After a string of grueling battles that pushed him to his limits, Israel Madrimov finally caught a break—and he made the most of it. In a dominant performance on Saturday night in Las Vegas, the former 154-pound champion outclassed Luis David Salazar, securing a unanimous decision victory with scores of 99-91 across all three cards. This win not only showcased Madrimov’s skill but also signaled his return to the title conversation in the junior middleweight division.
Madrimov (11-2-1, 7 KOs) treated Salazar more like a sparring partner than a legitimate threat, effortlessly controlling the pace and landing clean, powerful shots throughout the bout. Coming off back-to-back losses to boxing elites Terence Crawford and Vergil Ortiz Jr., this fight was exactly what Madrimov needed—a chance to rebuild confidence and reassert his presence in a stacked division. As his manager, Vadim Kornilov, aptly put it, “He got the work and looked good.”
But here’s where it gets interesting: Madrimov’s performance wasn’t just about winning—it was about proving he still has what it takes to compete with the best. Despite battling bronchitis and pneumonia over the past year, he showed remarkable resilience, even switching to a southpaw stance in the fourth round to mirror Crawford’s tactics against him. By the 10th round, Salazar was on wobbly legs, a testament to Madrimov’s relentless pressure.
And this is the part most people miss: Madrimov’s victory sets the stage for potential blockbuster matchups later this year. With names like Jaron “Boots” Ennis and IBF champion Bakhram Murtazaliev in his sights, the question remains: Can Madrimov reclaim his spot at the top, or will his recent setbacks prove too much to overcome? Let’s discuss in the comments—do you think Madrimov has what it takes to become a champion again?
Earlier in the night, the undercard delivered its own share of excitement. Omari Jones, the 2024 U.S. Olympic bronze medalist, extended his knockout streak—almost. After dropping Jerome Baxter in the first round, Jones settled for a unanimous decision (60-53), marking his first victory by the scorecards. Meanwhile, 20-year-old lightweight Zaquin Moses, with cousin Shakur Stevenson cheering him on, scored a knockdown en route to a unanimous decision over Leandro Medina. Stevenson’s mid-fight advice to “keep boxing” seemed to pay off, as Moses dominated despite Medina’s toughness.
The evening also featured a thrilling hometown victory for 19-year-old Kaipo Gallegos, who stopped Wilson Akinocho in the second round, and a dominant performance by Cuban southpaw Ronny Alvarez, who earned a sixth-round TKO over Braulio Matias. Alvarez’s relentless pressure forced referee Robert Hoyle to deduct a point from Matias for excessive holding, ultimately leading to the stoppage.
But here’s the real question: As Madrimov and these rising stars climb the ranks, who will emerge as the next big name in boxing? With so much talent on display, the future of the sport looks brighter than ever. What’s your take? Who do you think will dominate the junior middleweight division in the years to come? Share your thoughts below!
