The fight many are expecting to be the chief instigator of entertainment on Saturday’s, incredible bill in Saudi Arabia pits Vergil Ortiz against Israil Madrimov with the former’s WBC interim junior middleweight strap at stake.
Ortiz, who can boast impressive 22-0 (21 KOs) stats, embarks on his fourth fight at 154 after establishing his reputation at welterweight. Contests against the likes of Jarron Ennis, a current beltholder at 147, have been reported but he suggested a move to middleweight might be in his future.
“I feel really good at this [junior middle] weight class and I’m willing to stay here for a long time,” said the 26-year-old. “If an opportunity comes up at 160, we’ll take that too.”
Madrimov, meanwhile, last fought in August when he surpassed expectations by doing what few have done before when he provided Terence Crawford with a competitive fight.
“I learned a lot against [Terence] Crawford,” Madrimov said. “Ortiz is a top fighter and a big challenge after Crawford, but I have a plan to win.”
Should the 10-1-1 (7 KOs) Madrimov win, the belt on the line will be secondary to enhancing his standing in the sport.
“It’s important to get the title,” said the 30-year-old, “but I showed myself in the Crawford fight.”
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