Israil Madrimov is risking a lot against Emmany Kalombo!
Undefeated junior middleweight fighters Israil “The Dream” Madrimov (6-0, 5ko), and hard-punching Emmany “The General” Kalombo (14-0, 14ko) will face off in Uzbekastan on the undercard of Murodjon Akhmadaliev vs Ryosuke Iwasa’s super bantamweight title bout. This fight is significant since both are undefeated, both are on the fast-track in their careers and both pack some serious power!
This bout is a good example of how deep the talent pool goes in a division ruled by unified champion Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo. Madrimov is ranked number #1 by the WBA and he is putting a lot on the line facing the non-ranked knockout artist with a perfect record in Kalombo.
The General is a 28 year-old fighter from the Democratic Republic of Congo. He only had six amateur fights before turning professional in August 2015. Moreover, he has steamrolled over every opponent by knockout! Team Kalombo hinted towards a slow bring along process due to the lack of amateur experience. However, his win over Daniel Lartey for the vacant WBO Africa title in December 2019 has them singing a different tune and may believe now is the time to strike.
Madrimov is a well-accomplished amateur fighter with over three hundred and thirty fights. He won gold medals in both the 2017 and 2018 Asian games. Furthermore, the 26 year-old Uzbek competed in the World Series of Boxing with a record of 5-1. This included a win over 2016 Olympic Gold medalist Arlen Lopes. That victory earned him the WSB fighter of the week honors.
The Dream entered the professional ranks in 2018, and he won the WBA Inter-Continental junior middleweight title in his second professional fight. Equally important, he can crack, having knocked out all but one of his first six opponent. British promoter Eddie Hearn recognized the young man’s potential and immediately signed him to a co-promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing soon after his pro debut.
INTERESTING FACTS
Kalombo has knocked out two undefeated fighters in the past. He will be returning to the ring for the first time since 2019. Madrimov will be extra amped fighting in his home country of Uzbekistan for the first time in his professional career; alongside some of his former amateur teammates.
Both men can end a fight with only one punch and with the possibility of a championship opportunity being on the line, this fight has all the ingredients of stealing the show.
Catch Madrimov vs Kalombo April 3 LIVE on DAZN with the card starting at 10:00 AM ET.
By: Garrisson Bland
