"I Was in Shock": Serhii Bohachuk on the Cancellation of the Madrimov Fight

Ukrainian junior middleweight contender Serhii Bohachuk (24-2, 23 KOs) shared his thoughts on Israil Madrimov (10-1-1, 7 KOs) withdrawing from their scheduled fight, originally set for December 21 on the undercard of the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury.

Madrimov will now fight interim WBC champion Vergil Ortiz (22-0, 21 KOs) on February 22, while Bohachuk will face British boxer Ishmael Davis (13-1, 6 KOs).

"My reaction? I was in shock because I want to fight him. I was ready for him; I had a big camp with really strong preparation. I was prepared for that fight, and, of course, I felt a bit down.

Now, I’m happy because it’s just a change of opponent, but the fight isn’t canceled—which would have been very bad. I still have a fight, I’m happy because I have a fight, I have a good opponent, and I’m part of a great show... Of course, I’m disappointed about Madrimov. But right now, everything’s fine: I have an opponent, and I have a show," Bohachuk said.