Algieri: Bogachuk will need to try very hard in the fight with Madrimov

Former world champion Chris Algieri considers the Uzbek boxer Israil Madrimov (10-0-2, 7 KOs) favorite of the fight with the Ukrainian Sergei Bogachuk (24-2, 23 KOs).

“These guys are taking a big risk by jumping right into another big fight. Two defeats in a row, it’s very difficult to recover from that. As long as these guys perform and put on a good show, I think we’ll see them both next. The junior middleweight division is deep, but these guys are great and they’re in the top 5 when it comes to 154 pounds,” Algieri said.

“Both should try hard, especially Bogachuk. Turki Al ash-Sheikh is investing money to allow these guys to take risks. They will get money and get a bigger platform.”

“I am completely for Madrimov. He still carries himself like a champion. He lost by a hair to Terence Crawford. I think he believes he won that fight. I rate Madrimov as the best fighter in the division since Crawford.”

The Bogachuk – Madrimov fight will take place on December 21 in Riyadh, on the undercard of the rematch between WBO/WBA/IBO/WBC heavyweight world champion Alexander Usik and former WBC heavyweight title holder Tyson Fury.

Bogachuk lost to Virgil Ortiz by split decision in his last fight. In the first and eighth rounds, Bogachuk knocked down his opponent. However, after 12 rounds, one judge recorded a draw, the other two gave preference to Ortiz.

Madrimov also lost his last fight. In August, the Uzbek fighter lost to Terence Crawford in the fight for the interim WBO junior middleweight title. Israil also lost his WBA belt, won in March in a fight with Magomet Kubranov.