Fight results

This is a fight that promises to be dynamic. Both Ortiz and Madrimov are very active in the ring, but they approach it in slightly different ways.

Israil is a representative of the classic Uzbek boxing school. He has an excellent jab, mobility on his feet, instant closing of distance, and a combination of head and body work with transitions from head to torso and back.

Ortiz, on the other hand, relies more on mid-range. He’s not as quick on his feet, but because he stands more firmly on his whole foot, his punches land harder than his opponent’s.

Both boxers are extremely active in their combinations and attacks. This is the kind of stylistic clash that will make the fight absolutely thrilling to watch.

Ortiz is just 26, while Madrimov is three years older. Both are in the prime of their careers, so neither has a significant advantage in terms of age.

In terms of experience, Vergil has more professional fights and, as a result, a more varied record. He has faced fighters like Bohachuk, Kavaliauskas, and Hooker—fighters with different styles and skills, from whom Ortiz has learned valuable lessons.

Madrimov, with his strong amateur background, has faced the toughest opponent of the two—he fought a brilliant match against Terence Crawford. Although he lost, this experience added significant confidence to his game, especially considering how well he performed in that bout.

Ortiz has the edge when it comes to the number of punches thrown per fight. Vergil can throw over 700 punches, as seen in his fight against Serhii Bohachuk. His accuracy in that fight was around 35.5%, a very good number.

Madrimov’s style doesn’t require a high volume of punches. He disrupts his opponents with torso movement, footwork, feints, and works selectively with combinations when he attacks. For example, in his 12-round fight against Crawford, Israil landed 275 punches. His accuracy was at 30.5%, which is also a high figure, especially considering Crawford was the opponent.

In 2024, Ortiz made a comeback after a two-year break. He spent that time recovering from issues caused by weight cutting. Over the year, he knocked out Lawson, Dulorme, and fought Bohachuk. In the latter fight, he was knocked down twice but won by decision.

Madrimov fought twice last year—he knocked out Kurbanov and then fought Crawford. This was his most active year since 2021, when he also had two fights.

Both fighters can punch, but Ortiz hits harder. He has over 95% of his wins by stoppage, and anyone who has faced Vergil will attest to how solid his punches are.

Madrimov, stylistically, isn’t focused on knocking out opponents, but his punching power shouldn’t be dismissed. Israil doesn’t let go once he lands a shot. Kurbanov, who was undefeated before meeting the Uzbek boxer, walked away from the ring with his first stoppage loss of his career.

Ortiz is not without flaws. Kavaliauskas troubled him with his punches, and Bohachuk, who was considered not quick enough, sent Vergil to the canvas twice. However, Ortiz hides this behind his strong work ethic and punches that usually cause his opponents more trouble than his opponent’s punches cause him.

Madrimov is solid at taking a punch. None of Crawford’s punches caused him major issues. It’s worth noting that Crawford entered the ring with a streak of stoppage wins that had lasted since 2016.

The arena in Riyadh is a neutral location for both fighters. It’s like the Disneyland of boxing events, meaning neither boxer gets an advantage here. It’s pure boxing.

Both boxers will enter the ring with something to prove. Ortiz wants to prove that the talk about him being carried in his previous fight is just talk. Madrimov needs to show that his loss to Crawford hasn’t affected him and that he’s truly ready for the rematch he’s been talking about.

Aside from that, this is a top-tier fight between young fighters. This is the type of fight that is constantly called for in the boxing world.

Ortiz will need to adapt to a fighter who won’t stand still in front of him. Madrimov’s style is tough for anyone. Crawford struggled with him, and Ortiz can expect no easier ride.

For Israil, there’s the possibility of repeating the previous encounter. Standing in front of an opponent like Ortiz for too long is a bad idea. And if Madrimov is too mobile, the judges may give the rounds to his opponent. The most challenging task for the Uzbek is to find balance and avoid falling into Ortiz’s power punches.