Israil Madrimov v Michel Soro Rematch Concludes in Disappointment
As an appetizer to the Chisora versus Pulev main event, super welterweights Israil “The Dream” Madrimov (8-0-1, 6 KO’s) and Michel Soro (35-3-2, 24 KO’s) supplied a critical rematch on the undercard. This was a significant bout for each competitor as it served as WBA 154-pound title eliminator. Cleary the Uzbekistani fighter has been placed on the fast track to success. Having claimed gold medals at the 2017/2018 Asian Games, Madrimov, 27, entered the pro ranks as one promising prospect. Now signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, The Dream, who is ranked #1 (WBA) and #9 (WBC), is already in perfect place to challenge for a title.
Yet, his good times hit somewhat of a rough patch when he last fought Michel Soro, 43, last December. Technically, The Dream walked away with the victory but it was one dripping in controversy. Later, in a fight that most thought he was losing, Madrimov was able to hurt and stop Soro. The controversy enters because the stoppage came after the round was supposed to have concluded. Yet, due to the rowdy crowd at hand. referee Salvador Salva never heard the bell. Thankfully the WBA granted Soro this immediate rematch.
Soro is no stranger to a tough time or being forced to start from scratch. Unfortunately he is not the best known fighter due to staging the majority of his professional bouts in France. Despite this fact, he is an accomplished boxer who fought Zaurbek Baysangurov for the WBO 154-title (2012) and Brain Castano for the WBA Interim super welterweight title (2017). Sadly for Team Soro, he was defeated first by split decision and then unanimous decision. Instead, Soro has gobbled up a number of secondary titles such as the USBA, WBO NABO and WBA gold super welterweight belts.
ONLY FRUSTRATION WINS
The bout opened with a typical feel-out round that saw Madrimov pressing the action by moving forward and bringing the pressure. Soro defended and counterpunched well enough. Nothing of significant note landed for either. Early in the second however, Madrimov caught his repeat foe with a hard, overhand right that put Soro into a defensive mind-state for the remainder of the round. He didn’t look all that hurt by the shot but clearly there was some mental shift.
In the first five seconds of the third, a clash of heads left blood dripping from Soro’s head and immediately caused the fight to be paused. After being examined by the ring doctor, the fight was called to a halt. So, in frustrating fashion, these two fighters still find no real satisfaction. This was compounded by the cut not looking all that bad after being wiped off. It will be interesting to see if they run back this fight which was ultimately ruled a technical draw.
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By: Bakari Simpson
