ISRAIL Madrimov’s next few months are already planned and the former WBA super-welterweight champion is not waiting. Madrimov will meet WBC Interim 154-pound titleholder Vergil Ortiz Jr on February 22 in Riyadh.
This is provided it passes an initial test, also in Riyadh, on December 21. This December clash, in just a few weeks as part of the Usyk-Fury rematch, is no small feat as he faces the man Ortiz brought down the belt in the first place: Serhii Bohachuk.
If Madrimov can defeat Bohachuk and then box Ortiz as officially planned, then in the space of just seven months he will have entertained Terence Crawford, Bohachuk and Ortiz in a spectacular span. Getting to Ortiz is one thing, but how much Madrimov will have left in the tank by that point (about two months to the day) remains to be seen.
All-action Bohachuk is a heavy pressure fighter who does not know how to back down and retreat. When Ortiz dethroned him, the Texas Tornado had to dig deep, negotiate after two trips to the canvas in the first and eighth rounds and fight for a decision victory consisting of a 113-113 scorecard plus two 114- 112. favor. Madrymov has been warned.
The former king of Uzbekistan has now stepped in when others have gone mad and mad. Ortiz was originally scheduled to box Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis before Philadelphia, rather than engage in an extended period of introspection about retaining his IBF welterweight belt for Christmas.
Undefeated Puerto Rican Xander Zayas has also thrown his hat into the ring as a possible future opponent for Ortiz. There should be plenty of options for every willing and able body before and after February 22nd. Madrimov will be willing, but whether he will still be able to deliver after such a punishment remains to be seen.
