On a high-stakes night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Vergil Ortiz Jr. (23-0, 21 KOs) faced a formidable challenge in Israil Madrimov (10-2-1, 7 KOs). Emerging as the WBC interim junior middleweight champion, Ortiz Jr. secured a unanimous decision win after a grueling twelve-round bout. While the scoreboard presented a favorable outcome for him, the nuances of the fight revealed a different narrative. Ortiz Jr. ended the night with significant swelling around his eyes, an indication of the punishment he absorbed during the contest. His appearance suggested he had endured a tough battle, underscoring the sheer intensity of the match.
Madrimov showcased remarkable skill during the first half of the fight, utilizing effective movement and power punching. With the ability to outmaneuver Ortiz Jr., he appeared to secure an advantage during the initial rounds. Yet, as the fight progressed into the later stages, Madrimov’s stamina faltered, allowing Ortiz Jr. to seize control and dominate much of the action. This shift was pivotal, with the final judges’ scores reading 115-113, 115-113, and 117-111 in favor of Ortiz Jr., although many observers feel that Madrimov deserved at least a draw, if not a decision win.
Judge’s Controversy and Fight Dynamics
The scoring of the bout has been a point of contention among analysts and fans alike. Many felt that while Ortiz Jr. may have pressured Madrimov, the nature of scoring in boxing often leans towards activity rather than effective punching. It is possible that the judges’ preference for Ortiz Jr.’s forward movement overshadowed the more tactical approach employed by Madrimov. The fight’s dynamic suggests that Ortiz Jr. was initially planted on the defensive, and it wasn’t until later that he mounted any meaningful offensive assault.
Oscar De La Hoya, Ortiz Jr.’s promoter, praised his fighter’s performance but also seemed to overlook significant aspects of the bout, particularly the early struggles that Ortiz Jr. faced. While De La Hoya noted why Ortiz was eventually able to time Madrimov’s movements, he appeared oblivious to the fact that the Mexican-American fighter was absorbing a lot of punishment in the process. This misread of the bout could cause fans to question whether De La Hoya’s perspective might be clouded by promotional obligations rather than an accurate analysis of the fight.
Looking Ahead: Potential Battles and Roadblocks
In the aftermath of the match, discussions surrounding Ortiz Jr.’s future have reignited speculation about potential bouts with high-profile opponents, including Terence Crawford. De La Hoya suggested that new dynamics in boxing promotion, particularly with the involvement of figures like Turki Alalshikh and DAZN, could facilitate the making of high-stakes fights. However, skepticism remains regarding the likelihood of Ortiz Jr. facing Crawford anytime soon.
Given Crawford’s recent financial gains from bouts such as those against Canelo Alvarez, he may be reluctant to risk his purse on a challenging match against a younger and hungry fighter like Ortiz Jr. If Crawford were to fight again, he’d likely want to ensure it comes with a favorable financial incentive. Comparatively, Ortiz Jr. may find himself in a precarious position; striving for big fights yet facing the possibility of stalled negotiations due to financial disparities.
Ultimately, while Ortiz Jr. celebrated a hard-fought victory in his bout against Madrimov, the experience illuminated aspects of his boxing style that could benefit from refinement. The contrast between his initial struggle and later success in the fight raises questions about his adaptability and endurance under pressure. Moving forward, fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how his management navigates the tricky waters of high-stakes boxing promotions and opponent selection. In a sport rife with unpredictability, Ortiz Jr.’s journey is sure to be filled with both challenges and opportunities as he seeks to solidify his place amongst boxing’s elite.