VILLENEUVE-D’ASCQ, France – Canada Basketball CEO Rowan Barrett answered the question without answering the question.

Asked if anything short of a medal in men’s 5×5 basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics will be a disappointment for Canada, Barrett replied, ‘our goal every single time we step out is to hit the podium. That’s it.’

Canada has medaled once in men’s basketball – silver at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, losing to the U.S. 19-8 in the final – and its previous Olympics appearance came in 2000.

But with the country’s massive growth and investment in the sport, the emergence of stars (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, RJ Barrett) in the NBA and last year’s bronze at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, beating the U.S. for third place, expectations have changed.

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Qualifying for the Olympics and being competitive are no longer goals for Canada Basketball. It will be a disappointment if Canada doesn’t finish on the podium in Paris. Canada plays France Tuesday, and the loser will exit the Olympics without a chance at a medal.

Canada has 10 NBA players on its 12-person roster – one of whom is an All-NBA player and MVP runner-up in Gilgeous-Alexander, and Murray won a title as the No. 2 player for the Denver Nuggets two seasons ago.

When Canada held its training camp in Toronto in July, Rowan Barrett and Canada men’s Coach Jordi Fernandez, the new Brooklyn Nets’ head coach, addressed the team and talked about winning gold.

‘We believe that we’re good, and that we’re going to have a chance,’ RJ Barrett said.

Canada reached the quarterfinals with a 3-0 record in group play, beating Greece, Australia and Spain, and France provides a quality opponent. But Canada is favored.

The growth of basketball in Canada over the past three decades is multi-pronged: NBA expansion to Toronto and Vancouver; Vince Carter joining the Raptors; Canadian Steve Nash’s emergence as a star and two-time MVP; immigration; investment in youth basketball.

Utah Jazz assistant coach Scott Morrison grew up in Canada and played at the University of Prince Edward Island.

‘The first step in accomplishing something like that is you got to believe it’s possible. And for a long time, there was no belief that Canadians could be that good at basketball,’ he said. ‘If I’m a kid in Toronto and I’m seeing that and I’m seeing Nash do what he did and be wherever he’s from and I’m from the city, I’m like, ‘I can do this too. I’m more athletic.’ Everyone now starts to believe that they can do the same thing.’

The Vince Carter and Steve Nash Effect remains mythical. But it requires more than just watching in awe to become a great player.

‘What you started seeing was more club basketball at younger ages, more house leagues,’ Rowan Barrett said. ‘Now you’re getting more hours on the court.’

Rowan Barrett also credited the Internet. ‘The Internet gave you vision to what’s going on in the game – other kids my age, what they look like around the world, what the skills look like. When I was a young player, I had no idea what was going on in another gym. But now you know.

‘You can see a kid who’s younger than you and more skilled than you and that pushes you to develop and pushes the understanding of what you can be.

‘Now all of a sudden our kids are thinking, ‘Hey, you know what? Not only can I maybe make the NBA, I’m going to star, I’m going to be an All-Star. The ceiling, whatever ceiling might’ve been there, was gone. Very important. And then once you start seeing athletes starting to come through, now there’s pathways that you can see.’

A longtime contributor to Canada Basketball, Rowan Barrett, who became the men’s national team general manager in 2019, implemented the junior academy program in 2012. Two players from that initial youth academy class (RJ Barrett and Nickeil Alexander-Walker) were first-round picks in the 2019, and both are on the Olympic team.

Rowan Barrett and Canada Basketball also mined data. “If you’re tall and you can run and move, you can be a basketball player. And I think it’s that simple. … So you’re looking at those athletes,’ he said. ‘I won’t get into the secret sauce of heat mapping and where the height is in the country and all those things we did.

‘We did quite a few things like that using census data to help us. What we did effectively was we found the best ones in those ages and we trained them. We started investing more money into our youth teams.’

Eight of the 12 players are from Ontario, including RJ Barrett, Gilgeous-Alexander, Murray and Dillon Brooks. They bring confidence and ability that never previously existed.

‘Instead of getting bronze, we want the gold,’ Brooks said.

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VILLENEUVE-D’ASCQ, France – Either France or Canada will be out of medal contention after the Tuesday men’s basketball quarterfinal games at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Just brutal. Following group play and the ensuing draw for the quarterfinals, the two teams will play each other immediately in the knockout stage. The loser will exit the Olympics incredibly disappointed.

The top two teams from the three groups plus the next two best third-place teams based on point-differential advanced.

The quarterfinal matchups on Tuesday are:

Germany-Greece, 5 a.m. ET
Serbia-Australia, 8:30 a.m. ET
Canada-France, noon ET
USA-Brazil, 3:30 p.m. ET

2024 Olympic medals: Who is leading the medal count? Follow along as we track the medals for every sport.

The U.S. caught a break, too. The USA-Brazil winner plays the Serbia-Australia winner, meaning the U.S. wouldn’t have to face Germany, Canada or France until the gold-medal game. 

It’s a formidable eight filled with NBA All-Stars and MVPs, and it went down to the final game of group play between Serbia and South Sudan to determine the quarterfinalists.

2024 Olympic medals: Who is leading the medal count? Follow along as we track the medals for every sport.

Playing in its first Olympics in men’s basketball, South Sudan just missed a spot in the quarterfinals, losing to Serbia 96-85. Had South Sudan lost by just a point, it would have made the round of eight.

A closer look at the matchups:

USA-Brazil

The U.S. was the top overall finisher at 3-0 at a plus-64 point-differential in Group C. Though Greece was the second-best third-place team, FIBA rules state that two teams from the same group cannot play in the quarterfinals, so that prevented a Germany-Brazil matchup because both were in Group B.

The U.S. did its job in group play, wasn’t really challenged and had several players contribute offensively. They were sloppy with turnovers and gave up offensive rebounds, and those are areas coach Steve Kerr wants to clean up. Anthony Edwards (16.3 points per game) and Kevin Durant (16 ppg) are the top scorers. LeBron James averaged 14.3 points, 7.3 assists and 6.7 rebounds in group play.

Brazil beat Japan and lost to Germany and France in Group B. Vitor Benite, Raul Neto, Marcelinho Huertas and Bruno Caboclo are Brazil’s top players.

Germany-Greece

Giannis Antetokounmpo made it to the knockout stage, and he’s thrilled about the opportunity. But Germany is playing as well as any team in this event. Germany, the 2023 FIBA World Cup champion, clobbered France for the top spot in Group B and has experience and continuity with Franz Wagner (21.7 ppg), Mo Wagner, Dennis Schröder (19.7 ppg, 9.0 assists per game), Daniel Theis and Isaac Bonga. Greece had just one victory (vs. Australia) in Group A but that was enough. Antetokounmpo averaged 27 points on 68.9% shooting in three games.

Canada-France

So much is at stake in this game as both teams came to the Olympics with medal expectations. Canada has been fantastic – 3-0 in Group A – led by RJ Barrett (21.0 ppg), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (19.0 ppg) and Dillon Brooks (14.3 ppg). Can France’s guards handle Canada’s guards? France finished 2-1, but it was an up-and-down effort. It almost lost to Japan (94-90), handled Brazil and was routed by Germany. Yes, France has experience (Nic Batum, Rudy Gobert, Evan Fournier) and the young star (Victor Wembanyama and his 17.0 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 2.0 blocks per game), but it hasn’t put together a complete performance.

Serbia-Australia

Australia finished second in Group A with just one victory – against Spain – but it lost to Canada 93-83 and Greece 77-71. It is competitive with several NBA players, including Josh Giddey (15.0 ppg), Patty Mills, Jock Landale (17.7 ppg), Dante Exum and Dyson Daniels. Serbia is led by Nikola Jokic (18.7 ppg, 11.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists per game), Bogdan Bogdanovic (19 ppg) and a cast of high-level players who star in Europe. Serbia earned silver at the 2023 World Cup, and it is capable of medaling in Paris. Both teams are well-coached.

Follow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on social media @JeffZillgitt

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Medals will be awarded in 25 events as the 2024 Paris Olympics hit their midpoint Sunday.

The marquee event will take place on the track at Stade de France, where the world’s fastest man will be crowned in the final of the 100 meters. Reigning world champion Noah Lyles will look to become the first American to win the Olympic title in the event since Justin Gatlin in 2004.

Also, Sunday will be the final day for swimming in Paris, with medals handed out in the men’s and women’s 4×100 medley relays.

Here’s what to know about the medal count for Day 9 of the 2024 Paris Olympics:

2024 Olympic medals: Who is leading the medal count? Follow along as we track the medals for every sport.

What is the medal count at the 2024 Paris Olympics?

Here’s the overall medal count on Sunday. The U.S. leads the way with 61 total medals, while China has the most golds with 16. Here are the top 10 countries overall:

1. USA — 61 (14 gold, 24 silver, 23 bronze)
2. France — 42 (12 gold, 14 silver, 16 bronze)
3. China — 37 (16 gold, 12 silver, 9 bronze)
4. Great Britain — 34 (10 gold, 10 silver, 14 bronze)
5. Australia — 27 (12 gold, 8 silver, 7 bronze)
6. Japan — 22 (8 gold, 5 silver, 9 bronze)
7. South Korea — 21 (9 gold, 7 silver, 5 bronze)
8. Italy — 19 (6 gold, 8 silver, 5 bronze)
9. Canada — 16 (4 gold, 4 silver, 7 bronze)
10. Netherlands — 14 (6 gold, 4 silver, 4 bronze)

What Olympic medals are up for grabs Sunday?

Here are the Olympic medals being awarded or clinched Sunday, as well as what time the action starts. All times are Eastern:

Equestrian

4 a.m.: dressage individual grand prix freestyle 

Boxing

6:04 a.m.: 10 semifinals across weight classes 

Cycling road

8 a.m.: women’s road race 

Archery

8:33 a.m.: men’s individual bronze medal match
8:46 a.m.: men’s individual goal medal match

Table tennis

7:30 a.m.: men’s singles bronze medal match
8:30 a.m.: men’s singles gold medal match

Badminton

9 a.m.: men’s doubles bronze medal match 
10:10 a.m.: men’s doubles gold medal match

Gymnastics

9 a.m.: men’s rings final 
9:40 a.m.: women’s bars final 
10:25 a.m.: men’s vault final 

Shooting

9:30 a.m.: skeet women’s final 

Swimming

12:30 p.m.: women’s 50m free final
12:36 p.m.: men’s 1,500m free final
1:12 p.m.: men’s 4x100m medley relay final
1:35 p.m.: women’s 4x100m medley relay final

Fencing

1:10 p.m.: men’s foil team bronze medal match
2:30 p.m.: men’s foil team gold medal match

Track & field

3:55 p.m.: men’s 100m final
2:30 p.m.: men’s hammer throw final
1:50 p.m.: women’s high jump final

Tennis

6 a.m.: women’s doubles bronze medal match
Time TBD: men’s singles gold medal match
Time TBD: women’s doubles gold medal match

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NANTERRE, France — It was August 3. Of course it was. It’s the date that means everything to Katie Ledecky, the date that a dozen years ago, at 15, unknown and untested, she announced herself to the Olympic Games in London by winning her first gold medal.

And here it was August 3 again. Another Olympics, another 800 meters. But this time, the pressure was immense, because everyone knows her now, everyone knew what she was expected to do, everyone knew what was on the line.

“It’s almost like your birthday, August 3,” Ledecky said after it was all over. “Every August 3, the video gets posted somewhere, you kind of reminisce so when I saw it was August 3, I was like, oh boy, I gotta get the job done today.”

The day that started everything had now become something so much more significant. It had become one of the most important days in Olympic history, for it was the day — this day, August 3, 2024 — that Katie Ledecky powered her way to her fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal in the 800 freestyle, becoming the most decorated American female gold medalist in any sport as well as one of only two women from any nation, in any sport, ever, to win nine gold medals. 

“I hope that I’ll look back on it with the same amount of joy and happiness that I feel right now,” she said.

Ledecky has now matched the nine gold medals of Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina, who competed at the 1956, 1960 and 1964 Olympics. And she passed fellow American swimmer Jenny Thompson, with whom she had been tied with eight since Wednesday, for the most golds ever won by a U.S. woman. 

What’s more, her 14 total medals also are the most ever won by an American woman in Olympic history in any sport, and the most ever won by a female Olympic swimmer from any nation.

All that, accomplished in 8 minutes 11.04 seconds.

That was the time it took Saturday night for Ledecky to lead wire-to-wire, pushed as expected by her rival and friend, Australian Ariarne Titmus, who won her second consecutive Olympic 800 silver medal in 8:12.29, and fellow American Paige Madden, who swam 8:13.00 to win the bronze.

This was a victory of the moment, but also one 12 years in the making. Ledecky first won the Olympic 800 in a big surprise as that young water bug in London in 2012. She won it by a mile in Rio in 2016. She held off Titmus to win it again in Tokyo in 2021. And now this, the four-peat, the first time a woman has ever won the same swimming race in four consecutive Olympics.

Michael Phelps is the only other person to do it, in the men’s 200 individual medley, from 2004-2016. 

“Given that Michael is the only one that’s ever done that, I think that just shows how difficult that is,” Ledecky said. “I think especially in the 800, that’s just a lot of miles, just year after year trying to put in the work to make it happen. I definitely wouldn’t have pictured this in 2012 being able to come back Olympics after Olympics.”  

The race that cemented Ledecky as one of the greatest Olympians of all time was a test of endurance, for sure, but also of wills. Titmus, who defeated Ledecky at the beginning of these Olympics in the 400 freestyle, matched Ledecky stroke for stroke through the first half of the race, and then some, even though Ledecky was always slightly ahead.

“I knew Ariarne was going to give me everything she had,” Ledecky said. “I knew that it was going to be a tough race. I felt confident coming into it, I knew it was going to be tough no matter what, all the way down to the finish. I just had to trust myself, trust my training, trust that I know how to race that event.”

With that, Ledecky flashed a slight smile. She does know how to race that event. 

Her plan was simple. “I have good early speed, and I can come home hard. I can trust my endurance. … I kind of figured that she would try to stay with me as long as she could so I knew I just needed to stay calm through that and really just try to inch my way forward each lap and I think I did a pretty good job of that.”

In the end, as Titmus went for it, Ledecky was just too much. In the last 100 meters, victory was never in doubt. When it was over, as the crowd roared and Ledecky symbolically flashed four fingers, the two swimmers hugged over the lane rope. When Ledecky left the pool to wild cheers, Titmus stood nearby on the pool deck and applauded for many moments. 

“She’s made me a better athlete,” Titmus said later. “I totally respect what she has done in this sport more than anyone else. She’s been winning this race since I was 11 years old — and I turn 24 next month. That is just remarkable.

“I feel very honored and privileged to be her rival and I hope I’ve made her a better athlete. She’s certainly made me become the athlete I am. I feel so privileged to race along side her.”

Earlier in the Games, Ledecky corrected a journalist who asked about their rivalry. It isn’t a rivalry, Ledecky said. “It’s a friendship.”

To that end, Ledecky said to Titmus after the race, “Thank you for making me better. We bring the best out of each other.”

The 800 put the finishing touches on another stellar Olympics for the 27-year-old Ledecky. On the first day of Olympic swimming here, she won the bronze in the 400 freestyle behind Titmus and Canadian Summer McIntosh, then later in the week, she won the gold in the 1,500 freestyle and the silver as part of the U.S. women’s 4 x 200 freestyle relay.  

While Ledecky is now finished at the Paris Games, she is not done with the Summer Olympics. She has said numerous times that her goal is to compete on home soil at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

So, what about the 800 freestyle five-peat, she was asked. 

Too soon? Not really. The race was barely an hour old and Ledecky was already looking ahead.

“I’d love to,” she said. “We’ll see. It’s not easy but I’ll take it year by year and we’ll see. I’ll give it everything I’ve got for as long as I have left in me.”

Simone Biles has had a busy schedule at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The American gymnast picked up three Olympic gold medals in the team final, all-around competition and vault final. And although she still has two more opportunities to add to her hardware collection at the Paris Games, she will get a much needed break from the competition on Sunday.

The uneven bars final kicks off on Sunday, but Biles is not in the field. Here’s a look at the 27-year-old’s remaining schedule at the 2024 Paris Games, including why she’s not competing in the uneven bars final and when she competes next.

Is Simone Biles competing today?

The uneven bars event final is being held Sunday, but Biles will not be competing. Despite winning her second gold medal in the women’s all-around competition — where a gymnast competes on all four apparatuses —  the uneven bars are not Biles’ strong suit. During the qualification round last week, Biles finished in ninth place in the uneven bars, barely missing out on the uneven bars final on Sunday.

2024 Olympic medals: Who is leading the medal count? Follow along as we track the medals for every sport.

Biles, however, will likely be cheering on her teammate. Suni Lee, who earned a gold alongside Biles in the team final, in addition to a bronze medal in the all-around final, qualified for the uneven bars final on Sunday.

2024 Olympic medals: Who is leading the medal count? Follow along as we track the medals for every sport.

Full Olympics gymnastics schedule for Sunday, Aug. 4

The women’s uneven bars final is Sunday, Aug. 4 at 9:40 a.m. ET at the Bercy Arena in Paris. 

When does Simone Biles compete next?

Biles is back on the mat Monday for a doubleheader. The women’s balance beam final is Monday, Aug. 5, at 6:36 a.m. ET, followed by the women’s floor exercise final on Monday, Aug. 5, at 8:20 a.m. ET.

How did Simone Biles fare in the all-around final?

Biles competed in the all-around final Thursday. She won her second gold medal of the Paris Games and her second career all-around gold. She also won in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

How did Simone Biles fare in the vault final?

Biles won a gold medal in the vault final on Saturday, her third gold medal of the Paris Games. Biles successfully landed her her signature Yurchenko double pike vault, which helped carry her to gold over Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade. American Jade Carey won bronze. Biles won the Olympic vault title at Rio in 2016 and became just the second woman to win vault gold twice after Czechoslovakia’s Vera Caslavska did it in 1964 and 1968.

What did Simone Biles say about the 2028 Olympics?

Biles left the door open to competing at the Los Angeles Games in 2028. Or, rather, she didn’t close it.

“Never say never. The next Olympics is at home, so you just never know,” she said Saturday night, before starting to laugh. “But I am getting really old.”

Simone Biles’ Paris medal count

Gold: Team
Gold: All-around
Gold: vault

PARIS — When she’s sprinting up the floor in transition, Breanna Stewart knows Sabrina Ionescu is looking for her. 

The two have played together so long – nearly 70 games with the New York Liberty over two seasons, plus 17 games together on Team USA – that their knowledge of the other is practically intrinsic. Ionescu knows where Stewart wants the ball. Stewart knows which passing lane Ionescu prefers when she wants to fire an assist Stewart’s way. 

The obvious magnetism between teammates like Stewart and Ionescu can’t be faked or developed overnight. It comes organically, built over hundreds of practices with each other. And it’s giving the Americans a big advantage as they go for their eighth consecutive gold medal in women’s basketball.

‘It’s really helpful,’ said U.S. coach Cheryl Reeve. ‘You can see when Sab is running the flor, she’s looking for Stewie. Her eyes are up, she knows when Stewie’s cutting (to the basket). Synergy with your (WNBA) teammates, that’s a natural thing.’

2024 Olympic medals: Who is leading the medal count? Follow along as we track the medals for every sport.

Stewart and Ionescu aren’t the only teammates whose chemistry from the WNBA is transferring to the global stage. Four Las Vegas Aces made the team with Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young and A’ja Wilson. 

In the U.S.’s first pool play game, a 102-76 win over Japan, Gray notched 13 assists, with four of them to Wilson, forever her favorite target. Reeve said she was thinking before the game about how great it is for the U.S. to have a point guard of Gray’s caliber, a player who ‘is the leader of a team that wins championships and has been in hard environments. Her and A’ja, she settles A’ja. They have this connection … they’re both very good for each other.’

The connection Stewart and Wilson have with their ‘regular’ point guards has been especially evident in the Americans’ 2-0 start to these Olympics. The two best all-around players in the world, Wilson and Stewart’s production the first two games has been eye-popping: Wilson is averaging 23.5 points, 13.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks, while Stewart is chipping in 24.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game. 

They credit at least part of that to being here with other players they’ve known forever. And they’re not the only ones. 

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Three Phoenix Mercury players are here, too, with Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner and Kahleah Copper. This is the 10th WNBA season that Taurasi and Griner, who were also teammates overseas, have played with each other. This is their third Olympics together. Griner has joked that she and Taurasi are so connected, she’s told Taurasi she’s not allowed to retire until Griner also does.

Additionally, Stewart played for six seasons with Jewell Loyd in Seattle.

‘We definitely know where one another is,’ Stewart said. ‘You see it with anyone who’s here with their teammates, you just have that chemistry because the (WNBA) season has been going on, all the practices, all the reps. It’s helpful that (Sabrina’s) always looking for me. When you’re in a two- or three-man action, there’s some sense of familiarity … especially in transition, she knows where I’m running and she’s going to find me.’

That familiarity has given the Americans a unique edge. Because of the WNBA’s summer schedule, the U.S. barely gets to practice together before heading to the Olympics. That’s a distinct difference from other countries, most of whom are able to practice together year-round. Some of the biggest stars at these Olympics – France’s Gabby Williams, Belgium’s Emma Meesseman – took the 2024 WNBA season off to prep for the Games. But the U.S. doesn’t have to do that, because its prep comes during the W season. 

‘There’s a chemistry that’s already built that we don’t really need to work on that allows me to just know we’re she’s gonna be,’ said Ionescu, who is averaging 8.5 points, 5.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds off the bench for Team USA. ‘That’s helped us, playing together. Chelsea and A’ja, you can see it when them as well. It’s been really fun to have one of my teammates here that I can just continue to roll with.’

But Ionescu wanted to make one thing very clear: Stewart isn’t the only teammate she’s looking for in transition. She’s happy, she said, to feed the ball to any American running the court. 

Email Lindsay Schnell at lschnell@usatoday.com and follow her on social media @Lindsay_Schnell 

SAINT-DENIS, France — Will Noah Lyles be crowned world’s fastest man?

Lyles said at the USA track and field introductory news conference that he was the fastest man in the world. He’ll have a chance to prove it Sunday when the men’s Olympic semifinals and final take place at Stade de France.

Lyles got off to a slow start, by his standards, in Paris. He finished second behind Great Britain’s Louie Hinchliffe in the opening round of the men’s 100. Lyles said he underestimated the competition.

“I guess that’s my first lesson in underestimating the power of the Olympics. When somebody is on the line, they say they are gonna give it their all or nothing,” Lyles said. “Now I don’t have to hold back. Now that I know everybody is ready to go. It’s like oh ok … you know I’m ready to go.”

2024 Olympic medals: Who is leading the medal count? Follow along as we track the medals for every sport.

Will Lyles end Team USA’s gold-medal drought in the 100? USA TODAY Sports has everything you need to know about Lyles and the men’s 100 showdown:

What time does Noah Lyles run the 100 semifinals?

The semifinal in the 100 is at 2:05 p.m. ET. Lyles is in the first heat and will run in lane No. 4.

What time does the 100 final start?

The 100 final begins at 3:50 p.m. ET.

Who are the top contenders in the 100?

There are multiple podium contenders in the 100.

Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson is the fastest man in the world this year with a world-leading time of 9.77. Thompson eased up in the opening round in Paris and still ran a 10.00 to finish first in his heat. Thompson’s Jamaican teammate, Oblique Seville, has defeated Lyles before and can make the podium.

Lyles’ American teammates, Kenny Bednarek and Fred Kerley, are threats to reach the podium. Bednarek and Kerley both ran 9.97 to advance to the semis.

The defending Olympic champ, Marcell Jacobs of Italy, can’t be counted out, either.

How many events is Noah Lyles going to run at Paris Olympics?

Lyles is slated to run the 100, 200 and 4×100 relay.

How many Olympic medals does Noah Lyles have?

Lyles won a bronze medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics in the 200. The bronze is his lone Olympic medal.

Lyles opened up to USA TODAY Sports about his difficult time at the Tokyo Olympics.

“It was a challenge because I was coming off my antidepressant medication. It was tough to find the balance of getting excited and staying calm throughout the year,” Lyles said.  

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SAINT-DENIS, France − Larry Crouser was with his grandson Ryan on Saturday night.

He was with him in warm-ups, as the greatest shot put thrower of all-time prepared for a record-setting opportunity at the Paris Olympics’ Stade de France venue. He was with him in the ring when Crouser violently spun and hurled the 22.90-meter throw that let the rest of the field know they were all throwing for silver.

And he was certainly with him on the podium as Crouser became the first shot putter to ever win three Olympic gold medals.

It was a crowning achievement for Crouser, 31, who grew up with a family of field event standouts from javelin throwers to discus throwers and, of course, shot putters. His father Mitch is his coach, and grandfather Larry ignited Ryan’s passion for the sport 20 years ago with a backyard sandpit.

‘He’s been in my thoughts quite a bit. I lost him right before Tokyo (Olympics in 2021). To have my family here, I think means a lot. Throwing is something that’s kind of united my family since I was little. My uncle was on the ’92 Olympic team. The year I was born, he was in the Olympics,’ Crouser said. ‘To have them all here means so much to me, and my grandpa passing away right before Tokyo, that was an emotional time for me then. Overcoming all the stuff I’ve had this season just trying to stay positive and find a way to keep moving forward, he’s been with me every step of the way.’

2024 Olympic medals: Who is leading the medal count? Follow along as we track the medals for every sport.

As for the rest of the Crouser clan, they were in attendance Saturday night to watch Ryan make shot put history. Where else would they be? After a tenuous elbow injury limited Crouser’s training for the Paris Games, there was plenty of drama involved. Crouser took gold in the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro and again in the Tokyo Games — winning three consecutive golds in the event was unprecedented.

And for his relatives, Paris was a fine getaway to boot.

‘They’ve been running around Paris and having all the fun. I’ve been training and hanging out in the village just killing time and waiting to compete. They’ve been taking cooking classes and seeing the Eiffel Tower,’ Crouser said with a laugh. ‘I’m a little jealous. I’m looking forward to spending some time with them.’

He’s got plenty of time to celebrate, but Crouser has made the decision to shoot for a new goal: winning a fourth consecutive gold medal in shot put at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. There was a time when he planned to switch disciplines to the discus throw post-Paris, but the allure of taking one more crack at shot put gold proved too attractive. He fully intends to pick up the discus again − he’s not thrown discus competitively since his days at the University of Texas − but he’s keeping the shot put at the center of his plans.

‘I’m at the point in my career where I can’t take away too much from shot. It’s a bit of walking a tight rope. I’d like to throw discus but I can’t take away too much from shot. The goal for me would be to retire in 2028 as an American retiring on American soil at an American Olympics. (That) would be a dream come true,’ Crouser said. ‘… I don’t know if we’ll see a full commitment to discus. I’ll want to do some meets and throw it a little bit, but shot is where I’m going to hang my shoes up in ’28.’

And he’ll take Larry Crouser with him to L.A., too.

Reach Tuscaloosa News columnist Chase Goodbread at cgoodbread@gannett.com. Follow on X: @chasegoodbread.

Terence Crawford beat Israil Madrimov by unanimous decision Saturday night and won the WBA super welterweight title, meaning he’s now won world boxing championships in four weight divisions.

But it was closer than expected.

The judges scored it 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113 in Crawford’s favor. It was the first time in 12 fights Crawford did not win by stoppage, a streak dating back to 2016. 

“Israil was a tough competitor,’’ Crawford said. “… Real strong, durable. Took a lot of good shots.’’

There were no knockdowns and neither fighter ever looked seriously hurt in a fight that seemed to lack explosive exchanges or memorable punches.

Madrimov said he thought he did enough to win.

“I was controlling the rhythm and I felt very comfortable inside the ring,’’ he said through a translator. “I believe I did really well and that at least I deserve the rematch.’’

Crawford, 36, improved to 41-0. Madrimov, the 29-year-old from Uzbekistan, suffered his first defeat as a pro. He fell to 10-1-1.

Check out the round-by-round analysis of the Crawford-Madrimov fight from USA TODAY Sports’ Josh Peter:

Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov fight: Round-by-round analysis

Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, Round 1

Crawford fires a couple of jabs but not much happening early. Fighters circling, with Madrimov in stalking position. He fires a right to the body. It’s a tentative start. Madrimov has Crawford cornered, but he slides free. Crawford connects late. Crawford 10, Madrimov 9.

Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, Round 2

Fighters appear to be loosening up, but no fireworks yet. Crawford using that jab. Madrimov’s gloves mostly holstered. Crawford opens up with a jab and a right, but neither connect with force. Madrimov fires two rights, and Crawford responds with a jab. Zzzzzz. A snoozefest? Crawford lands body shots late to take the round. Crawford 20, Madrimov 18.

Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, Round 3

Crawford opens with a right. But more dancing ensues. Madrimov jabs, and Crawford fires back. Madrimov not going to get KO’d at this rate. Might not land a memorable punch either. Now he’s poking with the jab and throws a right, and Crawford lands an uppercut. Some boos from the crowd. Crawford 30, Madrimov 27.

Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, Round 4

Pace appears to be quickening. ‘Appear’ being the operative word. Madrimov fires a strong right, deflects off Crawford’s glove and maybe sneaks in. Two more rights from Madrimov. Crawford responds with body shots. Fight’s on. Nice exchange, and Madrimov’s right proves effective. Crawford 39, Madrimov 37.

Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, Round 5

Madrimov fires the right early. That’s his go-to punch as he settles in here, and then swings with the left. Now it’s Crawford who’s looking a little tentative, or maybe he’s just struggling to figure out Madrimov’s movement. Crawford hits the canvas, but it’s ruled a trip. Madrimov appears to be in control as he throws an overhand right. Crawford 48, Madrimov 47.

Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, Round 6

Madrimov’s odd movement seems to be vexing Crawford. Still looking tentative. Crawford opens up, strikes with a jab, but it’s Madrimov who’s mostly dictating the action. Crawford closes strong with body shots. Crawford 58, Madrimov 56.

Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, Round 7

Waiting for Crawford to uncoil here, but it’s still Madrimov who looks to be the more confident fighter. Ready for boos from the crowd as the fighters remain largely inactive. Crawford delivers to the body, but not much action. Crawford 68, Madrimov 65.

Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, Round 8

No need to watch grass grow when this fight is available. Will things heat up? Madrimov lunges with a left, then fires two left hooks. Madrimov lands a couple of rights and Crawford fires back as the action heats up, with Madrimov landing another right. Crawford 77, Madrimov 75.

Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, Round 9

Crawford opens with the jab. Madrimov lunges and lands a right. Still more strategy than slugging. A couple of powerful shots from Madrimov. Crawford responds with less-than-memorable jabs. Crawford 86, Madrimov 85.

Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, Round 10

Crawford lands a solid uppercut, and follows up with two jabs and a right. Nice exchange of rights. Crawford 95, Madrimov 95.

Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, Round 11

Neither letting their fists fly with fury. But both land. Madrimov connects with another right. Crawford lands a big left uppercut – maybe his best shot of the night. Crawford 105, Madrimov 104.

Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, Round 12

Madrimov’s face is full of red marks. Crawford’s definitely landed. Crawford showing more aggression. Madrimov living dangerously, with a big swing and a miss. Crawford lands a couple of uppercuts and follows up with a combination. Crawford 115, Madrimov 113.

Eminem performs before Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov

Before the main event, there was the unofficial co-main event – Eminem. Michael Buffer introduced him as a “rap god,’’ but sadly without a guttural “Let’s get ready to rap!’’

How did Eminem end his mini-concert? The outcome was a surer thing than any of the fights on the card. By singing “Lose Yourself,’’ of course. 

Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov draws stars

There were no shortage of celebrities in the crowd, which included Hall of Fame boxers Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran and Julio Cesar Chavez, along with Oscar De La Hoya. Others turning heads: Scottie Pippen, James Harden, Vince Vaughn and Jeremy Piven.

Jose Valenzuela def. Isaac Cruz by split decision: Round-by-round analysis

Valenzuela used his superior boxing skills to defang ‘Pitbull’ Cruz in the 12-round bout and claim Cruz’s WBA championship belt.

It was a highly entertaining contrast in styles, with the pure boxer fending off the brawler.

Two judges scored the fight 116-112 in favor of Valenzuela and the third judge scored the fight 115-113 in favor of Cruz.

Valenzuela, the 25-year-old Mexican, improved to 14-2. Cruz, the 26-year-old Mexican, fell to 26-3-1.

Isaac Cruz vs. Jose Valenzuela, Round 1

Stark difference in height as the 5-foot-4 Cruz and 5-foot-10 Valenzuela move toward the center of the ring. Valenzuela firing jabs in an attempt to keep “Pit Bull’’ Cruz at bay. Good luck with that. Cruz closing the gap and slugging away. Cruz 10, Valenzuela 9. 

Isaac Cruz vs. Jose Valenzuela, Round 2

Cruz on the attack, has Valenzuela pinned in a corner. Ref breaks them up. Moments later, Cruz has Valenzuela in the corner again. Valenzuela finds openings with that jab, but Cruz showing far more aggression. Cruz closes with a flurry. Cruz 20, Valenzuela 18.

Isaac Cruz vs. Jose Valenzuela, Round 3

Valenzuela making good use of the jab and his left. But Cruz is charging forward with his signature aggression. Valenzuela showing more precision. Cruz 29, Valenzuela 28.

Isaac Cruz vs. Jose Valenzuela, Round 4

Valenzuela is leaning on his exceptional boxing skills and Cruz is powering forward. A great contrast in styles. And it’s Valenzuela’s style producing in this round. Cruz 38, Valenzuela 38.

Isaac Cruz vs. Jose Valenzuela, Round 5

Valenzuela looking more assertive and connecting. Cruz looking bewildered and showing less aggression. Valenzuela 48, Cruz 47.

Isaac Cruz vs. Jose Valenzuela, Round 6

Valenzuela showing poise. Cruz marching forward, but mostly swinging and missing. Wow, that Cruz right landed. An impressive exchange follows. Valenzuela 58, Cruz 56.

Isaac Cruz vs. Jose Valenzuela, Round 7

Valenzuela stalking, a stunning development against the ‘Pitbull,’ and he lands an uppercut. Showing good footwork, too. But Cruz now landing punches with authority and corners Valenzuela. Valenzuela 67, Cruz 66.

Isaac Cruz vs. Jose Valenzuela, Round 8

Cruz digging in with body shots. But Valenzuela effectively minimizing the damage by keeping Cruz at bay. Valenzuela 77, Cruz 75.

Isaac Cruz vs. Jose Valenzuela, Round 9

Cruz exhibiting his signature aggression again. But Valenzuela stands his ground and fires back with impressive technique. Valenzuela takes a low blow. Gonna need a minute here. He’s ready to go and closes the round strong. Valenzuela 87, Cruz 84.

Isaac Cruz vs. Jose Valenzuela, Round 10

Valenzuela is a tactician, using his jab and fending off Cruz. Cruz lacking the ferocity for which he’s known. Valenzuela 97, Cruz 93.

Isaac Cruz vs. Jose Valenzuela, Round 11

Valenzuela is absorbing Cruz’s best shots and standing his ground. The pure boxer is defanging the Pitbull. Big exchange, and Valenzuela emerges unscathed. Cruz lands some huge shots as the round ends. Valenzuela 106, Cruz 103.

Isaac Cruz vs. Jose Valenzuela, Round 12

Cruz digs into the body as he closes the gap. Valenzuela trying to use his jab to keep Cruz at bay and avoid the power shots. But Cruz lands a big right. Two minutes to survive as Cruz fires away. Now Valenzuela fires back, with perhaps a good offense the best defense. Valenzuela 115, Cruz 113.

Isaac Cruz vs. Jose Valenzuela fighter records

Isaac Cruz is 26-2-1 with 18 KOs. Jose Valenzuela is 13-2 with 9 KOs.

Andy Ruiz Jr. and Jarrell Miller fight to a majority draw

Ruiz and Miller slugged it out, and somehow survived 12 rounds of heavyweight action. It ended in exhaustion, and a majority draw.

One judge scored it 116-112 for Miller and two judges scored it 114-114.

Ruiz, back after a two-year layoff, looked fatigued in the late rounds. But Miller struggled to capitalize.

Ruiz, the former unified heavyweight champion, is 35-2-1 with an unclear future. Miller, a 36-year-old native of Belize, is 26-1-2.

Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Jarrell Miller, heavyweight

(Scheduled for 12 rounds)

Round 1: A combined 579 pounds rumbles toward the center of the ring, with Ruiz having weighed in at 274 pounds and Miller having weighed in at 305 pounds. Sluggish start, although Ruiz lands a few jabs to the body and then throws an overhand right that’s blocked as he goes back to the jab and delivers a powerful left and right as the round ends. Ruiz 10, Miller 9. 

Round 2: Ruiz delivers a whistling left, evidence of his signature hand speed. Follows up with a right as he dictates the action. Hello, Jarrell Miller! He finally connects, with a big right. Ruiz responds with punches from both hands. Ruiz 20, Miller 18. 

Round 3: Miller pressing the action now. Ruiz backing up but still firing – and effectively. Ruiz drilling Miller, who comes alive. Big guys start to slug away. Ruiz 30, Miller 27.

Round 4: Miller stalks again, and Ruiz going with the flow while landing body shots. Fights off Miller with the jab. Miller working the body, but nothing jarring. Ruiz 40, Miller 36.

Round 5: Miller out aggressive again and now unloading more punches than in the earlier rounds. Ruiz takes an elbow to the cheek, and now he absorbs some massive body shots. More body blows. Big exchange at the end of the round! Ruiz 49, Miller 46. 

Round 6: Miller willing to absorb Ruiz’s punches as he moves forward, with momentum. Miller is landing cleaner shots than Ruiz. Ruiz 58, Miller 56.

Round 7: Miller exuding confidence as he continues to stalk and land. Ruiz’s punches appear to have lost their snap, and his gloves have dropped dangerously low. Ruiz 67, Miller 66.

Round 8: Ruiz firing but no thunderbolts. Miller methodically looking for openings. Too methodically. But he finishes fast with a flurry in the corner. Ruiz 76, Miller 76.

Round 9: Ruiz loads up with a right and grazes Miller’s head. He looks like he may have regained some power. Big shots from Miller in the corner. Ruiz 86, Miller 85.

Round 10: Miller lands two big shots and may be wearing down Ruiz. Two rights from Ruiz, but here comes Miller again. Scores with a couple of jabs as he backs up Ruiz into a corner. Ruiz 95, Miller 95.

Round 11: Massive shots exchanged, and it’s Miller who’s moving forward. Ruiz looking for the KO shot, but Miller does not look vulnerable. Miller 105, Ruiz 104.

Round 12: Miller connects with a flurry, and Ruiz responds with big shots. They’re gonna slug it out here. Miller closing with a flurry again. Amazing to see these two go the distance. Miller 115, Ruiz 113. 

Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Jarrell Miller fighter records

Andy Ruiz is 35-2 with 22 KOs. Jarrell Miller is 26-1-1 with 22 KOs.

Martin Bakole def. Jared Anderson by TKO

Bakole almost jiggled as he stepped into the ring. Beneath the flab is massive power.

Bakole, born on the Congo, knocked down Anderson three times and once through the ropes. A final barrage of punches prompted the referee to stop the heavyweight fight in the fifth round.

Bakole, 31, improved to 21-1. Anderson, 24, suffered his first loss and fell to 17-1.

Jared Anderson vs. Martin Bakole, heavyweight

(Scheduled for 12 rounds)

Round 1: Bakole looks flabby and Anderson chiseled. Let’s see if it matters. Despite a paunch, Bakole looks quick enough with the jab. Anderson connects with body shots, then snaps back Bakole’s head. Bakole lands a brutal uppercut and drops Anderson with a powerful right! Anderson is up and survives the round. Bakole 10, Anderson 8.

Round 2: Bakole happily absorbing Anderson’s punches as he looks to deliver his thunderous right. Looks dangerous as he unloads even though Anderson connects. Bakole looks comfortable and confident as he fires with both hands. His punches are whistling. Bakole 20, Anderson 17.

Round 3: Bakole lands a massive left and Anderson simply does not have the power to keep Bakole at bay. Anderson active but still looks vulnerable. A huge left uppercut from Bakole and all over Anderson. Anderson fighting back and attacking Bakole’s body. Bakole 30, Anderson 26.

Round 4: Bakoke lands two sweep lefts out of the gates. Anderson somehow absorbing the power and firing back. Bakole coming with the heat again. Bakole 40, Anderson 35.

Round 5: Anderson stings Bakole with a right and shows a willingness to stand in there despite inevitable punishment. Down goes Anderson again! He’s back on his feet and beats the count, but he’s in trouble. Bakole drops Anderson again and wants more. It doesn’t last long, with Bakole unloading as the referee stops the fight! Bakole by TKO!

David Morrell def. Radivoje Kalajdzic by unanimous decision

Morrell displayed superior power, negating Kalajdzic’s steady jab and won the WBA light heavyweight fight.

Kalajdzic absorbed Morrell’s best shots and connected frequently with his jab during the 12-round bout. The judges were not impressed.

They scored it 118-110, 117-111, 117-111.

Morrell, a 26-year-old Cuban, called out heavy-hitting, undefeated light heavyweight David Benavidez while improving to 11-0. Kalajdzic, a 33-year-old native of Serbia, fell to 29-3.

David Morrell vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic, light heavyweight

(Scheduled for 12 rounds)

Round 1: Kalajdzic playing patty pat with the jab, and Morrell firing with more force and delivers with a solid left. Now Kalajdzic ramps up the power with his jab. Morrell’s punches carrying more force. Morrell 10, Kalajdzic 9.

Round 2: Morrell backs up Kalajdzic in the corner and shows his intent to dictate the action. Throwing the left with effectiveness as he backs down Kalajdzic. Kalajdzic coming alive, but too late to win the round as Morrell fires back. Morrell 20, Kalajdzic 18. 

Round 3: Kalajdzic testing Morrell with the jab. Morrell eats a couple and walks through them before landing an assortment of punches. Drilling Kalajdzic as the round comes to a close. Morrell 30, Kalajdzic 27.

Round 4: Kalajdzic firing a jab that’s no real deterrent for Morrell. Now lands a right and a combination. Morrell all but scoffs as he moves forward, but Kalajdzic is far more active in this round. Morrell 39, Kalajdzic 37.

Round 5: Morrell back on the offensive, but Kalajdzic stands his ground and slows Morrell. Morrell picking up the pace here. But Kalajdzic holding his ground. Morrell 48, Kalajdzic 47.

Round 6: Morrell backs up Kalajdzic and is digging into the body. Showing more control. Morrell 58, Kalajdzic 56.

Round 7: Kalajdzic stalks as the round opens, firing that jab. Connects with a solid right and Morrell showing less confidence than earlier in the fight. Kalajdzic firing and landing with both hands. Morrell unloads but too late to win the round. Morrell 67, Kalajdzic 66.

Round 8: Kalajdzic bouncing on his feet as the round opens. But Morrell staggers him with a right hook and he’s on the attack. Morrell ate a big right, but still comes forward. Kalajdzic connects with a series of jabs again. Morrell 77, Kalajdzic 75. 

Round 9: Kalazjdzic looks lively as he fires jabs and the right. Morrell lands with less frequency but more power. Kalazjdzic now connecting with both hands. Morrell comes alive late. Too late. Morrell 86, Kalazjdzic 85.

Round 10: Kalajdzic showing no fear against the harder puncher. Outpunching Morrell, who shows surprisingly little aggression in that round. Morrell 95, Kalajdzic 95.

Round 11: Morrell moving forward and lands an uppercut. Stalking and firing away with the aggression he showed earlier. But Morrell gets hit with a stinging right followed by a combination. Kalajdzic 105, Morrell 104.

Round 12: Morrell exhibits some flashy footwork, then starts to muscle in. Delivers the left with power. Morrell gets hit with a low blow and quickly shakes it off. Punishes Kalajdzic with a body shot and closes with flair. Morrell 114, Kalajdzic 114.

Andy Cruz def. Antonio Moran by KO

Cruz weathered Moran’s aggressive style and responded with power and precision during lightweight fight. The knockout punch came in the seventh round. The ropes saved Moran but the referee waved off the fight. 

Cruz entered the fight with only three pro bouts against a veteran of 37 fights. But Cruz, a 28-year-old Cuban, showed why he’s such a promising prospect.

Andy Cruz vs. Antonio Moran, lightweight

(Scheduled for 10 rounds)

Round 1: Moran comes out firing with the jab. Slips while evading a Cruz jab but on his feet while Cruz turns more aggressive. But now it’s Moran stalking as the round comes to a close. Moran 10, Cruz 9.

Round 2: Moran aggressive again and walks into a left hand. Cruz scores with the jab and the two boxers are active early, and Cruz turns up the heat. Moran 19, Nelson 19. 

Round 3: Moran charges forward, intent on taking the fight to Cruz despite opening himself up to Cruz’s effective counterpunching. Cruz delivers a stinging right to the head. Moran stands his ground and eats Cruz’s punches as a result. Cruz 29, Moran 28.

Round 4: Moran staying active, but it’s Cruz with the power and precision. Moran again stalking. Nails Cruz with a left hook and Cruz may be shaken. Moran 38, Cruz 38.

Round 5: Cruz looks solid despite absorbing a hard shot at the end of the fourth round. But Moran punishes Cruz with body shots. Impressive exchanges, both boxers flashing power. Cruz 48, Moran 47.

Round 6: Moran comes out on the attack, absorbing Cruz’s punches and moving forward as he unleashes his own. Cruz finds his range again and is moving forward. Cruz 58, Moran 56.

Round 7: Moran still showing aggression.  But Cruz rocks Moran with a jab, and Moran somehow stays on his feet. Cruz could smell blood. Cruz delivers a massive right. The ropes save Moran, but it’s over! The referee stops the fight. Cruz by KO. 

Steven Nelson def. Marcos Ramon Vazquez by KO

Nelson, 36, looked focused in scoring a fifth-round TKO victory over Vazquez. He dropped Vazquez twice in the third round and finished him off in the fifth.

Nelson improved to 20-0 and Vazquez fell to 20-1-1.

Steven Nelson vs. Marcos Ramon Vazquez, super middleweight

(Scheduled for 10 rounds)

Round 1: Nelson comes out wearing sagging boxing trunks that reveal boxer shorts. Fashion statement? No statement yet with his fists. But he’s stalking and picking up steam as the round ends. Nelson 10, Vazquez 9.

Round 2: Vazquez shows more aggressiveness and delivers a couple of lefts, but Nelson fires back with body shots. Competitive round, but Nelson still the aggressor. Vazquez finishes strong, landing a couple of lefts. Nelson 19, Vasquez 19.

Round 3: Nelson still the aggressor, but Vazquez responds with effective counterpunching. That left is stinging. But here comes Nelson, cornering Vazquez and dropping him. But the referee calls it a head butt and waves it off. (That’s overruled by video replay after the round.) Now he’s down again but beats the count. Vazquez survives the round – barely. Nelson 29, Vazquez 26.

Round 4: Vazquez looks fairly steady on his feet despite the two knockdowns. But here comes Nelson, stuffing him in a corner and unloading. Delivers a huge uppercut. The onslaught is on. Nelson 39, Vazquez 35.

Round 5: Nelson showboating a bit as he fires the right, and he drops Vazquez a third time! And it’s over! It’s Nelson by TKO!

Ziyad Almaayouf and Michael Bulik fight to majority draw

Bulik, who entered the fight with a 6-7 record and having lost five in a row, was laughing in the ring before the introductions. Maybe he knew something we didn’t before facing off with Ziyad Almaayouf, who entered with a 5-0 record.

Bulik fought Almaayouf to a majority draw.

One judge scored the six-round welterweight bout 59-55 in favor of Bulik and the other two scored it 57-57.

Ziyad Almaayouf vs. Michal Bulik, welterweight

(Scheduled for six rounds)

Round 1: Almaayouf comes out aggressive with the jab and lands a solid right early. Bulik responds with jabs of his own. Almaayouf showing superior quickness and agility. Almaayouf 10, Bulik 9. 

Round 2: Almaayouf comes out the aggressor, but Bulik not surrendering ground. Now Almaayouf smothering Bulik on the ropes before Bulik escapes. And here comes Bulik, landing a left despite some awkward style. Almaayouf 19, Bulik 19.

Round 3: This videotape isn’t going to the Hall of Fame, but it’s a competitive fight. Almaayouf charging forward and Bulik fights him off with counterpunching.  They’re mixing it up now, with Almaayouf still dictating the action. Almaayouf 29, Bulik 28. 

Round 4: More of the same, Almaayouf aggressive and Bulik fighting him off. Almaayouf landing combinations now. Almaayouf digging into the body, then draws blood from Bulik’s nose. Almaayouf 39, Bulik 37.

Round 5: Bulik winning exchanges and draws blood from Almaayouf’s nose. Almaayouf’s absorbing too many left hands. Almaayouf loses mouthpiece for the second time in the fight. May be trying to buy time. Almaayouf 48, Bulik 47.

Round 6: Boxers slugging away, clearly knowing the outcome’s hanging in the balance. Fists flying as the end of the round nears and the tanks empty. Almaayouf leaking blood from his mouth and nose as the fight ends. Almaayouf 58, Bulik 56.

Terence Crawford eyeing Canelo Alvarez

Crawford is moving up to 154 pounds for the fight against Israil Madrimov and he’ll gladly beef up by another 14 pounds. That would get him to 168, where he’ll likely need to be to lure Canelo Alvarez into the ring.

“That would be the legacy defining fight to take me to one of the greats of all time,’’ Crawford told DAZN.

Crawford started his pro career at 135 pounds and tonight has a chance to win a world title at a fourth different weight division.

Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov full fight card

Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov, super welterweight

Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Jarrell Miller, heavyweight

Jared Anderson vs. Martin Bakole, heavyweight

Isaac Cruz vs. Jose Valenzuela, super lightweight

David Morrell vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic, light heavyweight

Andy Cruz vs. Antonio Moran, lightweight

Steven Nelson vs. Marcos Ramon Vazquez, super middleweight

Ziyad Almaayouf vs. Michal Bulik, welterweight

Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov fight time

The PPV card starts at 4:30 p.m. ET.

How to watch Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov

The fight is available on DAZN for $79.99 plus a one-month subscription.

Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov predictions

Tom Gray, The Sporting News: Because Madrimov is not a household name, many fans and experts will write him off. That’s a mistake because this is a tougher challenge for Crawford than Errol Spence, stylistically and physically, so don’t be looking for an early night. Prediction: Crawford by unanimous decision.

Brent Brookhouse, CBS Sports: Madrimov likely will have some success at times in the early rounds before Crawford locks in his plan of attack and takes over. Once Crawford gets rolling, it’s nearly impossible to stop that momentum. Prediction: Crawford by TKO in Round 8.

Norman Frauenheim, The Ring: There’s a lot to like about Israil Madrimov, a versatile fighter who celebrates victories with a back flip. But there’ll be no back flip this time, not against Crawford. Prediction: Crawford, TKO in Round 11.

Josh Peter, USA TODAY Sports: Madrimov gets off to a strong start. And finishes strong, too. Prediction: Madrimov by unanimous decision.

How old is Terence Crawford?

36

How old is Israil Madrimov?

29

Terence Crawford boxing record

40-0 with 31 KOs

Israil Madrimov boxing record

10-0-1 with 7 KOs

How tall is Terence Crawford?

5-foot-8

How much does Terence Crawford weigh?

He weighed in at 153.4 pounds.

Did Terence Crawford compete at the Olympics?

He lost in the 2008 U.S. Olympic trials despite being the No. 1 ranked amateur lightweight in the United States at the time.

Will Terence Crawford walk out with Eminem?

Eminem walked out Crawford for his fight against Errol Spence Jr. last year. Considering Crawford demolished Spencer and won by TKO, don’t be surprised to see Eminem again Saturday night.

Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov odds

DraftKings: Crawford -700 favorite, Madrimov +475 underdog
FuelDuel: Crawford -770, Madrimov +480
BETMGM: Crawford -700, Madrimov +425

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