Crawford beats Madrimov to win another world title

Terence Crawford (left) made his professional debut in 2008

Terence Crawford won his fourth world title at different weights by beating Israil Madrimov to claim the WBA light-middleweight crown in Los Angeles.

The 36-year-old American won by unanimous decision at the BMO Stadium to extend his unbeaten record to 41 fights.

A former lightweight world champion who was also undisputed champion at light-welterweight and welterweight, Crawford triumphed 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113 on the judges' scorecards.

Defeat was the first of 29-year-old Uzbek Madrimov's 11-bout career.

"Israil was a tough competitor," said Crawford, who had not been taken to 12 rounds since 2016.

"He's real strong. He's durable. He took a lot of good shots. He got me to round 12.

"He had fast speed, a good rhythm upstairs. He was very disciplined and he fought a good fight.

"I was being patient. I didn't want to rush in with anything. That's how I got caught a couple times - I tried to eat too soon."

Crawford's win opened up the possibility of a fight with Mexico's super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez.

"If the money is right, we've got to fight," said Crawford.