Boxing superstar Terence Crawford will make his long-awaited return to the ring this Saturday. He takes on Israil Madrimov for the WBA Super Welterweight Championship and the vacant WBO Interim World Super Welterweight Championship at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California.
While all eyes will be on the main event, fans are also excited about the matchups on the undercard. One of the anticipated bout will feature Andy Ruiz Jr. facing Jarrell Miller in an interesting heavyweight contest
Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Jarrell Miller
Ruiz Jr. returns to the boxing ring after nearly two years of absence from competition. His last fight was a unanimous decision win against Luis Ortiz on September 4, 2022. Since then, he's been looking for a big fight with Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, or even his former rival Anthony Joshua. In addition to being unsuccessful in securing a fight with another heavyweight superstar, Ruiz Jr.'s inactivity has removed him from title opportunities.
The comeback fight against Miller will test whether the former champion can still threaten the rest of the division. That said, "Big Baby" isn't an easy opponent to return against. Although Miller lost his fight against Daniel Dubious by TKO on December 23, 2023, he had moments where he hurt the current IBF World Heavyweight Champion.
DraftKings currently has the "Destroyer" victorious on Saturday. However, it's unclear if his time away from competition will affect his performance.
Other Key Matchups On The Undercard
Elsewhere on the card, there are more fights that fans will be intrigued to watch. Here are some of the key matchups on the undercard:
- Vacant WBA Light Heavyweight Championship: David Morrell (10-0) vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic (29-2)
Morrell will try to get his seventh straight knockout win this Saturday. Kalajdzic has more professional experience than his opponent, but Morrell's punching power can be difficult to handle.
- IBF International & WBA Continental Latin-American Lightweight Championship: Andy Cruz (3-0) vs. Antonio Moran (30-6-1)
Undefeated with three wins, Cruz will put his title on the line against Moran. Both fighters come into the matchup having won the last fight and try to get a statement win to put the division on notice.
- USWBC & WBO International Heavyweight Championship: Jared Anderson (17-0) vs. Martin Bakole (20-1)
Anderson will take the next step toward becoming a title contender by taking on Bakole to open the main card. Both heavyweights have a record of 15 knockouts, so it's possible the bout will not go the distance.
Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov Fight Card
(Fight Card Is Subject To Change)
Main Card: (DAZN PPV & ESPN+ PPV)
- WBA World Super Welterweight Championship & Vacant WBO Interim World Super Welterweight Championship: (C) Israil Madrimov (10-0-1) vs.
Terence Crawford (40-0) - WBA World Super Lightweight Championship: (C) Isaac Cruz (26-2-1) vs. Jose Valenzuela (13-2)
- Heavyweight: Andy Ruiz Jr. (35-2) vs. Jarrell Miller (26-1-1)
- Vacant WBA Light Heavyweight Championship: David Morrell (10-0) vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic (29-2)
- IBF International & WBA Continental Latin-American Lightweight Championship: (C) Andy Cruz (3-0) vs. Antonio Moran (30-6-1)
- USWBC & WBO International Heavyweight Championship: Jared Anderson (17-0) vs. Martin Bakole (20-1)
Preliminary Card: (DAZN YouTube Channel)
- Welterweight: Ziyad Al Maayouf (5-0) vs. Michał Bulik (6-7)
- Super Middleweight: Steven Nelson (19-0) vs. Marcos Vazquez Rodriguez (20-0-1)