Turki Alalshikh has confirmed one of the busiest cards in recent years for February 22nd in Saudi Arabia, crowned by the rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol.
However, one fight has been described as “bad karma” as one boxer involved is already scheduled to compete on December 21st. Israil Madrimov faces the tough Serhii Bohachuk on the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury II undercard. He's certainly not guaranteed to be able to fight again just two months later.
Madrimov can expect a firefight against Bohachuk, so not only is being cleared to compete eight weeks later a risk, but also overlooking Bohachuk's challenge.
Promoter Tom Loeffler, who oversees Bohachuk's career as part of 360 Promotions, was understandably not pleased when Madrimov was named on the megacard against former Bohachuk opponent Vergil Ortiz.
“Bad karma for posting this,” Loeffler said in response to the image posted by Alalshikh. Serhii Bohachuk has a KO rate of over 90% and beat Vergil [Ortiz] down twice. He’s aiming for a knockout against Madrimov on December 21st, so there’s no fun with the referees anymore.”
One of the greatest cards ever on February 22nd in Riyadh 🥊🔥
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh)
Meanwhile, Ortiz's clash with Madrimov is a double surprise after young star Xander Zayas accepted an offer to stand in the opposite corner just hours earlier. But as Vergil Ortiz Sr. explained to the amused Top Rank star, there were several irons in the fire in their duel.
“I accepted the fight but never heard anything about it. Do you have boots right now? [Jaron Ennis reference] Me? We were all there,” Zayas said.
Ortiz responded, “Xander, you seem like a good guy [one]. Don't act like some of these people here. The truth is they called and asked if Jr. would fight you. It was an easy yes. They also called four other people. You were the least successful, so you weren't qualified by their standards. Ask Top Rank. Good luck, champion.”
Zayas responded: “I respect the business decision. It's understandable. I'm sure the fight will happen in the future. Good luck in February.”
The pending event is scheduled to take place during the Riyadh season and will be crowned by the undisputed light heavyweight rematch between the current champion Artur Beterbiev and rival Dmitry Bivol.
As the main support Daniel Dubois defends his IBF heavyweight title against Joseph Parkeras .
Also on the map, Shakur Stevenson puts his WBC lightweight crown on the line Floyd Schofield. Carlos Adames will defend his WBC middleweight belt against Hamzah Sheerazwhich rounds out the world title portion of the event.
Ortiz vs. Madrimov will fight for the interim WBC title at 154, while heavyweights Zhilei Zhang And Agit Kabayel compete against each other .
Finally, the British rivals Josh Buatsi And Callum Smith Fight for the interim WBO light heavyweight title and the right to face the winner of the headliner.
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Read all of Phil Jay's articles and exclusive interviews. Find out more about the authorexperienced boxing writer and editor of World boxing News since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
