Whenever Terence Crawford enters the ring, an entertaining, crowd-pleasing fight is on offer. It always had been the case. But not the last fight. The American boxer’s fight with Israil Madrimov was different. It was more of a tactical chess match than a slugfest. So, the verdict is still out there whether grinding out a win was more important than putting on a show. Mike Tyson joined the bandwagon and shared his take on the fight.

Crawford, 36, and Madrimov, 29, clashed in a classic boxing affair where ‘Bud’ had a late surge in the championship rounds and picked up the WBA super welterweight title. Among the people who watched it live was Tyson, 58. So, when the former world heavyweight champion sat down with Logan Paul on his famed IMPAULSIVE podcast, he also shed light on what he witnessed in the fight.

Tyson praised Madrimov, at 10-1-1, for his toughness and awkward movement that puzzled Crawford for most of the fight. He declared, “I thought that was a tough guy [Israil Madrimov]. I’m glad that he [Terence Crawford] came back the last two rounds. That guy [Madrimov] was very awkward and strong.” Then Tyson, at 50-6, imparted some wisdom to the newly crowned WBA champion: pick up opponents carefully. He believed one needed to look good while fighting someone, which could have implications for their future fights, too.

The Brooklyn native continued, “This guy [Crawford] fights anybody. Crawford fights anybody. I don’t agree with that, you know, ’cause you got to look good so you won’t mess up your next fight. You got to constantly have fights that you know and fight a guy [who] is going to make you look good. Guy got to pressure you.”

Lastly, Tyson pointed out how Madrimov was running around, a movement that Crawford wasn’t used to. But Crawford eventually found his way to victory, a recurring theme in his career. However, it casts doubt on the Omaha native’s fight with Canelo Alvarez. Will that happen now? Well, ‘Iron Mike’ definitely wants to see that fight.

Mike Tyson gives the green light to Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford

The chances of this taking place is slim now, as the Mexican champion is focused on his fight with Edgar Berlanga. Moreover, he has publicly excused himself from the fight. But Crawford wants to fight to carve out his legacy. If Tyson is to be believed, “To make history is worth doing it.”

A probable fight could be on the cards for 2025. Meanwhile, Crawford has the perfect opportunity to become an undisputed champion at 154, if he fights and defeats Sebastian Fundora. Then only the IBF belt will be out of his reach. It remains to be seen how quickly he can do it. What do you make of this take by Mike Tyson on Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov? Do you agree with him? Let us know in the comments below.