The boxing match between Israil Madrimov and Magomed Kurbanov is officially happening. This bout, slated as the featured fight under the title "WBA junior middleweight," will take place during the "Knockout Chaos" event in Saudi Arabia this Friday.
Israil Madrimov, hailing from Uzbekistan, boasts an impressive record of 9-0-1, with 6 of those wins coming via knockout. He is currently ranked number 1 by the WBA and last fought Raphael Igbowke in San Antonio last April, securing a win after 10 rounds.
Magomed Kurbanov, from Russia, enters this fight undefeated with a record of 25-0, including 13 knockouts. He holds the number 2 spot in the WBA rankings. His latest victory was against Michel Soro last May, where he won by a tight split-decision.
There was speculation about Madrimov's ability to fight due to rumored medical issues. However, Robert Smith of the British Boxing Board of Control clarified, “The fight is on. Why would it not be on? He has not failed a medical – the fight is on.” The British Boxing Board of Control supervises major boxing cards in Saudi Arabia and played a critical role in confirming this match's status.
Besides Madrimov-Kurbanov's clash, the "Knockout Chaos" event will also feature a heavyweight category main event between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou. Additionally, Jermell Charlo was recently named champion in recess by WBA president Gilberto Mendoza.
The previous encounter between Michel Soro and Israil Madrimov ended in a three-round technical draw due to an early cut that prematurely stopped the fight. Speculation around Madrimov's participation had grown thick over concerns he might have failed his medical examination. However, these were dismissed as stemming from administrative process issues rather than health concerns.
