Uzbek professional boxer Israil Madrimov emerged victorious over the previously undefeated Russian, Magomed Kurbanov, claiming the vacant WBA title. Madrimov expressed readiness to face other top boxers and world champions in the featherweight division. The fight took place on March 8 in Saudi Arabia, where Madrimov became the new WBA world champion in the bantamweight (69.9kg) division.
Both Madrimov, with a record of 10-0-1 and 7 KOs, and Kurbanov, with a record of 25-1 and 13 KOs, had been eagerly awaiting this fight. It was the first world title fight for both of them. There were initial doubts about whether the fight would take place on March 8 as part of the big night of boxing “Anthony Joshua - Francis Ngannou”.
From the onset, Madrimov was active and took the initiative. In the fifth round, he managed to shake Kurbanov with several powerful punches, leading the referee to intervene and stop the fight. This led to Madrimov winning the vacant WBA title.
Following his victory, Madrimov stated his readiness to box with other top boxers and world champions in the first middleweight division. “It’s a great feeling. I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time. I wanted this title, now I’m here and this belt is mine and I’m going to Uzbekistan. This is my first title, but I want four belts,” he said.
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn drew comparisons between Israil Madrimov and Kazakhstani boxer Gennady Golovkin, a two-time IBF, WBA, and IBO world champion. “This guy is a real beast! He is the new Gennady Golovkin. He easily passed Kurbanov. Remember his name: Uzbek strongman Israil Madrimov will fight for all the belts in the 154lb weight class!” Hearn stated.
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