Israil Madrimov vs Vergil Ortiz Jr. is Worth a Look
Newly crowned WBA junior middleweight champion Israil “The Dream” Madrimov (10-0-1, 7KO) is hunting for more titles and wants to become the undisputed champion. However, with all the titles tied up, he could face knockout artist Vergil Ortiz Jr. (20-0, 20KO) next.
The Dream entered the ring with destruction on his mind against Magomed Kurbanov on March 8. With all the boxing community’s attention, he put on a tremendous performance en route to scoring a fifth-round stoppage.
After failing to land a fight with then undisputed champion Jermell Charlo, the Uzbekistani still managed to become a champion. Looking to become undisputed, the WBA champion expressed a desire to collect more belts.
“I need four more titles.”
A POSSIBLE NEXT OPPONENT
He could be waiting for a unification for some time as the belts are tied up at the moment. WBO champion Tim Tszyu is fighting former unified welterweight champion Keith Thurman while the WBC and WBA belts are vacant. However, a fight with Ortiz could be a big fight worth looking into.
The Texan’s health issues seem to be a thing of the past now that he is competing in a new division. Ranked number three by the WBA, he will undoubtedly be bumped to the top slot.
Ortiz was going to fight for the WBA Regular welterweight title before health issues arose. In his last tour of duty in the ring, he successfully stopped Fredrick Lawson in his junior middleweight debut.
THEIR STYLES MAKE FOR A POTENTIALLY GOOD FIGHT
If this fight gets made, it would be a fan-friendly affair as both men have aggressive styles. Ortiz isn’t just a power puncher who looks to land one shot. He has improved on putting punches together while working behind the jab.
The Dream’s movement and punch variation is a problem for anyone. Plus, he has power in both hands and does a good job of hiding his offense. Neither man believes in taking a step back, which is a recipe for a thrilling battle.
This is one of those fights that fans know going in there is a high probability someone is going to get stopped.
