Madrimov wins controversial early victory over Soro

WBA Welterweight Eliminator Israil Madrimov (8-0, 6 KOs) won by TKO in the ninth round over number one in the ranking Michel Soro (35-3-1, 24 KOs) at the main event of the evening of boxing in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

When the gong rang at the end of the ninth round, Madrimov continued to strike and struck several more, which forced referee Salvador Rodriguez to give the go-ahead to stop the fight, much to the displeasure of Soro's corner. As a result, there was massive confusion and discussions that lasted about ten minutes before Madrimov was announced the winner. Formally, Madrimov is now a mandatory WBA challenger for champion Jermell Charlo, if the WBA does not appoint a rematch of this meeting.