Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Israil Madrimov: Picks, Predictions and Odds

The Last Crescendo boxing event undercard is stacked with top-quality matchups and the super welterweight showdown between Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Israil Madrimov could well be the pick of an exceptional bunch.

Ortiz Jr. is 22-0 with 21 stoppages, while Madrimov impressed in defeat to Terence Crawford in his last bout and goes into Saturday’s fight with a 10-1-1 record.

Ortiz Jr. is the interim WBC champion. The victor will become the mandatory challenger to regular title holder Sebastian Fundora, assuming he successfully defends his titles against Chordale Booker next month.

Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Israil Madrimov betting picks and predictions

Vergil Ortiz Jr. to win (-125)

Ortiz Jr. comes into the fight as the marginal favorite and he may just have the edge over his Uzbek opponent in Riyadh.

Madrimov put in a decent display against master technician Crawford in his last outing and only lost by a couple of rounds to one of the pound-for-pound greats, although all three judges did score the fight for Crawford.

Ortiz Jr. is a very different type of fighter, however, and this bout could shape up to be a real firefight between two men who aren’t afraid to go on the attack.

Madrimov may only have had 12 professional fights but he had an excellent amateur career before moving into the paid ranks and in terms of technique he may be a little ahead of Ortiz Jr..

However, Ortiz Jr. is a relentless pressure fighter who will keep coming forward and he’s got the power to back that up as well with 21 of his 22 wins coming inside the distance. The 26-year-old Texan was up against a superior technician in his last fight and he survived two knockdowns against the big-hitting Serhii Bohachuk to grind out a majority decision win.

Ortiz Jr.’s sheer tenacity and work-rate sets him apart from his rivals, and he can come through another tough test against Madrimov on Saturday.

Vergil Ortiz Jr. to win by KO, TKO or DQ (+350)

Ortiz Jr. has built a reputation as a knockout specialist with 21 wins inside the distance but he is favored to edge a decision against Madrimov, with a points win for the American priced at +175.

However, considering his impressive stoppage rate it looks worth backing Ortiz Jr to win by KO, TKO or DQ if you are planning on a method of victory bet.

Madrimiov has never been stopped or even knocked down in 12 professional outings but he hasn’t come across anyone as aggressive as Ortiz Jr. either.

The 30-year-old reached the final bell against Crawford, who has plenty of power, but Bud is a fighter who picks his moments and his punches, generally taking a measured approach to his work. In contrast, Ortiz is all action and as soon as he feels like he’s created an opening, he will keep the pressure on.

Madrimov possesses exceptional defensive skills but probably doesn’t have the power to put Ortiz off. The Grand Prairie native kept the pressure on Bohachuk despite being knocked down, and he might be able to send out a huge statement by beating Madrimov inside the distance.

Vergil Ortiz Jr. to win in rounds 10-12 (+1400)

As an option at much bigger odds, backing Ortiz Jr. to win in the final three rounds appeals.

The Texan carries that kind of one-punch power that can finish opponents off in one visit - two of his last three wins have come inside the first round - but Madrimov is too good to let this fight get away from him in the very early stages.

The Uzbek is a well-schooled fighter with a strong defense, so if Ortiz Jr. is to secure a stoppage it is more likely to be from the sheer volume of his attacks rather than one devastating move and he might have to wait until late on to record a KO. 

Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Israil Madrimov odds

	Vergil Ortiz Jr.	Israil Madrimov
Money Line	-125	+100
By KO, TKO, DQ	+350	+450
By Decision or Technical Decision	+175	+225

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.