured his status as undisputed welterweight champion, showcased his power and precision once again and now he's after more glory when he faces Madrimov.

Having previously held world titles in the welterweight, super-lightweight and lightweight divisions, he looks set to get the better of his Uzbek opponent, although he will be wary of not getting caught out against the dangerous 29-year-old at the BMO Stadium in California.

Not that Crawford is likely to be sloppy on Saturday. His winning record is proof that he takes every opponent seriously and he may well need to be every bit as good as he was last time out in Vegas to see off Madrimov.

However, he is the big favourite for a reason and he’s likely to win again via a stoppage.

Tip 2: Terence Crawford to win in rounds 9-12 @ 49/20

Madrimov has a proud unbeaten record of his own, winning 10 of his pro fights and drawing the other, so he does look capable of asking some questions of the favourite on Saturday night, even if ultimately he will be put in his place.

Madrimov, who is seven years Crawford’s junior, will look to use his agility to repel 'Bud's' early advances and, while he may enjoy some success to begin with, Crawford is likely to eventually overpower him.

Madrimov was an impressive victor over Magomed Kurbanov in March, winning via a stunning fifth-round knockout and he will have designs on making a statement of his own on Saturday, even though he knows he will be severely up against it when he faces the pound-for-pound king, especially the longer the fight goes on.

The Uzbekistan ace was a fine amateur performer, with a prolific winning record, which includes gold medals at the Asian Championships and Asian Games in 2017 and 2018, and if Crawford is not quite at his best in some rounds, he could get a bit of joy.

But Crawford should prevail in the second half of the bout, so selecting the fight to be over between rounds nine and 12 seems a wise move, considering Crawford has been victorious in the ninth round or later in five of his last eight fights.

Last summer, his victory came in the ninth and rarely do Crawford’s fights go the distance.

And while it’s also true they are not normally over quickly, it would be a surprise if the American doesn’t get the job done before the end of Round 12.