Today featured the opening press conference for the upcoming junior middleweight title fight between Terence Crawford and Israil Madrimov, with both fighters appearing to discuss the bout. Neither fighter is much for a lot of talking, so both were very respectful and straight to the point. Check out some of what they had to say below.

Madrimov on whether there was any hesitation to face Crawford

“When I started pro career, fight best boxers, and now fighting best in the world pound-for-pound Terence Crawford, my favorite boxer. I like his style and then big respect. But August 3, I’ll be ready. “There’s no hesitation because this is what I’ve been here in boxing for. And as soon as I heard the news I was very happy. I knew right away that I wanted this fight.”

Crawford on why he wanted to move up to fight Madrimov

“I consider Israil the best 154-pounder in the division right now so why not go for the top guy int he division right off the bat? “[My goal is] just continue being the best. I want to leave a legacy that’s never been left before inside and outside the ring, business-minded, just helping the young fighters coming up, giving them the courage and the outlet that fighters before me never gave to us. At the same time, be on top of my game as well.”