For the first time, the Saudi Arabian takeover of combat sports touches down in the United States as Riyadh Season and Matchroom partner to bring a star-studded card to Los Angeles. Pound for pound king Terence Crawford will make the move up to junior middleweight against undefeated WBA champ Israil Madrimov in the main event.
Related: How to Watch Crawford vs. Madrimov on DAZN – Start Time, Price, And Fight Card
With two other world title belts up for grabs and a pair of pivotal heavyweight match ups, Saturday promises to be a must-see event for fight fans. With that in mind, here are some predictions for the card.
Israil Madrimov (10-0-1, 7 KOs) vs. Terence Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs)
Just over a year after completely dominating Errol Spence Jr, “Bud” returns to push his legacy even further with a trip to 154 pounds. Israil Madrimov will attempt to spoil Terence Crawford’s attempt at this historic achievement in the first defense of the belt he won in March.
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Terence Crawford will undoubtedly be at a significant size disadvantage, but the skill disparity could offset it. The Nebraska native is by far the more skilled and experienced half of this main event. Madrimov’s path to victory seems pretty straightforward: apply pressure and use his weight to control the smaller man. That’s much easier said than done.
The same wild and lunging punches that brought him to the dance will just open him up to Crawford. Even if Crawford’s power doesn’t translate as well as he hopes, Madrimov could still be turned into a fairly easy and consistent target. While ring rust could make things tricky in the early going, Crawford should run away with this. Acclimating to the circumstances may cut into the time he’ll need for a finish but there shouldn’t be any doubt when the scorecards are read.
Prediction: Crawford by Decision
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Isaac Cruz (26-2-1, 18 KOs) vs. Jose Valenzuela (13-2, 9 KOs)
Isaac Cruz didn’t spend too much time celebrating after stealing Rolando Romero’s WBA super lightweight title. Four months later he’s back to defend against Jose Valenzuela. “Rayo” concluded 2023 by avenging a close loss to Chris Colbert with a sixth-round knockout.
Both men are no strangers to a fire fight and are very likely to fall into old habits on Saturday. That doesn’t play into Valenzuela’s favor. Cruz, who made the final bell against Gervonta “Tank” Davis in 2021, is more durable than a man who was stopped early by Edwin de Los Santos. Even if Valenzuela elects to use his reach advantage and jab his way to a win, “Pitbull” likely walks through the shots that land and works where he’s more comfortable.
This should be an entertaining fight for as long as it lasts.
Prediction: Cruz by KO, Round 7
Andy Ruiz Jr. (35-2, 22 KOs) vs. Jarrell Miller (26-1-1, 22 KOs)
The bout between Andy Ruiz and Jarrell Miller brings a poetic mix of fate and friendship. Ruiz’s biggest claim to fame, upsetting Anthony Joshua on short notice at Madison Square Garden, was setup when Miller withdrew and opened the door for his sparring partner.
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Now both men are attempting to climb back to previous heights. Miller is back in action for the first time since a late TKO loss to Daniel Dubious in December. On the other hand, Ruiz took nearly two years off after defeating Luis Ortiz.
From a pure skill perspective, this is pretty evenly matched. Two men with comparable records and familiarity with one another fighting their own internal uphill battles is very compelling. But even with Ruiz’s more impressive resume, that long of a layoff is unlikely to do him any favors.
Prediction: Miller by Decision
Jared Anderson (17-0, 15 KOs) vs. Martin Bakole (20-1, 15 KOs)
Two of the most intriguing talents on the fringe of contendership, Jared Anderson and Martin Bakole, will meet to determine the future of the heavyweight division. Anderson picked up a decision over Ryad Merhy in April. Bakole is returning after a fourth-round stoppage win over Carlos Takam in October.
Movement feels like the key to victory for Anderson. Against the 6’6” Bakole, he’ll be the smaller man and won’t want to stand in place. If he gets to the halfway point without absorbing too much damage, expect for Bakole to slow down from carrying those 300 pounds while chasing his opponent. From there Anderson should be able to win on points.
Prediction: Anderson by Decision
Full Crawford vs. Madrimov predictions and odds
- Israil Madrimov (+450) (c) vs. Terence Crawford (-710): Crawford by Decision (WBA junior middleweight championship)
- Isaac Cruz (-450) (c) vs. Jose Valenzuela (+330): Cruz by KO, Round 7 (WBA super lightweight championship)
- Andy Ruiz Jr. (-400) vs. Jarrell Miller (+260): Miller by Decision
- Jared Anderson (c) (-190) vs. Martin Bakole (+150): Anderson by Decision (USWBC & WBO International Heavyweight championship)
- David Morrell (-2500) vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic (+950): Morrell by KO, Round 8 (vacant WBA light heavyweight championship)
- Andy Cruz (-2000) vs. Antonio Moran (+850): Cruz by KO, Round 4 (IBF International & WBA Continental Latin-American lightweight championship)
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