The head of Matchroom Boxing, Eddie Hearn, has commented on the recently announced fight between Israil Madrimov (10-1-1, 7 KOs) and Vergil Ortiz (22-0, 21 KOs).
The Madrimov–Ortiz fight is scheduled for February 22. However, on December 21, Israil is set to face Ukrainian Serhii Bohachuk (24-2, 23 KOs), a bout that carries inherent risks, such as injuries or a potential defeat, which could jeopardize the February showdown.
“You could suffer a cut, injure your hand, or lose. It's not like Madrimov wasn’t pushing for this fight with His Excellency. Turki [Alalshikh] asked him, ‘If you win, will you agree to this fight?’ Israil replied, ‘Yes.’
Now we’re just weeks away from the Madrimov vs. Bohachuk bout. Let’s see how December 21 goes, but Madrimov is ready for any challenges in the super welterweight division. If he gets through Crawford, Bohachuk, and Ortiz, that would be an incredibly impressive path. This guy deserves massive respect,” Eddie Hearn told K.O. Artist Sports.
Earlier, Serhii Bohachuk responded to the Madrimov–Ortiz announcement, calling it a joke.