Terence Crawford turned up at a WWE event, specifically the Friday Night SmackDown, to knock out one of the sport’s biggest stars.
The former Undisputed Welterweight Champion is scheduled to take on Israil Madrimov in his next fight. The August 3 clash is part of Riyadh Season’s first fight overseas, as Crawford chases Madrimov’s WBA belt at 154. It is Bud’s first bout at the weight class, as a win makes him a four-division champion. That lines up a potential unification withSebastian Fundora, who holds the WBO and WBC belts.
Fundora has been linked with a fight against Errol Spence Jr., meaning fans could see a Crawford rematch. Alternatively, a win takes Crawford closer to a mega-fight with Canelo Alvarez. The Canelo fight offers Bud the chance to make history and become undisputed in a third weight class. Despite the massive pressure on the fighter, Crawford seemed relaxed as he attended the WWE event. He was alongside his trainer, Brian McIntyre. But it was Crawford who took all the headlines.
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.@CodyRhodes 👀 @terencecrawford
@terencecrawford with the assist! 💪
#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/Jmn7yk9VW9— WWE (@WWE) July 20, 2024
The following clips show Crawford assisting Cody Rhodes by giving him a chair. Rhodes was facing Theory and Waller; Crawford then took things a step further by getting in the ring. He confronted Theory and knocked him out with a huge right hand. The appearance will increase his profile, which is vital for the Madrimov fight. Reports indicate that the venue is struggling to sell out. Despite his achievements, Crawford is not the biggest commercial draw.
His fight with Errol Spence Jr. sold around 700,000 PPVs. Before the Spence fight, Crawford’s highest number of buys was in the 200,000 range. The Spence fight also produced a live gate of over $20 million. However, given Crawford’s WWE appearance, he is increasing his marketability as he aims to become one of the sport’s biggest stars.
Heading into the fight, Madrimov is backing himself to cause an upset. It is Crawford’s first fight in around 13 months. Madrimov is a heavy-handed fighter with an extensive amateur record of 350-20. He has vowed to overpower Crawford when they face off.
“Experience-wise, yes, I have ten professional fights, but it’s a high quality. All ten were WBA fights. All ten were twelve-rounders against stiff opposition. I have more than 200 International amateur fights. So overall, over 300 amateur fights. I have experience fighting everyone around the world.
“The ring will show everything. On August 3rd, you will see everything. We have some things we’ve been watching. We’re not going to talk about it right now. With a lot of fighters, they’re losing before they even step in the ring [with Crawford]. They’re already kind of on the downside [of their careers]. With me, I’m mentally strong,” Madrimov said
But if Bud can replicate the power he showed at the WWE event, then Madrimov will have a tough task. Crawford managed to subdue the much bigger Spence, who was tipped to overpower Crawford. Bud will be hoping to replicate that form again.
