ISRAIL Madrimov's next few months are already mapped out and the former WBA super welterweight champion is not hanging around. Madrimov will meet Vergil Ortiz Jr, WBC Interim 154-pound titleholder, on February 22 in Riyadh.
On the condition that he passes a first test, also in Riyadh, on December 21. This December clash, just a few weeks away in the Usyk-Fury rematch, is no small feat, as he faces the man Ortiz. took off the belt first: Serhii Bohachuk.
If Madrimov manages to defeat Bohachuk and then box Ortiz, as officially planned, then in just seven months he will have entertained Terence Crawford, Bohachuk and Ortiz in a spectacular amount of time. Getting to Ortiz is one thing, but it remains to be seen how much Madrimov will have left in the tank by that time (roughly two months later to the day).
Bohachuk all-action is an authoritarian pressure fighter who doesn't know how to get down and back up. When Ortiz dethroned him, the Texas Tornado had to dig deep, negotiate his way past two trips to the canvas in the first and eighth rounds and fight his way to a decisive victory consisting of a scorecard of 113-113 plus two offerings from 114-112 in his service. Madrimov is warned.
The former Uzbek king has now intervened where others dragged and dragged. Ortiz was initially scheduled to box Jaron 'Boots' Ennis before the Philadelphian embarked on a lengthy period of soul-searching over retaining his IBF welterweight belt for Christmas.
Undefeated Puerto Rican Xander Zayas also threw his hat into the ring as a possible future opponent for Ortiz. There should be plenty of options for all willing and able bodies before and after February 22. Madrimov will agree, but it remains to be seen whether he will still be able to deliver on his promises after such a grueling race.
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