Terence Crawford called for a super-fight with Canelo Alvarez after he became a four-weight world champion on Saturday night.

Crawford, 36, has not been shy in making his intentions clear that he wants to get in the ring with the Mexican superstar, but he first had to deal with Uzbekistan’s Israil Madrimov as he stepped up to the super-welterweight division for the first time.

In a cagey, tactical battle, Crawford did just enough to get his hand raised with the judges scoring the bout 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113 in his favour.

Following his victory, Crawford set his sights on Canelo once more in his in-ring interview.

‘If the money is right, you’ve got to fight,’ Crawford said, hinting that a big offer will be sent Canelo’s way shortly.

Terence Crawford became a four-weight world champion on Saturday night
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Terence Crawford became a four-weight world champion on Saturday night

Crawford edged past Israil Madrimov (right) by a close unanimous decision
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Crawford edged past Israil Madrimov (right) by a close unanimous decision

After his win, Crawford called for a super-fight with Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez
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After his win, Crawford called for a super-fight with Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez

Asked why it was important for him to finally face Canelo, Crawford added: ‘It’s not so important to me. It’s just another milestone to greatness I suppose, and financially-wise!’

Madrimov caused Crawford some problems during the fight, pushing the American all the way to the final bell.

A fight between Crawford and Canelo would likely take place at the super-middleweight limit of 168lbs, given this is the weight class Canelo has operated in over the past few years.

Crawford won his first world title at lightweight, and some may be wondering whether his issues with Madrimov indicated that he has reached the maximum weight limit that he can be competitive in.

But the undefeated Crawford insisted he is not concerned about potentially moving up another two divisions.

‘Not at all [worried about moving up] because I’m pretty sure this guy [Madrimov] could fight at 160,’ Crawford explained.

‘This guy is big. In the amateurs he fought at a higher weight than he is now and he was very competitive.’

Canelo already had his next fight lined up, with the 34-year-old due to take on rising star Edgar Berlanga in Las Vegas on September 14.

But a win in that fight could set up a showdown with Crawford in a fight that could determine the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet.