Crawford Signals Saudi-Backed Move, Sets Sights on Madrimov

Terence Crawford seemed to confirm today that he’ll be working with Saudi promoter His Excellency Turki Alalshikh for his next fight against WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov on August 3rd in Los Angeles, California.

Jermell Charlo Placed on Hold?

Earlier this week, former undisputed junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo activated his WBA’ Champion in Recess’ status to become the next challenger to Madrimov ahead of Crawford.

Crawford signaling on social media that he’s next for WBA champion Madrimov foils Jermell’s plans to be the unbeaten champ’s next challenger.

Fans on social media wonder why Jermell chose this time for him to use his ‘Champion in Recess’ spot. Some believe that Jermell is hoping he can join in with the money that Alalshikh is paying for fighters.

There’s also the possibility that Jermell wants to capture the WBA title, and then use it to get a fight with Crawford, who lost interest in fighting him after his loss against Canelo Alvarez last September. Jermell fought like he didn’t even try to win.

WBA’s Decision Expected Soon

It now remains to be seen what the WBA will decide. Will they grant Jermell his wish to be next for Madrimov due to his ‘Champion in Recess’ designation or will they allow Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) to fight Madrimov next in August?

Fans would rather see the unbeaten Crawford as Madrimov’s next opponent, as he’s still ambitious and isn’t coming off an uninspired performance like Jermell was after his defeat against Canelo.

Madrimov is not someone that Jermell would normally be targeting because, without Alalshikh, there’s no money in a fight like that for him. It’s also one that Jermell would likely lose because Madrimov is a huge puncher and is still in his prime.

Jermell looked timid once he tasted Canelo’s power last September, and it’s predictable that he’ll react the same way once he starts getting hit hard by Madrimov.