A Tough Journey Amid Illness
Last Saturday night at The Venue in Riyadh, Israil Madrimov found himself on the wrong side of a 12-round unanimous decision against WBC interim junior middleweight champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. The 29-year-old Uzbek fighter, known for his relentless style and powerful punches, was candid about the challenges he faced, revealing that he was not at full strength due to a lingering illness. Madrimov’s admission adds a layer of complexity to the fight, as it was evident that he was a formidable opponent, even in a compromised state. Despite his condition, Madrimov managed to dominate the first five rounds, showcasing his skill and tenacity. As the fight progressed, however, the toll of his illness began to show, and he struggled to maintain his early momentum. This struggle was palpable in the final seven rounds, where Ortiz Jr. gradually regained control.
The Judge’s Decision and Public Perception
The judges’ scores of 115-113, 115-113, and 117-111 in favor of Ortiz Jr. were met with mixed reactions from the boxing community. Many fans and analysts felt that Madrimov, even while not at his best, had been robbed. The impact of Madrimov’s punches, particularly around Ortiz Jr.’s eyes, was a testament to his power and precision. The sound of these impacts reverberated through the arena, leaving no doubt about the effectiveness of his offense. It is easy to speculate that a healthy Madrimov could have fought to a draw or even secured the win. However, the decision stands, and Ortiz Jr. maintains his undefeated record, albeit with a asterisk of controversy hanging over it.
Madrimov’s Resilience and Future Plans
In a candid interview with Boxing News, Madrimov spoke about the illness that affected his preparation and performance. "In December, I was sick. Two weeks ago, we went to the doctor, and the doctor said I was sick and wasn’t ready for the fight. We didn’t want to cancel the fight because it was a big card. I wanted to show a big fight. This is my job," he explained. Despite the obvious setbacks, Madrimov’s determination is unwavering. He vows to return stronger in a potential rematch, although he acknowledges that the decision to fight while ill was a risk he was willing to take. "Maybe in a rematch, I’ll come back again stronger. I trained hard [in preparation for Ortiz Jr.], but I didn’t feel good. I didn’t want to cancel the fight. So, I risked it," he said. Madrimov sees this setback as a valuable learning experience and remains focused on his future in the sport.
Strategic Mistakes and Lessons Learned
One of the critical mistakes Madrimov made in the fight was his excessive movement in the first six rounds. This strategy, while effective in avoiding Ortiz Jr.’s advances, also drained his energy, which proved to be a significant disadvantage in the later stages of the fight. "A mistake that Israil made in the fight was moving so much in the first six rounds. That appeared to have taken much of the energy out of him, which played in Ortiz Jr’s favor in the second half of the fight," noted a boxing analyst. Madrimov’s corner should have advised him to conserve energy and focus more on his power game. Known as ‘Little GGG’ for his resemblance to Gennady Golovkin in terms of punching power, Madrimov demonstrated his ability to mark up Ortiz Jr.’s face with his potent punches. If he can avoid overworking himself early on, a healthy Madrimov could pose a significant threat to Ortiz Jr. in a future match.
Ortiz Jr.’s reluctance for a Rematch
Vergil Ortiz Jr.’s reaction to the possibility of a rematch with Madrimov is telling. The American champion, who is eyeing a fight against WBC and WBO 154-lb champion Sebastian Fundora, is not keen on facing Madrimov again, especially if the Uzbek fighter is fully recovered. "Even if Ortiz Jr. doesn’t get that fight, he’s NOT going to take a risk against a healthy Madrimov and get the stuffing beaten out of him," an insider revealed. Ortiz Jr. has a reputation for taking calculated risks, and a healthy Madrimov would likely push him out of his comfort zone. His win against Madrimov, however contentious, adds another notch to his belt, and he is content to move on to more significant challenges. The same sentiment applies to his fight with Serhii Bohachuk, where he secured a controversial 12-round majority decision last summer on August 10th. Ortiz Jr. seems to be taking his "wins" any way he can get them, fully aware that his luck with the judges may not always be in his favor.
The Professional Mindset of a Fighter
When asked if he would consider an easier fight for his next bout given the recent tough encounters with Ortiz Jr. and Terence Crawford, Madrimov’s response was characteristically professional. "It’s my job," he said. His attitude reflects a deep commitment to the sport and a willingness to face any challenge, no matter how daunting. Madrimov’s pro debut in a ten-round fight underscores his early dedication and the high level of competition he has faced throughout his career. This mindset is crucial for any aspiring champion, and Madrimov’s resilience and determination to bounce back stronger are traits that will serve him well in the future.
Looking Forward
Madrimov’s journey in boxing is far from over. Despite the recent loss, he has shown the world his potential and the grit to fight through adversity. His next fight will be a crucial step in regaining his momentum and proving that his performance against Ortiz Jr. was indeed hampered by illness. The boxing world will be watching closely to see how a fully recovered Madrimov fares in his future bouts. Until then, the debate over the fairness of the judges’ decision and the potential for a rematch will continue to simmer. Madrimov remains confident and focused, ready to face whatever challenges come his way.
