Terence Crawford vs. Sebastian Fundora Inches Closer But Israil Madrimov Stands In Between, Reported Undercard Revealed

Terence Crawford is finally set to make his return. The boxer is looking to add more to his legacy and glory and will move up to 154. Who is he fighting next? While Crawford’s long-term target is Sebastian Fundora, Israil Madrimov will welcome him to the ring and put his WBA title on the line. When will they fight it out for the gold? Who else is on the undercard?

‘Bud’ intends to add the Uzbeki champion’s WBA strap to his waist on August 3 in Los Angeles. Moreover, Fundora suffered a broken nose against Tim Tszyu and was slapped with suspension until September. So, the Madrimov vs. Crawford winner will also become mandatory for the WBO’s super welterweight crown. It seems WBO doesn’t want to give a longer rope to their champion, as they have also set a deadline for Fundora’s defense.

Terence Crawford looks set to wipe out a third-division

Michael Benson turned to his X handle and disclosed the current title route for Crawford, also revealing that Fundora would have to defend his WBO title against the Madrimov-Crawford winner by December 31st. Notably, Crawford, at 40-0, hasn’t fought since slaying Errol Spence Jr. last July. Meanwhile, Madrimov, at 10-0-1, recently won the WBA title by knocking out Magomed Kurbanov on March 8.

Interestingly, Crawford is just three fights away from becoming an undisputed champion at 154. Fundora is also the WBC champion, so whoever emerges as a victor in December will have added WBO, WBA, and WBC titles. In addition, the event will also mark Saudi Arabia’s HE Turki Alalshikh’s United States debut, as he will promote the event. As in the past, Alalshikh will stage a stacked undercard, with mouth-watering fights already on it, as reported by ESPN’s Salvador Rodriguez.

Who will fight on the Madrimov vs. Crawford undercard?

Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz will defend his lightweight title against Jose Valenzuela, coming off an easy win against Rolando Romero. Adding to the card’s charm, heavyweight boxer Andy Ruiz will return to the squared circle. He will take on Jarrell Miller. He hasn’t fought since September 22, despite flirting with the idea of a title eliminator with Deontay Wilder last year.

However, it’s Leo Santa Cruz vs. Abner Mares III that has raised some eyebrows. Both fighters seem to be in the twilight of their careers and haven’t been active in the last few years. It remains to be seen which other fights will be added later. But the undercard is already building up to be an exciting one.

What do you make of this upcoming fight between Terence Crawford and Israil Madrimov? Do you believe Crawford will become a three-division undisputed champion? Let us know in the comments below.