Terence Crawford to face Israil Madrimov in LA for WBA light-middleweight title

American boxing sensation Terence Crawford is set to take on WBA light-middleweight world champion Israil Madrimov in a highly anticipated showdown on 3 August in Los Angeles. The undefeated Crawford, with a flawless record of 40 wins, will be aiming to conquer a world title in his fourth weight division.

The event will also feature former heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz facing off against Jarrell Miller on the undercard at BMO Stadium. The fight card is being presented by Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the Gulf kingdom’s general entertainment authority, as part of the Saudi cultural and entertainment festival ‘Riyadh Season’.

Crawford, a former lightweight world champion, has previously held undisputed titles at light-welterweight and welterweight. His impressive resume includes victories over top fighters like Errol Spence Jr, Ricky Burns, Amir Khan, and Kell Brook. Meanwhile, Madrimov, the 29-year-old Uzbekistani fighter, will be defending his title for the first time after winning it in March.

“I cannot wait to get back in the ring in my fourth weight class and remind the world why I’m the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world,” said Crawford. “Israil Madrimov is a tremendous and entertaining fighter, but on 3 August, he will be my next victim. This is the Terence Crawford era.”

The event marks Saudi Arabia’s first boxing event outside of the country, showcasing the growing influence of Alalshikh in the sport. With major fights like Anthony Joshua’s bouts and the upcoming Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk showdown taking place in Saudi, the kingdom is becoming a significant player in the boxing world. Despite the excitement surrounding these events, human rights campaigners have raised concerns about the Saudi government’s use of sports to divert attention from ongoing issues.