Crawford should be ‘American superstar’ – Hearn

Terence Crawford should be considered an “American superstar” according to Eddie Hearn despite the Matchroom promoter being hopeful that Israil Madrimov will beat Crawford in Los Angeles on Saturday.

Crawford steps up to light-middleweight to face WBA champion Madrimov, with both men undefeated.

Crawford, 36, is already a three-weight world champion and is described by Madrimov as his “favourite fighter”.

“This fight is a big chance for me. I am fighting the best boxer in the world,” Madrimov said at a news conference on Thursday.

“This is a dream come true. I feel great and want to be a part of history.”

Madrimov, 29, has 10 wins and one draw on his record. Crawford has won world titles at light-welterweight, welterweight and lightweight and has been undisputed champion in two divisions.

Hearn, who promotes Madrimov, is backing his fighter to become the first man to beat Crawford, who has a perfect record from his 40 fights.

“Terence Crawford should be an American superstar,” Hearn said. “He will be remembered as a true great of this sport.”

“We have been waiting for an opportunity to show Madrimov’s greatness.

“Nobody ever wanted to fight him and he’s a 154lb wrecking machine. Not just with power and chin, but with great movement and ring IQ.”

Despite going into the contest as the favourite, many fans are questioning the step up in weight for Crawford with talks he could face middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in the near future.

“People are forgetting I’m strong and punch hard too,” Crawford said in response.

“We always have these same questions in other fights against bigger guys, but when they get in the ring with me I’m stronger than they thought.”