Israil Madrimov vs Michel Soro first fight (Ed Mulholland/Matchroom)
Right before Dereck Chisora and Kubrat Pulev make their way to the ring, another rematch, arguably with more significant implications will take place. Seven months after their meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Israil Madrimov (8-0, 6 KOs) and Michel Soro (35-3-1, 24 KOs) clash to secure a future title shot. A win for either gives them the right to challenge for the WBA super-welterweight championship, currently held, along with the other three major belts in the division, by Jermell Charlo. The bout will occur at the O2 Arena in London and air live on DAZN.
The last meeting between the two was competitive before ending controversially. In the final seconds of round nine, Madrimov landed a series of right hands that pushed Soro back onto the ropes. At this point, a bell to mark the end of the round is rung, but not heard by the referee or the fighters. Madrimov continued to land hooks on Soro until the referee finally stepped in to call off the fight. After a discussion between the referee and the commission, the bout was officially ruled as a TKO victory for Madrimov. Since it was sanctioned by the WBA, there were immediate calls for them to declare the clash a No Contest or at to at least order a rematch. The WBA allowed the result to stand but did acquiesce to the latter suggestion.
Madrimov is from Uzbekistan, a country whose amateur boxing system has garnered much success in recent years. Like some other fighters from this system, Madrimov’s career has been fast-tracked. His footwork stands out; Madrimov constantly moves around his opponent making him difficult to hit. This also allows him to throw punches from different angles, forcing fighters to be alert at all times. With this style, he has dominated his opposition and appears to be ready for a world title. Madrimov has been able to outbox Soro but his ability to go the full distance has been questioned. The longer a Madrimov fight goes, the less fluid his footwork becomes and the more he smothers his punches.
Soro has more experience in the professional ranks and has completed the 12-round championship distance several times. Despite having a 61% KO percentage, nine of Soro’s previous 10 victories have been stoppages. In 39 fights, he has only been stopped once and that was in controversial circumstances against Madrimov. As seen previously, Soro was able to outbox Madrimov at times in the fight. Given his power and Madrimov’s tendency to gas as the rounds go on, Soro’s path to victory may be to go as many rounds as possible and potentially get a late stoppage. Soro is 34, an age by which some boxers announce their retirement and others show visible decline. Whether or not his age will affect his performance in this bout can only be answered when the two meet in the ring.
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