Terence Crawford’s rival Israil Madrimov put on a show pulling off a cartwheel during his open workout.
Madrimov will face the biggest test of his career when he takes on pound-for-pound ranked Crawford in a blockbuster title clash on Saturday night.
The WBA super-welterweight champion took to the ring in Los Angeles to perform a final public workout before the crunch showdown.
Before he began crashing the pads, Madrimov decided to get into gymnastics form as if he was practising for the current Paris Olympics.
He did a cartwheel from the corner to the centre of the ring, before rolling into a back flip which he landed on his feet.
Media and fans around the area clapped and gave a light cheer, and he bowed as if he’d won a gold medal.
Madrimov will be hoping he lands on his feet at the end of fight night this weekend as he enters the contest as an overwhelming underdog.
It is clear he is a physical athlete with strong skills, which could well pose a threat to ‘Bud’.
The American makes his first appearance at the new weight, as he looks to become a four-division world champion and join an elite club.
But the Uzebkistani stands in his way, with an impressive record of ten wins and one draw since turning professional.
A looming possibility of a showdown with Canelo Alvarez awaits if Crawford can progress beyond Madrimov.
But Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn believes the superstar could well be underestimating the champion’s ability.
Hearn said: “I think they’re underestimating him. He’s extremely tough and he hits very hard.
“And it’s all like, ‘Canelo after this.’ Don’t get me wrong, Crawford is the favourite in the fight, but Madrimov is a very, very tough fight.
“He’s got great movement, he’s a fit, strong guy in his prime, and as I said, he punches very hard, and that’s not an easy fight.”
Crawford is taking a big step and may not find it as easy given their is a notable size difference.
The American will face similar opponents if he makes further steps up to bigger weights.
But he is not worried and has insisted it is something he has dealt with through his entire career.
He said: “He bigger than me. Everybody bigger than me, but come fight time I always had the ability to show that I was stronger.
“Bigger don’t mean stronger. It’s just his body type. I’m very lean, my muscle is very compact.
“That don’t have nothing to do with the ability and skills come fight time.”
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News Summary:
- Israil Madrimov shows athleticism with impressive cartwheel in the ring during public workout ahead of Terence Crawford fight
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