California will host the first Riyadh Season boxing event in the United States as Terence Crawford challenges Israil Madrimov for the WBA super welterweight title on August 3. The fight, also for the interim WBO belt, airs on DAZN and ESPN+ PPV .
The undefeated Crawford has fought for gold since 2014, winning titles in three divisions. He left Top Rank after beating Shawn Porter and has been his own promoter. Crawford last fought a year ago, decimating Errol Spence Jr. to become undisputed at welterweight.
One of two male fighters to hold all the gold in two divisions , Crawford has had a Hall of Fame career. He is ready to add to his impressive resume.
“I’ve been here before. This is nothing new. I know how to handle things like this. I know how to go about fighting these type of guys that have a lot to prove,” Crawford said. “Come fight night, I will show the world once and for all, once again, why I’m the best fighter on the planet.”
WATCH: Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, live on DAZN
With over 370 amateur fights, Madrimov may be an "unknown" to some, but he is a force to be reckoned with. The Asian Championships and Asian Games gold medalist looks to shock the world like he did when he beat Magomed Kurbanov for gold.
Crawford is the -700 favorite, while Madrimov is the +500 underdog per Bet MGM . It is almost expected, given Crawford’s status. However, Madrimov should not be dismissed. Can he pull off the upset?
The Sporting News looks at some unique and worthy prop bets for this fight.
Prop bets for Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov
1. Will the fight go the full 12 Rounds? (No: -165 per Bet MGM )
Both fighters are pretty explosive, with Crawford winning 31 fights via knockout, while Madrimov has seven wins via the power punch. Madrimov's last fight was a TKO win, his first since 2021.
Meanwhile, the last time "Bud" didn't have a knockout win was in 2016.
The fight has a chance to end rather quickly, or it could go until one final blow lands. While Crawford is in a new weight class, his power should adapt. And if Madrimov wants to prove he deserves to be champion, he should enter the ring guns blazing.
2. When will the fight be won? Round Group Betting 3 (12 Rounds): Rounds 9-12 (+225 per Bet MGM )
Since beating Jeff Horn in 2018 to win the WBO welterweight title, Crawford’s fights have only lasted below the sixth round once. He adapts as the contest continues, with the later rounds being where he exceeds. The ninth round ended fights three times in his last eight fights, with the ninth round twice.
Madrimov knocked out Michel Soro in 2021 in the ninth round, while he took out Magomed Kurbanov in the fifth. Several fights have lasted until the sixth or ninth rounds, making him a consistent competitor.
They may try and take the other out, but both should be calculating doing so, biding their time for the right moment to strike.
3. Method of Victory: Crawford via KO/TKO (-125 per Bet MGM )
As Sporting News’ Tom Gray mentioned in his predictions post for this fight, Crawford is “sprinkled with magic dust.” His stats prove he is one of the most lethal fighters on the planet.
Crawford has a +/- of 12.6, ranked seventh-best among active fighters. He throws 47.3 punches per round and lands 16 per round (33.8% total connect percentage). The jab of the 36-year-old ranks among the best and can halt any opponent in their tracks.
Madrimov is no Errol Spence Jr. or Shawn Porter, but that is not relevant. The 29-year-old is a complete fighter with over 350 amateur victories. If he smells blood, Crawford could be in trouble. But will Crawford allow such holes in his game?
Crawford's opponents land a total connect percentage mark of 21.1%, the sixth-lowest in boxing. If Madrimov misses badly, Crawford will 100% take advantage. And if he feels down on the cards, like against Porter, he may kick things into overdrive and take over.
A motivated Crawford is scary. He will need to adapt to a new weight class, but he is used to that as a multi-division champion. A statement will be made in front of a massive audience.
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