Terence Crawford is riding high after a career defining victory over welterweight rival Errol Spence Jr.
In what was billed by many as a 50/50 fight, ‘Bud’ dominated Spence from the opening bell and stopped his man in the ninth round.
With that victory, the 36-year-old’s star value was catapulted to new heights and he’s made it clear that only legacy building fights will do from now on.
That starts next month when he looks to become a four-weight world champion by stepping up one division to take on 154lbs WBA champion, Israil Madrimov on August 3.
Speaking to FightHype about the match-up, Hall of Fame fighter Tim Bradley believes it will be a comfortable night for the American and that the only man that can now beat Crawford is Crawford himself.
“Madrimov is strong but he’s a regular fighter to me. No disrespect to anybody but I don’t really see anything glaring at me. He’s got power, I think he’s got a punchers chance for sure, but i just see Crawford being levels of skills above.
I think the only person that can beat Crawford is himself at this point.
Madrimov is the champion and he must be respected, but as far as skill for skill, Crawford all day.”
The former two weight undisputed champion has been targeting a fight against super-middleweight ruler Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, a clash that would require Crawford to move up 21lbs from his last outing.
However, despite the weight disparity, Bradley still believes Crawford should have the beating of the Mexican.
“I think he’ll do well against Canelo, I really do. Would I be nervous if they were to fight? Hell yeah because Canelo can punch and all it will take is one. But as long as he uses his legs and his athleticism and his defence to get out of the way then he should be able to beat Canelo.”
