Jump directly to the content

Terence Crawford is leaving no stone unturned in preparation for his upcoming clash with Israil Madrimov.

'Bud' is set to face the Uzbek for his WBA super-welterweight world title on August 3 in Los Angeles.

Crawford starts his campaign at super-welterweight next month against Madrimov
2
Crawford starts his campaign at super-welterweight next month against MadrimovCredit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom

It marks his first fight at the new weight after conquering the welterweight division with a win over Errol Spence in July 2023.

The rivals were expected to run it back following their inaugural encounter after Spence activated the rematch clause in their contract.

However, those plans collapsed when Spence underwent cataract surgery to repair his damaged right eye.

Due to the lengthy recovery time, the rematch deal expired, allowing Crawford to move up in weight and challenge for the WBA strap.

READ MORE ON BOXING

Madrimov, who won the title by blasting out Magomed Kurbanov in March, promises to be one of the toughest tests of Crawford's career and the American is preparing for him as such.

Ahead of fight night, Crawford has drafted in the services of boxing legend Andre Ward, who was seen doing some touch sparring with the Omaha puncher.

Ward uploaded a snippet of their move around to his social media channels on Tuesday morning, which showed Crawford working on his hand-fighting at his home gym.

The comments section was flooded with fans giving props to Crawford for the legendary link-up.

Crawford has been working out with Ward ahead of fight night
2
Crawford has been working out with Ward ahead of fight nightCredit: Andre Ward - Instagram

Reacting to the clip, one fan wrote: "Iron sharpens iron."

Another tweeted: "Two of the GOAT's going at it."

A third added: "Some knowledge in that ring."

Somebody else posted: "This is why Terence is pound-for-pound, he has masters of the sport in his gym and he gives them their flowers."

Mike Tyson explains how boxing has changed since the end of his career and uses Terence Crawford as example

Meanwhile, a fifth supporter remarked: "The two best Americans since Floyd [Mayweather]."

Ward is one of a select few world champions who retired undefeated.

'Son of God' famously hung up his gloves in 2017 with an unblemished 32-0 record after retaining the WBA, IBF, and WBO light-heavyweight titles against divisional great Sergey Kovalev.

Prior to moving up to 175lbs, Ward had established himself as the No.1 super-middleweight of his era by winning the Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament and picking up the WBA and WBC titles at 168lbs.

Besides Kovalev, Ward also holds notable wins over Carl Froch, Mikkel Kessler, Chad Dawson, and Arthur Abraham while you'd be hard-pressed to find a list of the greatest 168lbs boxers of all time that doesn't include the San Francisco superstar.

Read More on talkSPORT

A win for Crawford against Madrimov could set up a huge clash with Canelo Alvarez in 2025.

Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh has interest in staging the showdown, with Crawford's trainer teasing his charge's participation.

Boxing WhatsApp channel

Get the latest fight news, reaction and the best opinion from talkSPORT pundits in our Boxing WhatsApp channel.

Follow our Boxing channel HERE.

Topics