Israil Madrimov is well aware of one of the narratives ahead of fighting Terence Crawford this weekend, live on DAZN.
A win and the undefeated Crawford, who is moving up in weight, will become a four-division world champion, adding to his already grand legacy.
But the reigning WBA junior middleweight world champion has a message for "Bud" and the entire 154-pound weight class — that the division is his.
“I’ve been waiting a long time for this moment and we are here and just waiting for Saturday where I want a victory," Madrimov told the media during Tuesday's grand arrivals at Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, California. "I like this moment and the first time in my life and only imagined something like this would happen to me."
He added that he's primed for fight night and wants to make a statement not only to Crawford but the entire junior middleweight division.
“Our training has been good and I’m feeling great," Madrimov continued. "I want to make a good game plan and it will be a great fight on Saturday.
"I don’t think this fight is about the size, it’s about the experience and knowledge he can use. This division is my division and I’m the champion, I have to defend the belt.”
At 29, Madrimov is 10-0, counting seven of those victories by the way of knockout. Crawford, 36, is 40-0 with 31 KOs.
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