Hearn Questions Crawford’s Move to Junior Middleweight

Eddie Hearn, the well-known boxing promoter, has expressed scepticism about Terence Crawford’s decision to step up to junior middleweight, where he will face WBA champion Israil Madrimov on August 3rd. Crawford, already a three-weight world champion, is regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. However, Hearn believes that this move could prove to be a step too far for the American boxer.

Terence Crawford’s Stellar Career

Crawford, with an impeccable record of 40-0 (31 KOs), began his ascent to boxing greatness back in 2014 when he won his first title at lightweight against Ricky Burns. Since then, he has conquered the junior welterweight and welterweight divisions, becoming the undisputed champion in both weight classes. His achievements have cemented his status as one of the sport’s elite.

Now at 36 years old, Crawford is aiming to win a title in a fourth division by challenging Madrimov. This ambitious move, however, has raised questions about whether Crawford can maintain his brilliance at a higher weight class.

Eddie Hearn’s Perspective

Hearn, speaking as Madrimov’s promoter, shared his thoughts with Matchroom Boxing. Reflecting on Crawford’s career, he said, “Terence Crawford’s first-ever victory as world champion was on my show in Glasgow [against Ricky Burns], it was at 135 pounds. He won a world championship there, he moved to 140 and beat another one of our fighters there to become undisputed at 140 pounds. He moved to 147 and became undisputed at 147. Now he’s moving to 154, sooner or later it’s too much.”

Despite acknowledging Crawford’s past achievements, Hearn believes the challenge posed by Madrimov’s size and power could be insurmountable. “I think when you’re fighting someone who is a big 154-pounder with huge power, that is when you’re going to get found out,” he continued. “[Madrimov is] the underdog going into this fight, but I think this is the toughest fight of Terence Crawford’s career so far. [Crawford] will already go down as a great, but at some point, when you move through the divisions, one of those steps is just a step too far.”

The Weight Factor

One of the key concerns for Hearn is whether Crawford can successfully handle the jump to 154 pounds. The struggle of making weight is a significant factor in boxing, often impacting a fighter’s performance and endurance. For Crawford, who has seamlessly transitioned through weight classes before, this latest move could test the limits of his physical capabilities.

The dynamics of the fight could shift dramatically if Crawford struggles to acclimate to the junior middleweight division. Madrimov, with his natural size advantage and punching power, might pose a unique threat that Crawford has not encountered in his previous fights.

Anticipation Builds

As the fight date approaches, anticipation is building within the boxing community. Fans and pundits alike are eager to see if Crawford can once again defy the odds and add another chapter to his storied career. Meanwhile, Hearn’s comments have added an extra layer of intrigue, highlighting the potential challenges Crawford may face in this daring bid for greatness.

In conclusion, while Terence Crawford’s pursuit of a fourth world title in a different weight class is a testament to his ambition and skill, Eddie Hearn’s concerns underscore the formidable challenge that lies ahead. Whether Crawford can overcome the physical demands and the power of Israil Madrimov remains to be seen, making this an eagerly awaited bout in the boxing calendar