Vergil Ortiz Jr. Sets His Sights on Madrimov
Vergil Ortiz Jr., the undefeated WBC interim 154-lb champion, is gearing up for a challenging fight against former WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov. Ortiz Jr., known for his knockout power and dynamic fighting style, has an impressive record of 21-0 with 20 knockouts. He expressed that one of the main reasons he chose to fight Madrimov is because of their shared history. "I’ve had a few sparring sessions with Israil, and they were really fun," Ortiz Jr. told DAZN Boxing. "I felt that it would be entertaining for the fans to see us in the ring, not just in the gym. It’s a different kind of excitement."
Fan-Friendly Fight on a Star-Studded Card
The highly anticipated bout is scheduled for February 22nd, on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event will be broadcast live on DAZN PPV, offering boxing fans an action-packed night. Despite the caliber of the Ortiz Jr. vs. Madrimov fight, organizers have placed it as the third bout on the undercard, which has raised some eyebrows. The decision to prioritize the UK audience by placing Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph Parker and Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah Sheeraz ahead of Ortiz Jr. and Madrimov reflects the event’s strategic focus on regional appeal.
Madrimov’s Recent Performance
Madrimov, currently 10-1-1 with 7 knockouts, is no stranger to high-stakes competition. His most recent fight against Terence Crawford on August 3rd in Los Angeles was a testament to his skill and resilience. "Madrimov is putting pressure on Crawford, and Crawford is waiting for an opening," Ortiz Jr. noted, re-watching the bout. "He just got caught with a right hand, though." Madrimov’s defensive prowess was evident, as he managed to limit Crawford’s effectiveness and even put up a strong challenge. "I thought Crawford was going to win more decisively, but Madrimov did a really good job of taking away what Crawford does best," Ortiz Jr. added. Crawford’s narrow victory over Madrimov highlighted the Uzbek fighter’s power and technical acumen.
Ortiz Jr.’s Battle Plan
Ortiz Jr. is well aware of the challenge Madrimov presents. "I haven’t studied the fight yet, but I will," he said. "The thing is, me and Crawford are two completely different fighters. Even if we fought the same, Madrimov is going to approach it differently." Ortiz Jr. had predicted an easy win for Crawford, but the close contest surprised him. "Madrimov is too powerful and technically sound for Crawford to get away with the same things he did against Errol Spence," he observed. This realization has orchestrated a different strategy for Ortiz Jr., who is preparing for a fight that will test his mettle.
A History of Friendly Sparring
The sparring sessions between Ortiz Jr. and Madrimov have been instrumental in shaping Ortiz Jr.’s decision to take on this fight. "I remember a lot from our sparring sessions. It was a fun experience, and that’s one of the reasons I took the fight," Ortiz Jr. explained. "It’s a hard fight, a different fight, and I know the fans will be entertained with it." The camaraderie and mutual respect between the two fighters add an intriguing layer to their upcoming matchup. Fans can expect a clash that is both competitive and exciting, with both boxers pushing each other to their limits.
Preparing for a Thrilling Bout
As the February 22nd date approaches, Vergil Ortiz Jr. is focusing on his training and mental preparation. The event’s organizers may have placed his bout lower on the card, but Ortiz Jr.’s confidence and the fans’ anticipation ensure that he and Madrimov will steal the show. "I’m ready to put on a performance that will make everyone forget about the order of the fights," Ortiz Jr. concluded. The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh is set to witness a clash of titans, with both fighters eager to make their mark in the boxing world. Whether it’s for the entertainment value or the sheer competition, the Ortiz Jr. vs. Madrimov fight promises to be a memorable night for boxing enthusiasts.
