Knockout Chaos Undercard Recap: Madrimov Wins First Title

If you miss seeing the Big Drama show of Gennadiy Golovkin, his heir apparent may have been sighted in Riyadh. It was a Golovkin-esque win for super welterweight Israil Madrimov of Uzbekistan (10-0-1, 7 KOs). Madrimov wins the WBA Super Welterweight belt.

With Magomed Kurbanov pinned in the corner, Israil Madrimov gets the referee stoppage to win the WBA World Super Welterweight Title. Photo: Mark Robinson, Matchroom Boxing.

Madrimov overpowered Magomed Kurbanov of Russia (25-1, 13 KOs), leading to a fifth-round TKO victory for his first world title. It was Kurbanov’s first loss in his first pro fight outside Russia.

Training as a pro in California’s high desert with Joel Diaz, Madrimov pressured Kurbanov from the opening bell, landing hard power shots behind smart footwork. Between rounds, Diaz urged the Uzbek to keep up the pressure. “He’s getting tired… he doesn’t like it when you go to the body!”

Diaz was right. Referee Steve Gray felt the need to step in and stop the bout at 2:20 of the round with Kurbanov pinned in the corner, being held up by the ropes. Amazingly, the scorecards were all over the place: 40-36, 39-37, and an even 38-38 card when the fight ended.

Israil Madrimov’s performance against Magomed Kurbanov reminded many fans of Gennadiy Golovkin. Photo: Mark Robinson, Matchroom Boxing.

Madrimov Wins In Golovkin Style

An elated Madrimov snapped off a roundoff and back handspring to celebrate his win, with stablemate and countryman Murodjon Akhmadaliev joining him in the ring.

“As-Salaam-Alaikum, Saudi! Alhamdulillah, I’m great!” said Madrimov, adding it had been a long road since his 2018 professional debut. Speaking in English, Madrimov said, “I want this title. Now I’m here, and this belt is mine. This belt is coming to Uzbekistan… my first title.”

Madrimov said now he needs all four belts, and he’ll “make a fight with everyone.” “Doesn’t matter, who wants it?”

Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn called it a massive win for Madrimov. “It’s been a long time and a lot of difficulty getting him the fights. He’s an animal. He is the new Gennadiy Golovkin. He walked through Kurbanov with ease. This guy will go back to Uzbekistan as a hero. Remember the name tonight. Uzbek Power. He’s coming for all the belts in the division.”

Hearn didn’t rule out bringing Madrimov back for the five-on-five tournament against Queenberry Promotions on the schedule for Saudi Arabia on June 1. Madrimov said he’d like to return to Saudi Arabia for his next fight.

Justis Huni Defeats Lerena for Cruiserweight Title

Justis Huni wins by decision over Kevin Lerena in their WBO heavyweight eliminator. Photo: Mark Robinson, Matchroom Boxing.

WBC interim Bridgerweight champion Kevin Lerena of South Africa (30-3, 14 KOs) went into his Cruiserweight title fight against Justis Huni of Queensland, Australia (9-0, 4 KOs). His mother passed away just 24 hours before the fight. But there was no fairy tale ending despite some last-minute heroics by Lerena in the final round.

Hunt gets the unanimous decision by scores of 96-92, 96-94, and 98-92 to win the WBO Global Heavyweight title and position himself as an eventual mandatory challenger.

Greene Gets Upset Win Over McCann

Undefeated Jack McCann was the favorite, but Louis Greene had other plans. Photo: Mark Robinson, Matchroom Boxing

Louis Greene (17-4, 11 KOs) wasted no time getting down to business, scoring an upset over Jack McCann (9-1, 6 KOs) with a first-round knockout just 1:29 into the British super welterweight showdown. Greene landed a perfect right hook to the temple for a one-hitter quitter. “They looked at my four losses instead of the 17 wins and the 11 knockouts. I’d go again tonight if they paid me,” said Greene.

Familiar Face: Ronan Fury Gets Decision

The familiar face is heavyweight Roman Fury, the youngest Fury brother, who fought Martin Svarc in a four-round bout. Photo: Mark Robinson, Matchroom Boxing

If the heavyweight prospect in the ring seemed familiar, it’s because it was the youngest Fury brother, Ronan Fury (3-0, 1 KO), facing Martin Svarc of the Czech Republic (2-1, 1 KO), As the entire Fury clan cheered him on, the referee scored it 39-37 for the 27-year-old Fury.

Ziyad Almaayouf Carries the Saudi Flag

Ziyad Al Maayouf wins the opening bout against Christian Lopez Flores.Photo: Mark Robinson, Matchroom Boxing.

It seems incredible to learn Ziyad Almaayouf is Saudi Arabia’s first professional boxer. Almaayouf (5-0, 1 KO) defeated Cristian Lopez Flores of Mexico (14-36-2, 12 KOs) by referee decision with a score of 60-54. Almaayouf, age 23 and a longtime California resident, trains with Buddy McGirt. “As long as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is happy, I’m happy.,” said Almaayouf of his win. “As long as I’m making history for the Kingdom, I’m making history for me. This is what we do Saudi Arabia, and I’ll do it again and again.”