Morrell vs Kalajdzic and Cruz vs Moran set for Aug. 3
Leo Santa Cruz vs Abner Mares 3 appears to be off the schedule
Terence Crawford’s August 3rd clash with WBA super welterweight champion Israil Madrimov had its first press conference today, which both confirmed the main event and made some adjustments to the previously revealed undercard. Isaac Cruz vs Jose Valenzuela, Andy Ruiz Jr vs Jarrell Miller, and Tim Tszyu vs Vergil Ortiz Jr are all official, but the much-reviled trilogy match between Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares appears to be off. In its place are David Morrell’s light heavyweight debut and the latest from super-prospect Andy Cruz.
Morrell (10-0, 9 KO), who’s held WBA’s secondary super middleweight title for nearly four years, announced last week that he was moving up to 175 after the sanctioning body showed no signs of ever ordering a title consolidation with Canelo. He meets capable veteran Radivoje Kaldajdzic (29-2, 21 KO), last seen putting Sullivan Barrera out to pasture last month.
Cruz (3-0, 1 KO) continues his trek through the middle of the lightweight pack against Antonio Moran (30-6-1, 21 KO). “Tono” tends to come up short against upper-shelf opponents like Devin Haney, Jose Pedraza, or Jamaine Ortiz, but he’s remarkably consistent against those below that level. He’s got a draw with Yomar Alamo under his belt alongside knockouts over Kendo Castaneda and Romero Duno in two of his last three fights, making him a solid opponent for Cruz’s fourth pro fight.