Max Kellerman puts Terrence Crawford on the spot for the battle of Isler Madrimov and the middleweight skip for Canelo

Commentator Max Kellerman defended Terrence Crawford on today’s defense when he mentioned Isler Madrimov’s name at his press conference for his fight against Canelo Alvarez in New York.

Kellerman challenges Crawford’s Canelo moves

Kellerman asked Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) why he was skipping the 160 pound division to skip the 160 pound division for Canelo’s fight after spending a tough time making his debut with 154 against Madrimov last August.

Crawford came out and downplayed, mentioning his tough fight with former WBA 154-pound champion Madrimov. In reality, he was undoubtedly beaten, but was saved by three judges. The three judges gave the victory with scores of 115-113, 116-112 and 115-113.

Crawford’s performance showed that he was not an elite at 154 and could likely lose a rematch with Madrimov. He also had serious problems with many other 154 fighters, including Vergil Ortiz, Sebastian Fundora, and Bakhram Murtazaliev.

It’s no surprise that after that effort from Crawford he skipped the 160 pound division and went straight to 168 for the Battle of Canelo. If he had moved to middleweight, he would have had to fight #1 guy Janibek Alimcanuley in the division. He didn’t do well against him. Janibeck is on a non-Madrimov level in terms of power, and will be a nightmare for a small older fighter like Crawford.

Middleweight Skip: Why Crawford?

Max Kellerman: “Why are you jumping up and skipping the division? You’ve reached junior middleweight. You’ve been given the best fight of your career in junior middleweight by Madrimov. Who gave you a tougher fight than Madrimov? You stopped it.

Terrence Crawford: “Listen, and think that’s a difficult fight, woo.”

Kellerman: “Well, you’re defeating hell from most people you’ve fought. He’s given you a good fight. Now you’re skipping middleweight without a rehydration clause. There’s nothing like that.

Crawford: “Why not?”

I know why Crawford skipped the middleweight division and headed straight to Canelo. money. He will likely lose to Janibeck in a knockout, and payday is not near $50 million for him to fight Canelo.