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Undoubtedly, Terence Crawford is the pound-for-pound king, having dominated all 40 opponents in his decorated career. And he is expected to do the same to Israil Madrimov on August 3 at BMO Stadium, Los Angeles. So, the question is—is there anyone who can beat the former undisputed champion? Tim Bradley seems to have the answer!

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And no, it’s not Canelo Alvarez, David Benavidez or even the face of boxing Gervonta Davis. Ahead of His Excellency Turki Alalshikh’s debut event in America featuring Crawford vs. the boxer from Uzbekistan, Bradley appeared in an interview with Fight Hype today, sharing his verdict on the upcoming fight and unravelling who can beat ‘Bud’ Crawford.

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Tim Bradley gives Israil Madrimov a puncher’s chance

Coming off his dominant win against Errol Spence Jr. last year, Madrimov is set to be Crawford’s first fight of 2024. So, when Bradley was asked about what the outcome of the fight may look like, the former champion seemed more than confident about Crawford’s win.

“Madrimov is strong, but you know he’s… a regular fighter [for] me. No disrespecting [to him in] anyway. I just don’t see anything really glaring at me”, said Bradley. Suggesting Madrimov does pack a punch, Bradley said, “He got a puncher’s chance for sure”.

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However, Bradley thinks Crawford is levels above Madrimov, and would most likely emerge victorious in the much-anticipated fight. Bradley even went on a limb to reveal the only boxer who can beat Crawford, saying, “The only person that can beat Crawford is himself at this point”.

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The upcoming fight will be Crawford’s first bout in the 154-pound division, as he looks to swipe Madrimov’s WBA super welterweight title alongside the WBO interim super welterweight title. Meanwhile, even the recently crowned undisputed heavyweight champion has similar beliefs about Crawford’s abilities!

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Oleksandr Usyk brands Terence Crawford a very smart man

Ever since ‘Bud’ defeated Errol Spence Jr., his goal has been to face Canelo Alvarez after climbing three weight divisions. While Canelo had initially brushed off the idea, he has indicated the right offer can make the fight a reality.

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Even HE Turki Alalshikh is adamant about making the fight late this year or early next year. So, while appearing in the Three Knockdown Rule podcast not too long ago, Oleksandr Usyk shared his verdict on the fight. And let’s just say, Canelo won’t like it!

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“Terence is my friend, but he’s a crazy man. I say Terence wins. Listen, Terence is a different man. Terence works in two stances, he’s a very, very, very smart man,” said Usyk.

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If Tim Bradley and Oleksandr Usyk are right, it will be a long night for Israil Madrimov on August 3. And as far as beating Crawford, it’s safe to say that no one stands a better chance than himself. Do you agree? Who do you think can beat ‘Bud’?

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Written by

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Sudeep Sinha

4,781 Articles

Sudeep Sinha is a Golf Writer at EssentiallySports, covering the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and the storylines around the sport's biggest events and names. He previously spent over two years writing in the Boxing department, where his fight-night coverage was featured on Sports Illustrated, Daily Mail, and Yahoo Sports, including his reporting on Ryan Garcia's career arc. On the golf beat, Sudeep covers tour news, player form, and the season-long storylines that shape the men's and women's game, from majors to the ongoing shifts in how professional golf is structured. That same appetite for detail that made his boxing coverage stand out now shows up in how he breaks down a swing change or a schedule shakeup for hardcore and casual fans alike. Outside work, he splits his time between reading, cycling, and following combat sports.

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Snigdhaa Jaiswal

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