On a noteworthy Saturday evening, junior middleweight champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. (23-0, 21 KOs) faced off against Israil Madrimov (10-2-1, 7 KOs) at The Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The bout concluded with Ortiz Jr. securing a 12-round unanimous decision victory. While the official scorecards declared Ortiz as the winner, the fight itself raised numerous questions regarding the judging and the performances of both boxers.
A Clash of Styles
The match showcased a stark contrast in fighting styles, with Madrimov employing a strategic blend of movement and power punching during the early rounds. His agility allowed him to evade many of Ortiz’s attacks and control the pace of the fight. Madrimov’s performance was reminiscent of the effective, elusive style seen in many successful boxers, earning him praise for his boxing fundamentals.
In the first half of the match, Ortiz Jr. seemed to struggle with Madrimov’s techniques. He appeared to be on the defensive for much of the time, which left him open to significant punches that resulted in noticeable swelling around his eyes. The first six rounds clearly belonged to Madrimov, who outboxed Ortiz Jr., demonstrating superior footwork and punch selection.
Judging Controversy
Despite what many observers felt was an unjust outcome, the judges awarded Ortiz Jr. a favorable decision with scores of 115-113, 115-113, and 117-111. Most analysts and spectators seemed to agree that Madrimov won at least five of the rounds. Critics have pointed out that the judges might have favored Ortiz’s pressure over actual landed punches, which could have contributed to the skewed results in Ortiz Jr.’s favor.
Promoter Oscar De La Hoya defended Ortiz’s performance, citing effective body shots and concluding that Madrimov could not handle Ortiz’s power. However, this perspective fails to acknowledge the reality of the fight dynamics in the earlier rounds. While Ortiz may have become more dominant in the latter half of the fight, it is critical not to overlook the damage taken and the rounds lost initially.
As the fight progressed into the second half, a noticeable swing occurred where Ortiz Jr. began to find his rhythm. Madrimov, who had expended considerable energy, appeared to tire, allowing Ortiz to seize control of the bout. This resurgence showcases Ortiz’s resilience and ability to adapt mid-fight, qualities that are critical in championship boxing.
Still, while Ortiz’s late rounds may have painted a picture of dominance, they do not erase the struggles faced earlier in the fight. The boxer left the ring with evident damage, a clear indicator that despite winning on the scorecards, he was far from unscathed.
After the fight, discussions surrounding potential matchups for Ortiz Jr. resurfaced, particularly a bout with Terence Crawford. De La Hoya suggested that such a fight could come to fruition given the evolving landscape of boxing promotions and the involvement of Turki Alalshikh. However, the feasibility of this match remains dubious. Crawford, fresh off a lucrative fight against Canelo Alvarez, will likely be hesitant to pit himself against Ortiz without significant financial incentives and a favorable risk assessment.
“Crawford is not looking to take unnecessary risks after earning a hefty purse,” one analyst pointed out, highlighting that the allure of a competitive bout might be overshadowed by financial motivations. There’s a perception that Crawford may only engage in fights that ensure a high reward, especially if they involve significant financial stakes.
The bout between Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Israil Madrimov will be remembered for the skill and grit displayed by both fighters, but it will also serve as a focal point for discussions about judging in boxing. As fans and analysts scrutinize the decision, it becomes clear that Ortiz’s victory, while earned, was steeped in controversy and questioning of the judges’ criteria. For Ortiz Jr., the road ahead may include high-profile matches, but the challenges he faced in the ring on that fateful night in Riyadh cannot be ignored. The outcome leaves fans eager to see how Ortiz will evolve in future bouts and whether he can address the vulnerabilities showcased against Madrimov.
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