Event: The Last Crescendo: Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2
Date: Saturday, Feb 22, 2025
Location: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Weight Class: Lightweight (12 rounds)
Broadcaster: DAZN
While the boxing world fixates on the Beterbiev-Bivol rematch, Vergil Ortiz Jr. (22-0, 21 KOs) and Israil Madrimov (10-1-1, 7 KOs) promise to deliver an explosive undercard battle at The Last Crescendo. With both fighters eyeing contention in the super welterweight division, this 12-round clash is a high-stakes proving ground: Ortiz seeks to cement his status as boxing’s most feared young puncher, while Madrimov aims to rebound from his first career loss and derail a rising star.
Fighter Profiles
Vergil Ortiz Jr. (United States)
- Age: 26 | Height/Reach: 5’10” (178 cm) / 70.1” (178 cm)
- Record: 22-0-0 (21 KOs) – 95% KO rate
- Recent Form: ✅ MD 12, ✅ KO 1, ✅ TKO 1, ✅ TKO 9, ✅ TKO 8
- Style: Devastating orthodox boxer-puncher with fight-ending power in both hands.
- Strengths:
- Arguably the hardest hitter in the division; 21 of 22 wins by stoppage.
- Sharp jab and calculated aggression.
- Improved stamina (evidenced by recent 12-round majority decision).
- Weaknesses:
- Occasionally squares up defensively when loading up on power shots.
- Untested against elite-level pressure fighters.
Israil Madrimov (Uzbekistan)
- Age: 29 | Height/Reach: 5’9” (174 cm) / 68.5” (174 cm)
- Record: 10-1-1 (7 KOs) – 70% KO rate
- Recent Form: ❌ UD 12 (loss), ✅ TKO 5, ✅ UD 10, 🤝 TD 3, ✅ TKO 9
- Style: High-motor orthodox pressure fighter with underrated technical skill.
- Strengths:
- Relentless forward movement and body punching.
- Strong chin (never stopped in 12 pro fights).
- Excellent footwork for cutting off the ring.
- Weaknesses:
- Shorter reach could leave him vulnerable to Ortiz’s jab.
- Struggled in his lone step-up fight (2024 UD loss to a top-5 contender).
Fight Breakdown
Key Matchup Dynamics
- Power vs. Pressure: Ortiz’s nuclear fists will test Madrimov’s vaunted durability. If Madrimov can absorb early punishment and force Ortiz into deep waters, his relentless body attack could sap the American’s power.
- Reach Advantage: Ortiz’s 1.5-inch reach edge and superior height allow him to operate behind a stiff jab. Madrimov must work inside—a dangerous proposition against a sniper like Ortiz.
- Stamina Unknowns: Ortiz’s only decision win came in his last fight, suggesting he’s pacing himself better. Madrimov, however, has never faded late in fights.
Intrigue Factor
Madrimov’s team has openly questioned Ortiz’s resume, calling it “carefully curated.” Ortiz has dismissed the criticism, but a fiery faceoff in Riyadh hinted at genuine bad blood.
Prediction
Ortiz Jr. by mid-to-late round TKO (Rounds 7-9). While Madrimov’s pressure and toughness will make this competitive early, Ortiz’s precision and fight-altering power will gradually break down the Uzbek. Look for Ortiz to land a fight-ending right hand as Madrimov overcommits to a body attack in the championship rounds.
Conclusion
This is a classic crossroads fight: a blue-chip prospect versus a gritty veteran with everything to gain. Whether it ends in a highlight-reel knockout or a grueling war of attrition, Ortiz-Madrimov has all the ingredients to steal the spotlight in Riyadh. Don’t blink.
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