Ready for Battle: Israil Madrimov Preps for Vergeil Ortiz Jr.
Israil Madrimov is more than ready to face off against WBC interim junior middleweight champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. on The Last Crescendo card in Riyadh on February 22nd. The former WBA 154-lb champion, known for his fluid movement and quick combinations, has been training intensely and showcasing his skills in promotional videos. Madrimov, with a career record of 10-1-1 and 7 KOs, brings a unique fighting style that could pose significant challenges for Ortiz Jr., who boasts an impressive 22-0 record with 21 KOs.
Emulating the "Little GGG" Style
Madrimov’s awkward style and mobility are the hallmarks of his fighting approach. However, to secure a decision win against the formidable Ortiz Jr., he will need to be more aggressive and willing to engage in a brawl. In his last fight against Terence Crawford, Madrimov, despite having the advantages of youth, power, size, and mobility, was outworked in the later rounds. Crawford’s activity in rounds 9 through 12 ultimately secured the unanimous decision in his favor. Nicknamed ‘Little GGG’ after the legendary Gennadiy Golovkin, Madrimov must adopt a more assertive and relentless fighting style to keep up with Ortiz Jr.’s high output and activity level.
Learning from Past Mistakes
Madrimov’s performance against Crawford highlights the critical importance of maintaining a high volume of punches throughout the fight. He was visibly less active in the second half of the contest, which cost him the decision. While he had the physical advantages, Madrimov’s failure to make adjustments and increase his offensive output in the later rounds was a crucial oversight. This time around, Madrimov must be more proactive in his approach. He should be able to identify and adapt to the flaws in his game, as experience and awareness are key to improvement. Unlike Crawford, Ortiz Jr. is not as technically sophisticated, which could work in Madrimov’s favor if he can capitalize on this and stay active.
The Power to Surprise
If Madrimov can channel the aggressive and powerful style of Gennadiy Golovkin, he has a real chance to shock Ortiz Jr. with knockdowns or even a knockout. Ortiz Jr. recently endured a grueling fight against Serhii Bohachuk on August 10th, where he was dropped twice. The toll of that fight might have left Ortiz Jr. vulnerable, and Madrimov’s single-shot power could exploit this weakness. Fans have speculated that Ortiz Jr. should have lost that fight due to being outpunched, suggesting that he might be more susceptible to powerful, well-timed shots. Madrimov’s potential to deliver such devastating blows could be the key to victory.
Intensive Training and Resolve
Madrimov’s dedication to his training is evident in the gym, where he has been working tirelessly to prepare for his upcoming bout. His commitment and focus are reflected in the promotional videos that have been circulating, showing him in top form and ready for the challenge. The Last Crescendo event in Riyadh promises to be a spectacle of world-class boxing, and Madrimov is determined to make the most of this opportunity. His hard work and determination are clear, and he is leaving no stone unturned in his preparation.
The Road to Redemption
For Israil Madrimov, this fight represents a chance at redemption and a path back to the top of the junior middleweight division. His loss to Crawford, while close, was a wake-up call that he must be more aggressive and proactive in the ring. By emulating the relentless and powerful style of Gennadiy Golovkin, Madrimov can level the playing field against the highly touted Ortiz Jr. The stage is set for a thrilling bout, and the boxing world will be watching closely to see if Madrimov can rise to the occasion and secure a statement victory.
