Vergil Ortiz Jr v Israil Madrimov: Prediction, Tips & Odds

Rob Tebbutt Updated: 20 Feb 25 16:47

Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Israil Madrimov square off in an intriguing super-welterweight encounter on the Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol II undercard.

Vergil Ortiz Jr v Israil Madrimov

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Vergil Ortiz Jr v Israil Madrimov Tips

Vergil Ortiz Jr to Win @ 4/5
Vergil Ortiz Jr to Win by Unanimous Decision @ 10/3
Vergil Ortiz Jr to Get Knocked Down and Win @ 9/1

In what may well prove to be the fight of the night, undefeated power-puncher Ortiz (4/5) will look to set a pace and be aggressive against the fleet-footed Madrimov (1/1), an athletic, clever counter-puncher with solid power of his own.

This could be the most difficult fight to call on Saturday’s stacked card. Ortiz looked shaky at times in a close decision win over Serhii Bohachuk last time out, while Madrimov ran pound-for-pound star Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford close in a decision loss in August of last year. They are polar opposite style-wise and are arguably the best two non-titleholders at 154lbs.

When the fight was initially announced, I felt that Ortiz’s style may be a little too reckless for the cerebral Madrimov and edged towards the Uzbek. However, as the fight has drawn closer, I have begun to lean towards the idea that the smash-mouth aggression of Ortiz could overwhelm Madrimov, who prefers to fight at a slower-tempo.

Though Ortiz looked vulnerable on occasions against Bohachuk, it’s worth remembering that he fought through those crises and rallied back after being hurt by a world-class fighter. Admirable qualities in any young charge and Ortiz should be better equipped after that experience, should he find himself hurt again this weekend by Madrimov.

I’m expecting this to be a very high-level contest, with Ortiz pushing the pace behind his jab and Madrimov looking to counter with single shots. If Ortiz can handle Madrimov’s power - which isn’t a given - then his volume and activity should see him home. However, Ortiz’s aggression will put him in the line of fire, so expect him to have to come through the fire once again if he is to win.