The Unpredictable Match-Up in Riyadh
This Saturday, February 22nd, on Turki Al-Sheikh’s card in Riyadh, Vergil Ortiz Jr. will face a formidable challenge from the former WBA Junior middleweight champion, Israil Madrimov. Madrimov, known for his technical prowess and power, pushed veteran fighter Terence Crawford to his physical limits in a recent bout, losing by a razor-thin margin. Crawford, a legend in the sport, is renowned for his ability to dismantle opponents with precision and endurance, and the fact that Madrimov managed to keep up with him for 12 rounds speaks volumes about his capability and resilience.
Ortiz Jr.’s Track Record and Challenges
Vergil Ortiz Jr., a 26-year-old sensation with a perfect 22-0 record and 21 knockouts, holds the WBC interim 154-pound title. However, his journey to this bout has been far from smooth. Ortiz Jr. is coming off a grueling fight against Serhii Bohachuk on August 10th last year, which ended in a questionable 12-round majority decision win. The Ukrainian dropped Ortiz Jr. twice and appeared to dominate seven rounds, making a clear case for a loss. Despite this, Ortiz Jr. was awarded the decision by the Nevada judges, a decision that many in the boxing community found controversial. Adding to the controversy, Ortiz Jr. chose not to grant Bohachuk a rematch, a move that raised questions about his willingness to face tough competition.
Madrimov: A Different Level of Opponent
Madrimov’s recent performance against Crawford demonstrates that he is on a different level compared to the opponents Ortiz Jr. has faced in the past. While Ortiz Jr. managed to quickly dispatch the light-hitting, frail Michael McKinson in 2022, Madrimov possesses size, skill, and power reminiscent of Gennady Golovkin. Standing at 6’2" and with a reach of 72 inches, Madrimov’s physical attributes alone make him a formidable challenge. His technical ability, honed through years of high-level competition, means that Ortiz Jr. cannot rely on his usual aggressive, straightforward style to secure a win.
The Importance of Tactical Flexibility
The primitive style that Ortiz Jr. has used throughout his career, characterized by relentless forward pressure and power punches, will likely be a liability against Madrimov. If Ortiz Jr. attempts to walk down Madrimov the way he did McKinson, he will likely pay a steep price. Madrimov’s ability to hurt Crawford, one of the most durable fighters in the sport, suggests that Ortiz Jr.’s chin will be severely tested. Ortiz Jr. will need to show a higher level of tactical flexibility and defensive awareness if he hopes to outmaneuver and outbox Madrimov. A plan B, one that involves more movement, angles, and counterpunching, will be crucial in this contest.
The Pressure in Riyadh
The venue of the fight, Riyadh, adds an additional layer of pressure for Ortiz Jr. Unlike his controversial win in Nevada, where the home crowd and local judges might have been more favorable, the Saudi Arabian audience and officials are likely to be more impartial. This means that if the fight is close, Ortiz Jr. cannot count on the judges to bail him out. He must ensure that he performs at his best and maintains a significant edge throughout the contest. Madrimov, with his better single-punch power and technical skills, is a difficult opponent to outscore, especially if Ortiz Jr. gets caught in a slugfest.
A Moment of Truth
For Vergil Ortiz Jr., this fight is a moment of truth. His career has been marked by impressive knockouts and dominant performances, but his tendency to rely on a predictable, aggressive style has also been a point of criticism. Madrimov’s combination of size, skill, and power presents a puzzle that Ortiz Jr. must solve if he wants to advance his career and solidify his status as a top contender in the junior middleweight division. The outcome of this fight will not only determine the immediate future of his title but also provide a clear indication of whether Ortiz Jr. has the versatility and mental fortitude to overcome the elite fighters in his division. The eyes of the boxing world will be on Riyadh, eagerly awaiting the answers to these questions.
