Israil Madrimov knows the headliners for Saturday’s superfight all too well.

Madrimov faced Terence Crawford in August of last year, suffering a unanimous decision defeat in a close and competitive title fight in Bud’s 154-pound debut.

In 2022, Madrimov served as a sparring partner for stablemate Dmitry Bivol, helping the Russian prepare for his eventual unanimous decision win against Canelo Alvarez.

The undisputed super middleweight champion Alvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs) and Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) are set to square off this weekend at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Netflix.

“It's the most intriguing fight in the world right now,” Madrimov told The Ring. “I am looking forward to the fight. In my opinion, Crawford is the best boxer in the world. He has an effortless and flawless style, with good power.

"He's sharp, has good combinations and counterpunching abilities. He's a good inside-outside fighter with pressure while effortlessly switching his stances. He's a great all-around fighter facing the 168-pound king in Alvarez, who’s been proving it time after time.

“One thing that can damage Crawford is gaining too much weight. He's been looking like The Hulk with muscles in the pictures he's been posting. I wouldn't suggest gaining weight he's not used to. It's about training at a weight he is comfortable with. I think he should be fighting as close to 168 pounds on fight night.

“If he gains too much weight, then Canelo is the favorite to win the fight. If Crawford is light and doesn't bulk up too much, is strong and fast the way he always is, then I believe it's a 50-50 fight and he has a high chance of winning.”

Crawford’s 11-fight stoppage streak from 2016 to 2023 ended against Madrimov. Crawford was a 135-pound titleholder and the undisputed champion at 140 and 147 pounds.

He knocked out everyone he faced as a welterweight, including a career-best win against Errol Spence Jr. in emphatic fashion two summers ago, but Bud didn’t demonstrate the prolific power the boxing world were accustomed to against the slick and savvy Madrimov.

“He took my punches well,” said Madrimov, who last fought in February and suffered a unanimous decision defeat against Vergil Ortiz Jr. “He has power as well and hits solid. I felt his power when he landed cleanly. He placed his punches really well.

“It's going to be important how Crawford feels in the ring and how he reacts to the strength and power from Canelo. It's hard to predict that. Canelo will be coming in with confidence and pressure to drain Crawford. That's going to be his key – to mentally and physically break Crawford. But Crawford is going to surprise him and show Canelo things that he hasn't seen before. Canelo hasn't faced anyone like Crawford before.”