‘We’re not taking him lightly’: Crawford explains why he’s completely focused on Madrimov
Terence Crawford’s name has been brought up in a number of potential future fights, but he’s completely focused on the task at hand.
As Terence Crawford readies himself for his move up in weight to challenge Israil Madrimov, he spends some time talking to boxing media about his thoughts on this fight, what’s to come next, and why he tells Shakur Stevenson to block out the negative criticism. Check out some excerpts of what he had to say below.
Crawford on what about Madrimov’s style he’ll be looking to neutralize
“Just everything about him. He’s a decorated amateur, he got a lot of experience in the amateur field. He may only have 11 fights but he’s 11 fights and a world champion for a reason so I have to respect everything about him just like I got to respect everything about any other opponent that I’ve been in the ring with because everybody brings something different to the game.”
On his recent sparring session with Andre Ward
“It was dope. I appreciate ‘Dre for even giving me the opportunity to step in the ring with him. I can say that I sparred Andre Ward, that’s dope. So it was good sparring, it was very good experience for me, I’ll take it to the grave.”
On if he expects Madrimov to be a technically difficult fight
“It could be. Like I said in the past, every fight can be my toughest fight. I don’t know until I step in the ring. Israil is definitely a tough opponent, we’re not taking him lightly, we never took any shortcuts on this fight and we shall see.”
On the recent criticisms of Shakur Stevenson’s most recent performance
“Well Shakur is one of the best boxers in the game, if not the best boxer, pure boxer. So I just tell Shakur continue doing what you been doing, don’t worry about the negative attention that you’re getting, don’t worry about the backlash you’re getting for beating the guy convincingly. Everybody’s not a knockout puncher, everybody’s not going to go in there and knock everyone of their opponents out. As long as you’re winning in fashion where there’s no confusion who the winner is, then you doing something right.”