Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Result as ‘Bud’ wins title at fourth weight

Terence Crawford became a four-weight world champion with a win over Israil Madrimov on Saturday, outpointing the Uzbek in Los Angeles.

Crawford entered the BMO Stadium as a three-weight champion, having reigned undisputed in two divisions, and he enhanced his already stunning legacy with a unanimous-decision win, claiming the WBA super-welterweight title.

Many of the rounds were closely contested, but the American’s experience told in the later frames, securing him scorecards of 116-112, 115-113, 115-113. With the victory, the 36-year-old stayed unbeaten at 41-0 (31 knockouts), while handing Madrimov his first professional loss (10-1-1, 7 KOs).

After Saturday’s main event, Madrimov said he felt he had done enough to win, while the 29-year-old’s promoter Eddie Hearn called the fight a “waste of time”, bemoaning a lack of “respect from the judges”. But while Madrimov competed impressively, especially considering his relative lack of pro experience, Crawford’s ability to increase his output and find the target in the later phases of the fight proved decisive.

Re-live fight updates and see all undercard results below.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE

• Terence Crawford outpoints Israil Madrimov to become four-weight champion

• American beats Uzbek via unanimous decision to win WBA super-welterweight belt

• Crawford coy on potential super-fight with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez

• Madrimov’s promoter Eddie Hearn calls fight ‘waste of time’ after lack of ‘respect' from judges

• Jose Valenzuela upsets Isaac Cruz to win WBA super-lightweight title

• Andy Ruiz Jr and Jarrell Miller fight to majority draw in heavyweight clash

• Martin Bakole drops Jared Anderson three times before stopping heavyweight prospect

• David Morrell outpoints tricky Radivoje Kalajdzic to win WBA light-heavyweight belt

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Main-event report

07:20 , Alex Pattle

Terence Crawford outpoints Israil Madrimov to become four-weight champion

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Eddie Hearn hits out at judges

07:10 , Alex Pattle

Madrimov feels he won the fight and calls for a rematch. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, is incensed.

Hearn says the fight feels like a “waste of time”, because Madrimov “got no respect from the judges”.

“It wasn’t a 116-112 fight,” he says. I’d disagree. But either way, two of the judges had it closer, so.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Result

06:54 , Alex Pattle

Crawford: “Israil was a tough competitor. I knew he was gonna be tough, I knew all about him when I went to Uzbekistan.

“He’s really strong, he’s durable, he took a lot of good shots. He got me to round 12. He had fast feet, good rhythm upstairs, and he was strong. And he was waiting to counter me, just like I was trying to counter him.

“He wasn’t throwing wild shots like I was wanting him to do. I figured it out from the get-go, but I was being patient. I didn’t wanna rush in with anything; that’s how I got caught a couple of times, trying to eat too soon.

“You can feel the difference [in weight], because like I said, he’s a really strong opponent.”

On a rumoured fight with Canelo:

“If the money’s right, we got a fight, but at the same time, he’s got a fight that he’s focused on. I’m gonna relax, enjoy this win.

“Not at all [worried about the weight], because I’m pretty sure he could fight at 160lb.

“It’s not so important to me, it’s just another milestone to greatness, I suppose. And financially.”

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Scorecards

06:45 , Alex Pattle

Indy Sport has it 116-112 to Crawford; 115-113 would be fair, though.

The official scores...

Terence Crawford def. Israil Madrimov via unanimous decision (116-112, 115-113, 115-113)

There you go!

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Main event

06:37 , Alex Pattle

Round 11

Into the championship rounds. Madrimov lunges into range and is countered with a pair of uppercuts to the body.

Scraping left hook by Madrimov. Now a clean cross! Crawford with a cross of his own. It’s the American who has the centre of the ring at the moment.

Crawford just blocks a cross. Nice counter jab by “Bud”. Madrimov stumbles while clinching the American.

Tight defence from Crawford, then an uppercut to the body! This is more like the Crawford we know.

Left hook to the head now. Madrimov loads up on an overhand right and misses.

Round 12

Final round! Crawford with a good uppercut in the middle of a combination. He tests Madrimov’s guard with hooks now.

Both men really load up on body shots! Brutal work. Crawford with a body uppercut then two to the head! That’s so slick!

Now the American holds Madrimov briefly. Madrimov with a right hook after they separate! Crawford with a combination to the body.

Madrimov overshoots on an overhand and eats a body shot. Another well-timed uppercut by Crawford.

To the judges’ scorecards we go...

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Main event

06:29 , Alex Pattle

Round nine

Crawford with a double-jab and a cross to the body. Madrimov misses with a leaping left hook but lands a short right cross.

Left uppercut to the body by Crawford. Now a right uppercut in close quarters. Madrimov throws a few hard shots, but none of them land flush.

Crawford with a few well-timed jabs. Hard left hook to the body by Crawford.

DAZN’s commentary team had that as a great round for Madrimov; I disagree.

Round 10

Rear uppercut by Crawford. Madrimov with a pair of left hooks, changing targets from body to head. Slick series of jabs by Crawford.

Both men open up a bit, though neither lands much of significance. Stern cross by Madrimov now, though. He squeezes through another.

Crawford lands to the body but is countered to the head.

Indy Sport has Crawford 6-4 up, but there have been several narrow rounds, so it could be closer – or even slightly the other way.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Main event

06:21 , Alex Pattle

Round seven

Lots of level-change feints by Madrimov. He sneaks a left hook around Crawford’s guard, but the challenger shakes his head.

Crawford with a trio of body shots late in the round.

Round eight

An uppercut partially lands for Madrimov. The crowd boos again, as the boxers refrain from throwing much.

Two crosses get through for Madrimov, who aims to the head then adds a third shot – this one to the body. Crawford sticks out his tongue again.

Stiff left hook by Madrimov, and a right! Crawford took the latter punch well!

Crawford now tries to regain some respect late in the round.

Indy Sport tentatively has Crawford 5-3 up after six rounds.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Main event

06:13 , Alex Pattle

Round five

Madrimov is barely wide of the mark with a cross. He curves a hook around Crawford’s guard.

Crawford with some tidy jabs. More boos from the crowd.

Crawford goes down, but it’s just a trip! He seemed to catch his heel on the rope as he reacted to a shot from Madrimov.

Madrimov gets through with another couple of crosses – he keeps going to that shot, and it’s working for him. Crawford sticks out his tongue; he won’t be panicking at all.

Round six

There have been flashes of quality from Crawford so far, and he might be just ahead, but will he start to turn the screw now?

Left hook and right straight from Crawford! Great stuff. Pawing left hook by Madrimov, who then throws himself off-balance with a leaping entry.

There’s a slight cut around Crawford’s right eye, but possibly from a clash of heads. Hard right hook to the body by the American. And again.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Main event

06:05 , Alex Pattle

Round three

Those late moments of intent from Crawford might have stolen him both rounds.

Crawford opening up a bit earlier in this round, changing angles in the process. Madrimov with a grazing left hook.

Madrimov is still pressuring Crawford but without throwing much of note. The crowd is still quite restless.

Crawford with a nice left uppercut before circling away. He blocks an overhand. Stern jab by Madrimov. The Uzbek lets his hands go briefly after hearing the 10-second clapper.

Round four

Again Crawford is a bit more willing to open up early in the round. He sticks behind his jab. Madrimov with a decent cross.

One-two by Crawford. Madrimov squeezes a cross through Crawford’s guard, and another. Crawford replies with a body shot.

Crawford, moving up in weight, has audible power in his punches. He’s almost put himself off-balance with a couple of efforts, actually.

Uppercut by Crawford, but it connects as Madrimov lands a cross over the top. Another cross by the champion.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Main event

05:57 , Alex Pattle

Round one

Twelve rounds scheduled. Madrimov is orthodox, Crawford – typically a southpaw – starts the same.

Madrimov takes the centre of the ring. Crawford is already into southpaw, flicking out sporadic jabs. Madrimov is parrying them so far, and throwing his own at the body of the American.

Crawford curls a couple of right hands into hooks. Still nothing of significance landing for either man, though.

Crawford with a couple of crosses, too – both of them blocked. He tries a combination late in the round.

Round two

Madrimov continues to press forward. Crawford strafes and jabs. Madrimov lands a jab to the body.

There’s a slower spell, and the crowd boos the inactivity. Madrimov almost catches Crawford with a jab.

Crawford with an uppercut and a hook to the body late in the round. Straight shot upstairs by Madrimov.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Main event

05:48 , Alex Pattle

The national anthems are complete. The fighter introductions are under way.

Okay, here we go!!!

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Main-event ring walks

05:31 , Alex Pattle

Eminem is done. The main-event ring walks are upon us.

In an unusual move, the champion Israil Madrimov is out first – to the sound of “Can’t Stop” by Red Hot Chili Peppers.

The Uzbek, 29, is undefeated as a pro with a record of 10-0-1 (7 KOs).

Now here comes the challenger, 36-year-old Terence Crawford.

The unbeaten American (40-0, 31 KOs) is a three-weight champion, and he has reigned undisputed in two of those divisions.

Now he is bidding to become a four-division champion, with Madrimov’s WBA super-welterweight belt on the line. The vacant WBO interim title is also up for grabs here.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Glove issue backstage

05:10 , Alex Pattle

Crawford’s boxing gloves burst in his locker room! He’s since had a new pair fitted, but that’s far from an ideal start to his evening.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Eminem performs live

05:00 , Alex Pattle

The main event is the only fight left tonight, but first...

Rap legend Eminem will perform at the BMO Stadium.

Eminem walked Crawford to the ring last year, when the pound-for-pound great beat Errol Spence Jr.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela

04:49 , Alex Pattle

Valenzuela: “Man, I’m speechless, I’m speechless. A dream come true.

“I was 100 per cent sure, I was 100 per cent sure [at the final bell].

“[I had to] just be smart. I didn’t get desperate, I stayed calm under pressure.

“[Cruz’s power] was nothing crazy, nothing I’ve never felt. It was solid.”

The crowd is fairly pro-Cruz, and he says their reaction tells you how to feel about the result. He officially requests a rematch.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela

04:45 , Alex Pattle

And... newwwwww WBA super-lightweight champion!

Jose Valenzuela def. Isaac Cruz via split decision (116-112, 113-115, 116-112)

Deserved! The upset is secured by Valenzuela!

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela

04:36 , Alex Pattle

Round 11

Into the championship rounds. Cruz, the champion, dives after Valenzuela with more trademark hooks.

Now overhands from Cruz, as Valenzuela times some straight counters nicely.

Cruz with a pair of overhand rights, with mixed success.

Valenzuela has boxed a really nice fight. He shakes his head in defiance after Cruz looks to make things messy in the final seconds of the round.

Round 12

Valenzuela’s team tell him he’s three minutes from becoming world champion. Indy Sport agrees, but it’ll be interesting to see the scorecards – barring a late KO here.

Cruz crouches and marches forward, as Valenzuela flicks out jabs.

Cruz with a strong right hand, but Valenzuela takes it well!

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela

04:28 , Alex Pattle

Round nine

Hard left hook by Cruz! He landed a couple of shots to the body, and it was the level change to the head that caught out Valenzuela.

Cruz fails to build on that punch for the time being, however. It’s not for a lack of trying, but Valenzuela is still boxing elusively for the most part.

There’s no evading a low blow from Cruz, though! The referee isn’t showing too much sympathy, and we’re soon back under way with a touch of gloves.

Round 10

Valenzuela keeps an active lead hand, making it tough for Cruz to close range.

Cruz decides to crouch and wing hooks to the body. Now straight shots land to the head, for both men.

Valenzuela backs up Cruz, who bursts off the ropes with a trio of heavy efforts.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela

04:20 , Alex Pattle

Round seven

Valenzuela is fighting much more proactively than earlier in the bout.

There’s a fun end to the round, with Valenzuela skillfully evading most of Cruz’s offence – until the Mexican lands on the bell.

Round eight

Cruz goes to the well with his right hook a few times. A nice double on that shot, as he lands to the body then the head.

Valenzuela flicking out a series of jabs, but Cruz covers up in disciplined fashion.

Lovely uppercut by Valenzuela! And even when he does get caught, he’s rolling with the punches pretty well, lessening their impact.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela

04:11 , Alex Pattle

Round five

Valenzuela pops out jabs while moving backwards. Cruz curls a couple of hooks at the American before landing an overhand.

Each man lands a cross. Cruz steps in with a right hook to the body. Stabbing shots by Valenzuela as he edges back.

Round six

Cruz is still boxing aggressively, but he’s struggling to land consistently.

Valenzuela connects with a well-timed uppercut, with his back to the ropes, but Cruz lets his hands go late in the round to arrest some momentum!

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela

04:04 , Alex Pattle

Round three

Cruz’s style means Valenzuela is fighting in quite a reactionary manner. He produces a decent spell while going backwards, until Cruz starts to overwhelm him again.

There are some wild misses by Cruz at times, though. Valenzuela, meanwhile, is trying to keep his offence and defence tight.

Big overhand right from Cruz, and Valenzuela’s head bounces against the ropes. A looping, lead left hook from Cruz now, and he ends the round with a good flurry.

Some well-timed counter shots by Valenzuela in there, however.

Round four

Valenzuela with a long left uppercut to the body, and again. Good head movement now as he backs up.

Grazing cross by Cruz, before Valenzuela shoves the Mexican away. Valenzuela is using his height and stance to decent effect at the moment.

Cruz with a trio of loud body hooks.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela

03:55 , Alex Pattle

Round one

Cruz gets right after Valenzuela, teeing off in the corner! Valenzuela tries to stay calm and composed.

Cruz with a right hook to the body. He varies his level and angles. Valenzuela with a body shot of his own, before Cruz turns the dial again.

Cruz with a grazing right hook upstairs, then a cleaner next effort.

Round two

Again Cruz is quick to corner Valenzuela, before unloading punches to the body and head! They call him “Pitbull” for a reason.

There’s a bit more clinching in this round. Cruz with a left hook to the head after one break, before he throws the same glove at the midriff of Valenzuela.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela

03:45 , Alex Pattle

Time for tonight’s co-main event!

Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz defends the WBA super-lightweight title against Jose Valenzuela.

Mexico’s Cruz is 26 years old with a pro record of 26-2-1 (18 KOs)

American southpaw Valenzuela is 25 with a record of 13-2 (9 KOs).

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Andy Ruiz Jr vs Jarrell Miller

03:18 , Alex Pattle

Andy Ruiz Jr and Jarrell Miller fight to majority draw (112-116, 114-114, 114-114)

Wow, that feels harsh on Miller... Not that many boxing fans will feel bad for “Big Baby”.

Ruiz calls for a rematch. He shows off what looks like a broken hand.

Miller says: “I know I did enough.”

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Andy Ruiz Jr vs Jarrell Miller

03:10 , Alex Pattle

Round 11

Into the final two rounds. Miller corners Ruiz, who skips into space.

Ruiz with a couple of hooks and straights, but he’s only fighting in intermittent bursts at the moment.

Ruiz produces another of those bursts, but Miller is taking the Mexican-American’s offence like it’s nothing.

Round 12

Final frame. Clean hook to the head by Miller, after the American eats a body shot.

Both men land to the head simultaneously. This is fun stuff! More clean shots for both men.

They’re slugging it out. Miller still looks the fresher fighter.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Andy Ruiz Jr vs Jarrell Miller

03:02 , Alex Pattle

Round nine

Ruiz needs a second wind. He lands a decent right cross, but Miller shrugs it off and walks him down.

Hard right hook to the body by Ruiz, who adds a few clubbing hooks upstairs. Miller replies with sporadic, frustrating shots.

A clean left hook to the head of Ruiz now. And another. Now a left hook to the body of Ruiz.

Ruiz scores with a couple of shots, but Miller replies with greater volume!

Round 10

Ruiz is pushed backwards again. Miller’s shots aren’t the hardest, but they’re constantly in the face of Ruiz at close range.

Ruiz shows some heart now, letting his hands go, but again Miller ends the round on a positive note.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Andy Ruiz Jr vs Jarrell Miller

02:55 , Alex Pattle

Round seven

Miller is slowing down a tad now, but he’s picking his moments fairly well.

Ruiz goes for a big right hook but misses the mark.

Round eight

Can Ruiz get going again? He jabs to the body of Miller, who continues to stalk the former champ.

Lazy jabs by Miller, but they’re landing. Ruiz with a cross to the body.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Andy Ruiz Jr vs Jarrell Miller

02:47 , Alex Pattle

Round five

Miller with a left hand from close range. He wings another hook but can’t quite find the mark.

Right hook to the mid-section by Ruiz. Miller with a pair of left hooks – one to the body, one to the head.

Now Miller gets through to the head with increasing frequency. He continues to march forward. Ruiz is warned for ducking his head and leading with it.

The action resumes, and Ruiz shows off his speed, but Miller responds by doing the same! Just as he did at the end of the last round.

Round six

More of the same: Miller pressuring Ruiz, who is doing his best to stay active while going backwards.

Ruiz looks exhausted. Miller, as he has in the last couple of rounds, ends with a burst of quick body shots.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Andy Ruiz Jr vs Jarrell Miller

02:38 , Alex Pattle

Round three

Miller blocks an uppercut and lands a jab. He then shoves Ruiz away.

Miller sees a hook blocked before missing with an overhand.

Ruiz lands to the body then throws upstairs. Miller tries to weigh on the former champion now.

Round four

Miller walks down Ruiz, but he’s not offering enough output while doing so.

Ruiz digs to the body then targets the head. Miller hooks to the body then eats a pair of clean shots up top.

Ruiz with a right hook then a left. Miller again tries to wear on the Mexican-American.

Body shots from both heavyweights. Ruiz is boxing fairly well going backwards.

Lovely flurry by Miller at the end of the round: four or five fast punches to the midriff, then a hook upstairs.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Andy Ruiz Jr vs Jarrell Miller

02:30 , Alex Pattle

Round one

Both heavyweights stand orthodox. Ruiz presses forward. Miller keeps his lead hand outstretched.

Ruiz with some decent jabs early on. He parries Miller’s nicely. A slower pace than in the last fight, although that’s understandable!

Ruiz tries an overhand right, but Miller closes the distance and gets beneath it.

Miller misses with some heavy efforts now. Lovely left hook by Ruiz late in the round!

Round two

Snapping jab by Miller. Left hook by Ruiz, then another. The Mexican-American is so fast for this division.

Some clinching ensues, and it’s Ruiz who strikes first after the break. Nice angles created by the former champ.

Mean left hook to the body by Miller, now an overhand right to the head!

Ruiz’s face is marked up. He’s known to have a good chin, though.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Andy Ruiz Jr vs Jarrell Miller

02:15 , Alex Pattle

More heavyweight action next. Can this fight match the last one? That’d take some doing...

In any case, it’s former unified champion Andy Ruiz Jr against Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller.

Miller was famously pulled from a planned fight against Anthony Joshua in 2019 after failing a drug test. Even more famously, Ruiz replaced him and stopped “AJ” in stunning fashion.

Since then, Miller has faced more issues and most recently fought in December, suffering a late stoppage loss to Daniel Dubois.

Meanwhile, Ruiz lost his rematch with Joshua but bounced back with points wins over Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Martin Bakole vs Jared Anderson

01:53 , Alex Pattle

Round five

Anderson with a cross from his orthodox stance, before he lands one from southpaw.

Anderson enjoys a good spell, until Bakole starts to find the mark once more, and he DROPS ANDERSON AGAIN!

Anderson is up, but he looks wobbly! Two right crosses, and Anderson goes down HARD again!

The American, his mouth bloodied, stands and beats the referee’s count again, and he’ll get one more chance...

But Bakole tees off with straight shots, and the ref stops the fight with Anderson standing!!

Martin Bakole def. Jared Anderson via fifth-round KO (2:07)

Bakole is all smiles. He calls for a rematch with Michael Hunter, the only man to have beaten him, and Hunter enters the ring to agree. Bakole could be a problem for anyone in the division; I’m surprised he didn’t call out a bigger name.

Anderson speaks now, and he’s surprisingly articulate and lucid given what he just went through. He’s also very gracious in defeat. He admits he made numerous mistakes and didn’t listen to his corner well enough tonight.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Martin Bakole vs Jared Anderson

01:49 , Alex Pattle

Round four

There’s an intense start to the round, before a slower period as each man takes a brief breather.

They get back to slugging now, though! Bakole snaps back Anderson’s head with a long cross!

Two left hooks get through for Bakole, then Anderson lands one of his own.

Bakole remembers to attack the body, too, before backing up Anderson to the ropes and peppering him with short, straight punches upstairs.

Anderson with a flurry now.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Martin Bakole vs Jared Anderson

01:46 , Alex Pattle

Round three

Bakole continues to press forward. Anderson is trying to deter the Congolese with activity, and he is landing some eclectic offence, but still Bakole attacks.

Good investment in the body by Anderson, though he eats a harsh hook in the process. Oh! And another uppercut by Bakole, then a right hook!

Yet another uppercut, and Anderson raises his elbows to defend, before firing back with straights with each glove!

What a fight this is. So much offence from both men. Each heavyweight lands, then each misses with simultaneous hooks!

They really loaded up there.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Martin Bakole vs Jared Anderson

01:41 , Alex Pattle

Round two

Another uppercut from Bakole stings Anderson, but the American comes back with his own uppercut and some good variety.

More clean punches from Anderson, but Bakole is taking them well so far... The Congolese fires back with a hook and an uppercut, before missing with two wiiiiide hooks.

Stiff jab by Anderson, but still Bakole comes forward. Anderson tries to deter him with a pair of body hooks, before the heavyweights clinch.

They separate and trade blows in a frenzied exchange. This is so entertaining.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Martin Bakole vs Jared Anderson

01:37 , Alex Pattle

Round one

Both men stand orthodox. Bakole keeps his hands low.

He swipes at Anderson with a lead left hook. Anderson retorts with jabs, to the head and to the body.

Anderson is so fast. Bakole with his own body jab, before flicking out some lead hooks that don’t quite land.

Cross to the body by Anderson, then a jab in the same spot, before he shows good head movement to avoid Bakole’s response.

Anderson with a left and right upstairs. And again! Bakole is far too stationary. He’s tagged to the body again.

OH! But Bakole comes back with a right uppercut and some follow-up blasts, and he sits down Anderson – who’s dropped for the first time in his career!

Anderson is up and makes it to the end of the round, but only just! Wow... what a turnaround...

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: Martin Bakole vs Jared Anderson

01:19 , Alex Pattle

Heavyweight action next, as Martin Bakole takes on Jared Anderson.

Bakole has sparred the best of the best and accused them of ducking him at pro level...

The Congolese, 32, has a record of 20-1 (15 KOs), while Anderson is 17-0 (15 KOs).

The American is a fancied prospect at 24 years old, but this could be a stern test for him.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: David Morrell vs Radivoje Kalajdzic

01:10 , Alex Pattle

David Morrell def. Radivoje Kalajdzic via unanimous decision (118-110, 117-111, 117-111)

Poor judging. Kalajdzic certainly picked up more a few rounds there.

That said, Morrell is a fair winner, and he collects the vacant WBA light-heavyweight title.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: David Morrell vs Radivoje Kalajdzic

01:01 , Alex Pattle

Round 11

Into the championship rounds. Kalajdzic with teasing shots at Morrell’s guard.

Morrell with an uppercut then a cross, clean shots. Jab lands for Kalajdzic, who then ties up the Cuban.

Wonderful, spearing cross from Kalajdzic! That’s the shot of the fight, snapping back Morrell’s head.

Morrell tries to retaliate, but his accuracy is lacking.

Round 12

Kalajdzic lands a low blow, and the referee tries to call a timeout... but Morrell wants to keep going.

Hard left hook to the body by the Cuban, but Kalajdzic simultaneously tags him upstairs.

Morrell really lets his hands go late in this final round – strong finish for him.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: David Morrell vs Radivoje Kalajdzic

Sunday 4 August 2024 00:53 , Alex Pattle

Round nine

Nice uppercut by Kalajdzic, then again! He adds a third. Lovely counter cross now, another uppercut, and a hook.

Morrell really lets his hands go in the final 10 seconds of the round, and he has Kalajdzic a bit off-balance!

Round 10

This might just go beyond Kalajdzic testing Morrell; there’s a chance this ends up much tighter than Morrell would like...

A cross just about lands for Kalajdzic, who then leans back to avoid a hook. He parries a jab now.

A right hook gets through for Morrell this time.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: David Morrell vs Radivoje Kalajdzic

Sunday 4 August 2024 00:45 , Alex Pattle

Round seven

Kalajdzic catches Morrell on the end of a cross. Now a jab splits the Cuban’s guard.

Peppering counter shots from Kalajdzic now. A pawing jab. Morrell looks a bit bemused.

He does manage to land a few scraping shots at the end of the round, but that’s a good frame for Kalajdzic.

Round eight

Morrell buzzes Kalajdzic with a right hook! Finally Morrell is able to make his power count!

Kalajdzic does really well, though, to avoid Morrell’s follow-up offence and recover. He even gets off some counters in the process.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: David Morrell vs Radivoje Kalajdzic

Sunday 4 August 2024 00:37 , Alex Pattle

Round five

Kalajdzic has proven a tricky foe for Morrell so far. He lands another counter straight while backed into the corner by the Cuban.

Morrell has to try not to get frustrated; keep problem-solving, keep trying to find a way through.

Kalajdzic blocks a wide right hook and fires off a counter cross.

Round six

Now Kalajdzic, growing in confidence, gets on the front foot – if briefly.

He’s soon pushed back, cornered by Morrell, but the Cuban is struggling to find the target in those moments. Kalajdzic is moving his head nicely and staying elusive.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: David Morrell vs Radivoje Kalajdzic

Sunday 4 August 2024 00:29 , Alex Pattle

Round three

Morrell feints a level change then misses with a pair of hooks. Now he walks onto a jab.

Another sneaky counter shot by Kalajdzic, but Morrell lands his own offence in the corner – the left hand starting to connect for the Cuban here.

Kalajdzic squeezes a jab through Morrell’s guard. Good spell for the American, until Morrell lands a hard left!

Now Kalajdzic retreats and tries to compose himself... Morrell is stalking him, and he lands another hard left hook. An uppercut misses, and there’s the end of the round.

Round four

An uppercut just about splits Morrell’s guard, but the Cuban fires back with a stiff left.

Morrell hooks to the body, but twice he’s tagged while closing range.

Grazing cross by Morrell now, and this time he gets his head off the centre line in the process.

Kalajdzic bounces around, staying light on his feet.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: David Morrell vs Radivoje Kalajdzic

Sunday 4 August 2024 00:17 , Alex Pattle

Round one

Here we go! Morrell stands southpaw, while Kalajdzic is orthodox.

Kalajdzic presses forward early, but Morrell looks to deter him with jabs – including a few to the body.

Morrell flashes Kalajdzic a grin before catching the American with a long left cross.

Kalajdzic with some decent head movement along the ropes to evade Morrell’s latest offence.

There’s a touch of gloves on the bell.

Round two

A bit more variety from Morrell here, as he hooks to the body with his lead right hand, before firing upstairs with his left glove.

He backs up Kalajdzic and alternates between lefts and rights again, before blowing a kiss to the crowd.

Now Kalajdzic looks to build some momentum with the jab, but he’s forced backwards again. The American grazes Morrell with a long left uppercut late in the round.

Crawford vs Madrimov LIVE: David Morrell vs Radivoje Kalajdzic

Sunday 4 August 2024 00:09 , Alex Pattle

First up, David Morrell vs Radivoje Kalajdzic for the vacant WBA light-heavyweight title.

Morrell, the WBA super-middleweight champion, is moving up a division for this one.

The Cuban, 26, is unbeaten at 10-0 (9 KOs).

Meanwhile, US fighter Kalajdzic, 33, has a pro record of 29-2 (21 KOs).