Ortiz Wins Over Madrimov

Image credits: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

Vergil Ortiz Jr put on the best performance of his career on Saturday, walking away with a unanimous decision victory over Israil Madrimov. The WBC interim super welterweight champion outlanded Madrimov 166-127 in total punches, 60-30 in jabs, and 106-97 in power punches. Ortiz's heavy hands, jab, feints, and one-two combinations broke Madrimov down, despite the latter showing excellent heart.

Ortiz needed a few rounds to gain the timing from Madrimov, who employs constant movement, but once he did, the former dealt telling damage in the latter rounds. The deconstruction of Madrimov in this fight was similar to the story seen when Terence Crawford won a majority decision over the talented Uzbekistan fighter. Madrimov's herky-jerky style has proven to be problematic for elite fighters for a few rounds, but it hasn’t proven to be a winning approach.

The results of the fight were as follows:

• Vergil Ortiz Jr won via unanimous decision (117-111, 115-113, 115-113)
• Ortiz outlanded Madrimov 166-127 in total punches
• Ortiz outlanded Madrimov 60-30 in jabs
• Ortiz outlanded Madrimov 106-97 in power punches

Ortiz has positioned himself for a championship opportunity, and his next fight could be against Sebastian Fundora for his WBC and WBO titles. However, rising Puerto Rican prospect Xander Zayas has also targeted Fundora, and it's possible Ortiz could face Errol Spence, who has been inactive since losing via TKO to Crawford in July 2023.

Madrimov has to go back to the drawing board, as his style, although problematic for elite fighters, hasn’t proven to be a winning approach. Can he make the necessary adjustments to push himself past some of the best fighters, or will he have to settle for being a test fight more than a legit championship contender? Ortiz, on the other hand, has proven himself to be a formidable contender at 154 pounds, with a strong jab and impressive power punches.

After the fight, Ortiz indirectly mentioned the failed bout between him and Jaron “Boots” Ennis that was originally planned for this event. Ortiz said he has never ducked anyone, and it's likely he will face a top opponent in his next fight. With Terence Crawford likely off the table for all 154-pounders while he prepares to fight Canelo Alvarez at 168 pounds in September, Ortiz has a chance to become the top dog at 154 pounds.