Terence Crawford exchanged words with Eddie Hearn, vowing to beat another one of his fighters.
On Wednesday, 'Bud' announced that his return to the ring will come against undefeated WBA super-welterweight world champion Israil Madrimov on August 3 in Los Angeles.
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Crawford spoke at a press conference to confirm his first bout since beating Errol Spence in July 2023, and came face-to-face with Madrimov's promoter Hearn.
Hearn began by suggesting Crawford could come unstuck against Madrimov, in his debut at the new weight of 154lbs.
And in a devious exchange with the Matchroom kingpin, Crawford vowed: "You are going to get heartbroken again."
It was an ice-cold moment from Crawford who laughed with Hearn, but is clearly keen to once again assert his name at the top of the pound-for-pound list.
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Hearn had a different view, and quickly responded: "My heart's been broken before.
"You broke my heart in Glasgow once [with Ricky Burns], and with [Julius] Indongo so hopefully we can reverse the roles this time.
"As I said all the respect and credit but let's make one thing clear. They know it, this guy [Madrimov] is for real.
"And BoMac [Crawford's trainer Bran McIntyre] is absolutely right, he [Madrimov] is the best 154lbs fighter in the world."
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Crawford has already been up against Hearn on previous occasions, when he promoted Ricky Burns, who was beaten by the American in Glasgow in March 2014.
The 36-year-old also got the better of Hearn, who co-promoted Indongo's undisputed title defeat to 'Bud' in August 2017.
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In the present day, Crawford is considered a pound-for-pound great, and will look to become a world champion in a fourth weight class.
The champion looks in sensational shape having added on the weight comfortably to make the 7lbs switch to 154lbs.
A win for Crawford would not only crown him WBA champion, but he will become WBO interim champion and will be in line for a shot at champion Sebastian Fundora next.
A super fight with Canelo Alvarez has been teased down the line if Crawford is able to make the leap all the way up to 168lbs.
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