Joseph Parker was floored twice by Zhilei Zhang however in any other case outboxed his foe for big stretches of the heavyweight combat to earn a majority-decision victory on Friday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
One decide scored it 113-113 however was overruled by 114-112 and 115-111 tallies for Parker, who upset Deontay Wilder through choice in December. The victory over Zhang is Parker’s second consecutive over a heavyweight rated in ESPN’s prime 5 and completes a stunning turnaround for the 32-year-old New Zealander.
Parker, a former heavyweight titleholder, was brutally knocked out by Joe Joyce in Spherical 11 of their September 2022 assembly and was virtually written off as a heavyweight contender.
However following three wins over domestic-level opposition final 12 months, Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) punctuated the marketing campaign with a dominant victory over Wilder in a significant upset. And now, Parker is positioned for one more crack at a heavyweight title on the heels of one other upset win.
“This can be a nice win,” mentioned Parker, who entered the ring rated No. 4 by ESPN at heavyweight. “Zhang is a troublesome man, knocked me down twice. … I am very completely happy. …. We have now a rematch [clause], so we’re gonna do it once more.”
Zhang (26-2-1, 21 KOs) dropped Parker in Spherical 3 after a straight left hand linked flush. Parker, 32, beat the rely with a bloody and busted up nostril after which continued to outbox the 40-year-old China native.
Parker persistently beat Zhang to the punch along with his superior pace and mobility. Zhang weighed 291½ kilos whereas Parker was 247½. And whereas there was much more pop behind Zhang’s pictures, there wasn’t practically sufficient exercise.
That was till Zhang caught Parker once more, this time with a pointy proper hook that produced the knockdown in Spherical 8. However Parker once more rose to the canvas with a transparent head and returned to his jab and motion.
Parker was in a position to break up Zhang’s guard with fast one-twos and used his toes to circle across the southpaw. And as Zhang sat on the stool earlier than Spherical 12, his nook instructed him to attain one other knockdown. As an alternative, Zhang landed zero punches within the last spherical.
Zhang, although, will likely be afforded one other crack at Parker as a result of rematch clause. ESPN’s No. 5 heavyweight, Zhang’s earlier loss was a controversial choice defeat to contender
Ball flooring Vargas twice however settles for draw
Rey Vargas needed to get off the canvas twice to carry on to the WBC featherweight world title after his combat with Nick Ball was scored a break up draw.
Ball overcame an 8½-inch peak drawback to drop Vargas in Rounds 8 and 11, however it was not sufficient to win his first world title.
Vargas, who was walked to the ring by boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, held on to the belt in his first protection after scores of 114-112 for Vargas, 116-110 for Ball and 113-113.
“I had two knockdowns, and I used to be placing stress on the entire combat,” Ball mentioned. “I believed I did sufficient to win it.”
After an unsuccessful transfer to junior light-weight led to a unanimous choice defeat to O’Shaquie Foster simply over a 12 months in the past, Vargas was floored twice and regarded on the purpose of being stopped within the seventh spherical on his return to featherweight.
Vargas (36-1-1, 22 KOs), who was sad with the knockdowns and thought he mustn’t have been given a rely, mentioned by way of an interpreter: “Sure, after all I’ll combat Ball in a rematch. I’d even go to his yard to combat him.”
Ball (19-0-1, 11 KOs), 27, from Liverpool, England, entered the combat filled with confidence after some spectacular wins, together with a factors victory over former junior featherweight champion Isaac Dogboe in November.
In addition to superior expertise, two-weight world champion Vargas had an enormous peak benefit that made it tough for Ball to land head pictures early on. However within the third spherical he made an excellent job of it when he leapt into pictures simply to succeed in Vargas.
The champion landed higher pictures within the opening rounds, slowing down Ball with combos to the physique. However among the rounds had been ugly, and Vargas couldn’t get into his rhythm whereas Ball saved making lunging assaults.
The motion peaked midway by way of the seventh spherical when Ball surprised Vargas with an overhand proper hand that left the Mexican on shaky legs for the remainder of the spherical. Vargas’ legs had been jittery as he backpedaled away from hassle, and a cuffing left hook left him on wobbly legs once more later within the spherical.
Inspired by his success, Ball compelled a knockdown within the last seconds of Spherical 8. The Englishman spun Vargas round out of a clinch and caught the champion with a glancing left hook to ship him to the canvas. To Vargas’ dismay he was given a rely, and he flicked his mouth guard into the ringside seats in frustration.
Ball remained on prime within the ninth and tenth rounds as Vargas turned weary. Ball sensed it and, within the eleventh, despatched Vargas sprawling to the canvas with a proper hook. Vargas complained, however it was dominated a knockdown.
Nevertheless, it was not sufficient for Ball to be topped champion. His promoter, Frank Warren, was left demanding a rematch and complaining concerning the scorecards.
Madrimov stops Kurbanov to seize title
Israil Madrimov captured the vacant WBA junior middleweight title with a fifth-round stoppage of Magomed Kurbanov in a career-best efficiency.
A embellished newbie, Madrimov (10-0-1, 6 KOs) was in management from the opening bell. The 29-year-old Uzbek used his elite athleticism and fluid motion to persistently beat Kurbanov to the punch.
Madrimov linked on a bundle of energy pictures, however none higher than an fully-extended overhand proper that landed flush. Kurbanov was laying on the ropes when he ate the shot and coated up. Because the Russian dipped and appeared near crumbling, referee Steve Grey halted the competition with 40 seconds left in Spherical 5.
Madrimov, who entered the competition rated No. 8 in his division, mentioned he has his sights set on holding all 4 belts.
Jermell Charlo was the undisputed champion however has been stripped of all 4 of his titles as he hasn’t competed at 154 kilos since Could 2022. That opened the door for Madrimov and Kurbanov to compete of their first title bout.
Kurbanov (25-1, 13 KOs) entered the bout on the heels of a career-best win, a split-decision over Michel Soro. The 27-year-old Kurbanov additionally owns wins over former titleholders Liam Smith and Patrick Teixeira. Kurbanov is ESPN’s No. 7 junior middleweight.
“This can be a huge win for Israil, for Matchroom,” mentioned Madrimov’s promoter, Eddie Hearn. “They discuss he is a younger Gennadiy Golovkin. … Undisputed at 154 is the plan. Terence Crawford, Tim Tszyu. … He is coming for all of the belts within the division.”
ESPN’s Nick Parkinson contributed to this report.
Joseph Parker was floored twice by Zhilei Zhang however in any other case outboxed his foe for big stretches of the heavyweight combat to earn a majority-decision victory on Friday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
One decide scored it 113-113 however was overruled by 114-112 and 115-111 tallies for Parker, who upset Deontay Wilder through choice in December. The victory over Zhang is Parker’s second consecutive over a heavyweight rated in ESPN’s prime 5 and completes a stunning turnaround for the 32-year-old New Zealander.
Parker, a former heavyweight titleholder, was brutally knocked out by Joe Joyce in Spherical 11 of their September 2022 assembly and was virtually written off as a heavyweight contender.
However following three wins over domestic-level opposition final 12 months, Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) punctuated the marketing campaign with a dominant victory over Wilder in a significant upset. And now, Parker is positioned for one more crack at a heavyweight title on the heels of one other upset win.
“This can be a nice win,” mentioned Parker, who entered the ring rated No. 4 by ESPN at heavyweight. “Zhang is a troublesome man, knocked me down twice. … I am very completely happy. …. We have now a rematch [clause], so we’re gonna do it once more.”
Zhang (26-2-1, 21 KOs) dropped Parker in Spherical 3 after a straight left hand linked flush. Parker, 32, beat the rely with a bloody and busted up nostril after which continued to outbox the 40-year-old China native.
Parker persistently beat Zhang to the punch along with his superior pace and mobility. Zhang weighed 291½ kilos whereas Parker was 247½. And whereas there was much more pop behind Zhang’s pictures, there wasn’t practically sufficient exercise.
That was till Zhang caught Parker once more, this time with a pointy proper hook that produced the knockdown in Spherical 8. However Parker once more rose to the canvas with a transparent head and returned to his jab and motion.
Parker was in a position to break up Zhang’s guard with fast one-twos and used his toes to circle across the southpaw. And as Zhang sat on the stool earlier than Spherical 12, his nook instructed him to attain one other knockdown. As an alternative, Zhang landed zero punches within the last spherical.
Zhang, although, will likely be afforded one other crack at Parker as a result of rematch clause. ESPN’s No. 5 heavyweight, Zhang’s earlier loss was a controversial choice defeat to contender
Ball flooring Vargas twice however settles for draw
Rey Vargas needed to get off the canvas twice to carry on to the WBC featherweight world title after his combat with Nick Ball was scored a break up draw.
Ball overcame an 8½-inch peak drawback to drop Vargas in Rounds 8 and 11, however it was not sufficient to win his first world title.
Vargas, who was walked to the ring by boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, held on to the belt in his first protection after scores of 114-112 for Vargas, 116-110 for Ball and 113-113.
“I had two knockdowns, and I used to be placing stress on the entire combat,” Ball mentioned. “I believed I did sufficient to win it.”
After an unsuccessful transfer to junior light-weight led to a unanimous choice defeat to O’Shaquie Foster simply over a 12 months in the past, Vargas was floored twice and regarded on the purpose of being stopped within the seventh spherical on his return to featherweight.
Vargas (36-1-1, 22 KOs), who was sad with the knockdowns and thought he mustn’t have been given a rely, mentioned by way of an interpreter: “Sure, after all I’ll combat Ball in a rematch. I’d even go to his yard to combat him.”
Ball (19-0-1, 11 KOs), 27, from Liverpool, England, entered the combat filled with confidence after some spectacular wins, together with a factors victory over former junior featherweight champion Isaac Dogboe in November.
In addition to superior expertise, two-weight world champion Vargas had an enormous peak benefit that made it tough for Ball to land head pictures early on. However within the third spherical he made an excellent job of it when he leapt into pictures simply to succeed in Vargas.
The champion landed higher pictures within the opening rounds, slowing down Ball with combos to the physique. However among the rounds had been ugly, and Vargas couldn’t get into his rhythm whereas Ball saved making lunging assaults.
The motion peaked midway by way of the seventh spherical when Ball surprised Vargas with an overhand proper hand that left the Mexican on shaky legs for the remainder of the spherical. Vargas’ legs had been jittery as he backpedaled away from hassle, and a cuffing left hook left him on wobbly legs once more later within the spherical.
Inspired by his success, Ball compelled a knockdown within the last seconds of Spherical 8. The Englishman spun Vargas round out of a clinch and caught the champion with a glancing left hook to ship him to the canvas. To Vargas’ dismay he was given a rely, and he flicked his mouth guard into the ringside seats in frustration.
Ball remained on prime within the ninth and tenth rounds as Vargas turned weary. Ball sensed it and, within the eleventh, despatched Vargas sprawling to the canvas with a proper hook. Vargas complained, however it was dominated a knockdown.
Nevertheless, it was not sufficient for Ball to be topped champion. His promoter, Frank Warren, was left demanding a rematch and complaining concerning the scorecards.
Madrimov stops Kurbanov to seize title
Israil Madrimov captured the vacant WBA junior middleweight title with a fifth-round stoppage of Magomed Kurbanov in a career-best efficiency.
A embellished newbie, Madrimov (10-0-1, 6 KOs) was in management from the opening bell. The 29-year-old Uzbek used his elite athleticism and fluid motion to persistently beat Kurbanov to the punch.
Madrimov linked on a bundle of energy pictures, however none higher than an fully-extended overhand proper that landed flush. Kurbanov was laying on the ropes when he ate the shot and coated up. Because the Russian dipped and appeared near crumbling, referee Steve Grey halted the competition with 40 seconds left in Spherical 5.
Madrimov, who entered the competition rated No. 8 in his division, mentioned he has his sights set on holding all 4 belts.
Jermell Charlo was the undisputed champion however has been stripped of all 4 of his titles as he hasn’t competed at 154 kilos since Could 2022. That opened the door for Madrimov and Kurbanov to compete of their first title bout.
Kurbanov (25-1, 13 KOs) entered the bout on the heels of a career-best win, a split-decision over Michel Soro. The 27-year-old Kurbanov additionally owns wins over former titleholders Liam Smith and Patrick Teixeira. Kurbanov is ESPN’s No. 7 junior middleweight.
“This can be a huge win for Israil, for Matchroom,” mentioned Madrimov’s promoter, Eddie Hearn. “They discuss he is a younger Gennadiy Golovkin. … Undisputed at 154 is the plan. Terence Crawford, Tim Tszyu. … He is coming for all of the belts within the division.”
ESPN’s Nick Parkinson contributed to this report.
Joseph Parker was floored twice by Zhilei Zhang however in any other case outboxed his foe for big stretches of the heavyweight combat to earn a majority-decision victory on Friday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
One decide scored it 113-113 however was overruled by 114-112 and 115-111 tallies for Parker, who upset Deontay Wilder through choice in December. The victory over Zhang is Parker’s second consecutive over a heavyweight rated in ESPN’s prime 5 and completes a stunning turnaround for the 32-year-old New Zealander.
Parker, a former heavyweight titleholder, was brutally knocked out by Joe Joyce in Spherical 11 of their September 2022 assembly and was virtually written off as a heavyweight contender.
However following three wins over domestic-level opposition final 12 months, Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) punctuated the marketing campaign with a dominant victory over Wilder in a significant upset. And now, Parker is positioned for one more crack at a heavyweight title on the heels of one other upset win.
“This can be a nice win,” mentioned Parker, who entered the ring rated No. 4 by ESPN at heavyweight. “Zhang is a troublesome man, knocked me down twice. … I am very completely happy. …. We have now a rematch [clause], so we’re gonna do it once more.”
Zhang (26-2-1, 21 KOs) dropped Parker in Spherical 3 after a straight left hand linked flush. Parker, 32, beat the rely with a bloody and busted up nostril after which continued to outbox the 40-year-old China native.
Parker persistently beat Zhang to the punch along with his superior pace and mobility. Zhang weighed 291½ kilos whereas Parker was 247½. And whereas there was much more pop behind Zhang’s pictures, there wasn’t practically sufficient exercise.
That was till Zhang caught Parker once more, this time with a pointy proper hook that produced the knockdown in Spherical 8. However Parker once more rose to the canvas with a transparent head and returned to his jab and motion.
Parker was in a position to break up Zhang’s guard with fast one-twos and used his toes to circle across the southpaw. And as Zhang sat on the stool earlier than Spherical 12, his nook instructed him to attain one other knockdown. As an alternative, Zhang landed zero punches within the last spherical.
Zhang, although, will likely be afforded one other crack at Parker as a result of rematch clause. ESPN’s No. 5 heavyweight, Zhang’s earlier loss was a controversial choice defeat to contender
Ball flooring Vargas twice however settles for draw
Rey Vargas needed to get off the canvas twice to carry on to the WBC featherweight world title after his combat with Nick Ball was scored a break up draw.
Ball overcame an 8½-inch peak drawback to drop Vargas in Rounds 8 and 11, however it was not sufficient to win his first world title.
Vargas, who was walked to the ring by boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, held on to the belt in his first protection after scores of 114-112 for Vargas, 116-110 for Ball and 113-113.
“I had two knockdowns, and I used to be placing stress on the entire combat,” Ball mentioned. “I believed I did sufficient to win it.”
After an unsuccessful transfer to junior light-weight led to a unanimous choice defeat to O’Shaquie Foster simply over a 12 months in the past, Vargas was floored twice and regarded on the purpose of being stopped within the seventh spherical on his return to featherweight.
Vargas (36-1-1, 22 KOs), who was sad with the knockdowns and thought he mustn’t have been given a rely, mentioned by way of an interpreter: “Sure, after all I’ll combat Ball in a rematch. I’d even go to his yard to combat him.”
Ball (19-0-1, 11 KOs), 27, from Liverpool, England, entered the combat filled with confidence after some spectacular wins, together with a factors victory over former junior featherweight champion Isaac Dogboe in November.
In addition to superior expertise, two-weight world champion Vargas had an enormous peak benefit that made it tough for Ball to land head pictures early on. However within the third spherical he made an excellent job of it when he leapt into pictures simply to succeed in Vargas.
The champion landed higher pictures within the opening rounds, slowing down Ball with combos to the physique. However among the rounds had been ugly, and Vargas couldn’t get into his rhythm whereas Ball saved making lunging assaults.
The motion peaked midway by way of the seventh spherical when Ball surprised Vargas with an overhand proper hand that left the Mexican on shaky legs for the remainder of the spherical. Vargas’ legs had been jittery as he backpedaled away from hassle, and a cuffing left hook left him on wobbly legs once more later within the spherical.
Inspired by his success, Ball compelled a knockdown within the last seconds of Spherical 8. The Englishman spun Vargas round out of a clinch and caught the champion with a glancing left hook to ship him to the canvas. To Vargas’ dismay he was given a rely, and he flicked his mouth guard into the ringside seats in frustration.
Ball remained on prime within the ninth and tenth rounds as Vargas turned weary. Ball sensed it and, within the eleventh, despatched Vargas sprawling to the canvas with a proper hook. Vargas complained, however it was dominated a knockdown.
Nevertheless, it was not sufficient for Ball to be topped champion. His promoter, Frank Warren, was left demanding a rematch and complaining concerning the scorecards.
Madrimov stops Kurbanov to seize title
Israil Madrimov captured the vacant WBA junior middleweight title with a fifth-round stoppage of Magomed Kurbanov in a career-best efficiency.
A embellished newbie, Madrimov (10-0-1, 6 KOs) was in management from the opening bell. The 29-year-old Uzbek used his elite athleticism and fluid motion to persistently beat Kurbanov to the punch.
Madrimov linked on a bundle of energy pictures, however none higher than an fully-extended overhand proper that landed flush. Kurbanov was laying on the ropes when he ate the shot and coated up. Because the Russian dipped and appeared near crumbling, referee Steve Grey halted the competition with 40 seconds left in Spherical 5.
Madrimov, who entered the competition rated No. 8 in his division, mentioned he has his sights set on holding all 4 belts.
Jermell Charlo was the undisputed champion however has been stripped of all 4 of his titles as he hasn’t competed at 154 kilos since Could 2022. That opened the door for Madrimov and Kurbanov to compete of their first title bout.
Kurbanov (25-1, 13 KOs) entered the bout on the heels of a career-best win, a split-decision over Michel Soro. The 27-year-old Kurbanov additionally owns wins over former titleholders Liam Smith and Patrick Teixeira. Kurbanov is ESPN’s No. 7 junior middleweight.
“This can be a huge win for Israil, for Matchroom,” mentioned Madrimov’s promoter, Eddie Hearn. “They discuss he is a younger Gennadiy Golovkin. … Undisputed at 154 is the plan. Terence Crawford, Tim Tszyu. … He is coming for all of the belts within the division.”
ESPN’s Nick Parkinson contributed to this report.
Joseph Parker was floored twice by Zhilei Zhang however in any other case outboxed his foe for big stretches of the heavyweight combat to earn a majority-decision victory on Friday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
One decide scored it 113-113 however was overruled by 114-112 and 115-111 tallies for Parker, who upset Deontay Wilder through choice in December. The victory over Zhang is Parker’s second consecutive over a heavyweight rated in ESPN’s prime 5 and completes a stunning turnaround for the 32-year-old New Zealander.
Parker, a former heavyweight titleholder, was brutally knocked out by Joe Joyce in Spherical 11 of their September 2022 assembly and was virtually written off as a heavyweight contender.
However following three wins over domestic-level opposition final 12 months, Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) punctuated the marketing campaign with a dominant victory over Wilder in a significant upset. And now, Parker is positioned for one more crack at a heavyweight title on the heels of one other upset win.
“This can be a nice win,” mentioned Parker, who entered the ring rated No. 4 by ESPN at heavyweight. “Zhang is a troublesome man, knocked me down twice. … I am very completely happy. …. We have now a rematch [clause], so we’re gonna do it once more.”
Zhang (26-2-1, 21 KOs) dropped Parker in Spherical 3 after a straight left hand linked flush. Parker, 32, beat the rely with a bloody and busted up nostril after which continued to outbox the 40-year-old China native.
Parker persistently beat Zhang to the punch along with his superior pace and mobility. Zhang weighed 291½ kilos whereas Parker was 247½. And whereas there was much more pop behind Zhang’s pictures, there wasn’t practically sufficient exercise.
That was till Zhang caught Parker once more, this time with a pointy proper hook that produced the knockdown in Spherical 8. However Parker once more rose to the canvas with a transparent head and returned to his jab and motion.
Parker was in a position to break up Zhang’s guard with fast one-twos and used his toes to circle across the southpaw. And as Zhang sat on the stool earlier than Spherical 12, his nook instructed him to attain one other knockdown. As an alternative, Zhang landed zero punches within the last spherical.
Zhang, although, will likely be afforded one other crack at Parker as a result of rematch clause. ESPN’s No. 5 heavyweight, Zhang’s earlier loss was a controversial choice defeat to contender
Ball flooring Vargas twice however settles for draw
Rey Vargas needed to get off the canvas twice to carry on to the WBC featherweight world title after his combat with Nick Ball was scored a break up draw.
Ball overcame an 8½-inch peak drawback to drop Vargas in Rounds 8 and 11, however it was not sufficient to win his first world title.
Vargas, who was walked to the ring by boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, held on to the belt in his first protection after scores of 114-112 for Vargas, 116-110 for Ball and 113-113.
“I had two knockdowns, and I used to be placing stress on the entire combat,” Ball mentioned. “I believed I did sufficient to win it.”
After an unsuccessful transfer to junior light-weight led to a unanimous choice defeat to O’Shaquie Foster simply over a 12 months in the past, Vargas was floored twice and regarded on the purpose of being stopped within the seventh spherical on his return to featherweight.
Vargas (36-1-1, 22 KOs), who was sad with the knockdowns and thought he mustn’t have been given a rely, mentioned by way of an interpreter: “Sure, after all I’ll combat Ball in a rematch. I’d even go to his yard to combat him.”
Ball (19-0-1, 11 KOs), 27, from Liverpool, England, entered the combat filled with confidence after some spectacular wins, together with a factors victory over former junior featherweight champion Isaac Dogboe in November.
In addition to superior expertise, two-weight world champion Vargas had an enormous peak benefit that made it tough for Ball to land head pictures early on. However within the third spherical he made an excellent job of it when he leapt into pictures simply to succeed in Vargas.
The champion landed higher pictures within the opening rounds, slowing down Ball with combos to the physique. However among the rounds had been ugly, and Vargas couldn’t get into his rhythm whereas Ball saved making lunging assaults.
The motion peaked midway by way of the seventh spherical when Ball surprised Vargas with an overhand proper hand that left the Mexican on shaky legs for the remainder of the spherical. Vargas’ legs had been jittery as he backpedaled away from hassle, and a cuffing left hook left him on wobbly legs once more later within the spherical.
Inspired by his success, Ball compelled a knockdown within the last seconds of Spherical 8. The Englishman spun Vargas round out of a clinch and caught the champion with a glancing left hook to ship him to the canvas. To Vargas’ dismay he was given a rely, and he flicked his mouth guard into the ringside seats in frustration.
Ball remained on prime within the ninth and tenth rounds as Vargas turned weary. Ball sensed it and, within the eleventh, despatched Vargas sprawling to the canvas with a proper hook. Vargas complained, however it was dominated a knockdown.
Nevertheless, it was not sufficient for Ball to be topped champion. His promoter, Frank Warren, was left demanding a rematch and complaining concerning the scorecards.
Madrimov stops Kurbanov to seize title
Israil Madrimov captured the vacant WBA junior middleweight title with a fifth-round stoppage of Magomed Kurbanov in a career-best efficiency.
A embellished newbie, Madrimov (10-0-1, 6 KOs) was in management from the opening bell. The 29-year-old Uzbek used his elite athleticism and fluid motion to persistently beat Kurbanov to the punch.
Madrimov linked on a bundle of energy pictures, however none higher than an fully-extended overhand proper that landed flush. Kurbanov was laying on the ropes when he ate the shot and coated up. Because the Russian dipped and appeared near crumbling, referee Steve Grey halted the competition with 40 seconds left in Spherical 5.
Madrimov, who entered the competition rated No. 8 in his division, mentioned he has his sights set on holding all 4 belts.
Jermell Charlo was the undisputed champion however has been stripped of all 4 of his titles as he hasn’t competed at 154 kilos since Could 2022. That opened the door for Madrimov and Kurbanov to compete of their first title bout.
Kurbanov (25-1, 13 KOs) entered the bout on the heels of a career-best win, a split-decision over Michel Soro. The 27-year-old Kurbanov additionally owns wins over former titleholders Liam Smith and Patrick Teixeira. Kurbanov is ESPN’s No. 7 junior middleweight.
“This can be a huge win for Israil, for Matchroom,” mentioned Madrimov’s promoter, Eddie Hearn. “They discuss he is a younger Gennadiy Golovkin. … Undisputed at 154 is the plan. Terence Crawford, Tim Tszyu. … He is coming for all of the belts within the division.”
ESPN’s Nick Parkinson contributed to this report.
Joseph Parker was floored twice by Zhilei Zhang however in any other case outboxed his foe for big stretches of the heavyweight combat to earn a majority-decision victory on Friday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
One decide scored it 113-113 however was overruled by 114-112 and 115-111 tallies for Parker, who upset Deontay Wilder through choice in December. The victory over Zhang is Parker’s second consecutive over a heavyweight rated in ESPN’s prime 5 and completes a stunning turnaround for the 32-year-old New Zealander.
Parker, a former heavyweight titleholder, was brutally knocked out by Joe Joyce in Spherical 11 of their September 2022 assembly and was virtually written off as a heavyweight contender.
However following three wins over domestic-level opposition final 12 months, Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) punctuated the marketing campaign with a dominant victory over Wilder in a significant upset. And now, Parker is positioned for one more crack at a heavyweight title on the heels of one other upset win.
“This can be a nice win,” mentioned Parker, who entered the ring rated No. 4 by ESPN at heavyweight. “Zhang is a troublesome man, knocked me down twice. … I am very completely happy. …. We have now a rematch [clause], so we’re gonna do it once more.”
Zhang (26-2-1, 21 KOs) dropped Parker in Spherical 3 after a straight left hand linked flush. Parker, 32, beat the rely with a bloody and busted up nostril after which continued to outbox the 40-year-old China native.
Parker persistently beat Zhang to the punch along with his superior pace and mobility. Zhang weighed 291½ kilos whereas Parker was 247½. And whereas there was much more pop behind Zhang’s pictures, there wasn’t practically sufficient exercise.
That was till Zhang caught Parker once more, this time with a pointy proper hook that produced the knockdown in Spherical 8. However Parker once more rose to the canvas with a transparent head and returned to his jab and motion.
Parker was in a position to break up Zhang’s guard with fast one-twos and used his toes to circle across the southpaw. And as Zhang sat on the stool earlier than Spherical 12, his nook instructed him to attain one other knockdown. As an alternative, Zhang landed zero punches within the last spherical.
Zhang, although, will likely be afforded one other crack at Parker as a result of rematch clause. ESPN’s No. 5 heavyweight, Zhang’s earlier loss was a controversial choice defeat to contender
Ball flooring Vargas twice however settles for draw
Rey Vargas needed to get off the canvas twice to carry on to the WBC featherweight world title after his combat with Nick Ball was scored a break up draw.
Ball overcame an 8½-inch peak drawback to drop Vargas in Rounds 8 and 11, however it was not sufficient to win his first world title.
Vargas, who was walked to the ring by boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, held on to the belt in his first protection after scores of 114-112 for Vargas, 116-110 for Ball and 113-113.
“I had two knockdowns, and I used to be placing stress on the entire combat,” Ball mentioned. “I believed I did sufficient to win it.”
After an unsuccessful transfer to junior light-weight led to a unanimous choice defeat to O’Shaquie Foster simply over a 12 months in the past, Vargas was floored twice and regarded on the purpose of being stopped within the seventh spherical on his return to featherweight.
Vargas (36-1-1, 22 KOs), who was sad with the knockdowns and thought he mustn’t have been given a rely, mentioned by way of an interpreter: “Sure, after all I’ll combat Ball in a rematch. I’d even go to his yard to combat him.”
Ball (19-0-1, 11 KOs), 27, from Liverpool, England, entered the combat filled with confidence after some spectacular wins, together with a factors victory over former junior featherweight champion Isaac Dogboe in November.
In addition to superior expertise, two-weight world champion Vargas had an enormous peak benefit that made it tough for Ball to land head pictures early on. However within the third spherical he made an excellent job of it when he leapt into pictures simply to succeed in Vargas.
The champion landed higher pictures within the opening rounds, slowing down Ball with combos to the physique. However among the rounds had been ugly, and Vargas couldn’t get into his rhythm whereas Ball saved making lunging assaults.
The motion peaked midway by way of the seventh spherical when Ball surprised Vargas with an overhand proper hand that left the Mexican on shaky legs for the remainder of the spherical. Vargas’ legs had been jittery as he backpedaled away from hassle, and a cuffing left hook left him on wobbly legs once more later within the spherical.
Inspired by his success, Ball compelled a knockdown within the last seconds of Spherical 8. The Englishman spun Vargas round out of a clinch and caught the champion with a glancing left hook to ship him to the canvas. To Vargas’ dismay he was given a rely, and he flicked his mouth guard into the ringside seats in frustration.
Ball remained on prime within the ninth and tenth rounds as Vargas turned weary. Ball sensed it and, within the eleventh, despatched Vargas sprawling to the canvas with a proper hook. Vargas complained, however it was dominated a knockdown.
Nevertheless, it was not sufficient for Ball to be topped champion. His promoter, Frank Warren, was left demanding a rematch and complaining concerning the scorecards.
Madrimov stops Kurbanov to seize title
Israil Madrimov captured the vacant WBA junior middleweight title with a fifth-round stoppage of Magomed Kurbanov in a career-best efficiency.
A embellished newbie, Madrimov (10-0-1, 6 KOs) was in management from the opening bell. The 29-year-old Uzbek used his elite athleticism and fluid motion to persistently beat Kurbanov to the punch.
Madrimov linked on a bundle of energy pictures, however none higher than an fully-extended overhand proper that landed flush. Kurbanov was laying on the ropes when he ate the shot and coated up. Because the Russian dipped and appeared near crumbling, referee Steve Grey halted the competition with 40 seconds left in Spherical 5.
Madrimov, who entered the competition rated No. 8 in his division, mentioned he has his sights set on holding all 4 belts.
Jermell Charlo was the undisputed champion however has been stripped of all 4 of his titles as he hasn’t competed at 154 kilos since Could 2022. That opened the door for Madrimov and Kurbanov to compete of their first title bout.
Kurbanov (25-1, 13 KOs) entered the bout on the heels of a career-best win, a split-decision over Michel Soro. The 27-year-old Kurbanov additionally owns wins over former titleholders Liam Smith and Patrick Teixeira. Kurbanov is ESPN’s No. 7 junior middleweight.
“This can be a huge win for Israil, for Matchroom,” mentioned Madrimov’s promoter, Eddie Hearn. “They discuss he is a younger Gennadiy Golovkin. … Undisputed at 154 is the plan. Terence Crawford, Tim Tszyu. … He is coming for all of the belts within the division.”
ESPN’s Nick Parkinson contributed to this report.
Joseph Parker was floored twice by Zhilei Zhang however in any other case outboxed his foe for big stretches of the heavyweight combat to earn a majority-decision victory on Friday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
One decide scored it 113-113 however was overruled by 114-112 and 115-111 tallies for Parker, who upset Deontay Wilder through choice in December. The victory over Zhang is Parker’s second consecutive over a heavyweight rated in ESPN’s prime 5 and completes a stunning turnaround for the 32-year-old New Zealander.
Parker, a former heavyweight titleholder, was brutally knocked out by Joe Joyce in Spherical 11 of their September 2022 assembly and was virtually written off as a heavyweight contender.
However following three wins over domestic-level opposition final 12 months, Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) punctuated the marketing campaign with a dominant victory over Wilder in a significant upset. And now, Parker is positioned for one more crack at a heavyweight title on the heels of one other upset win.
“This can be a nice win,” mentioned Parker, who entered the ring rated No. 4 by ESPN at heavyweight. “Zhang is a troublesome man, knocked me down twice. … I am very completely happy. …. We have now a rematch [clause], so we’re gonna do it once more.”
Zhang (26-2-1, 21 KOs) dropped Parker in Spherical 3 after a straight left hand linked flush. Parker, 32, beat the rely with a bloody and busted up nostril after which continued to outbox the 40-year-old China native.
Parker persistently beat Zhang to the punch along with his superior pace and mobility. Zhang weighed 291½ kilos whereas Parker was 247½. And whereas there was much more pop behind Zhang’s pictures, there wasn’t practically sufficient exercise.
That was till Zhang caught Parker once more, this time with a pointy proper hook that produced the knockdown in Spherical 8. However Parker once more rose to the canvas with a transparent head and returned to his jab and motion.
Parker was in a position to break up Zhang’s guard with fast one-twos and used his toes to circle across the southpaw. And as Zhang sat on the stool earlier than Spherical 12, his nook instructed him to attain one other knockdown. As an alternative, Zhang landed zero punches within the last spherical.
Zhang, although, will likely be afforded one other crack at Parker as a result of rematch clause. ESPN’s No. 5 heavyweight, Zhang’s earlier loss was a controversial choice defeat to contender
Ball flooring Vargas twice however settles for draw
Rey Vargas needed to get off the canvas twice to carry on to the WBC featherweight world title after his combat with Nick Ball was scored a break up draw.
Ball overcame an 8½-inch peak drawback to drop Vargas in Rounds 8 and 11, however it was not sufficient to win his first world title.
Vargas, who was walked to the ring by boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, held on to the belt in his first protection after scores of 114-112 for Vargas, 116-110 for Ball and 113-113.
“I had two knockdowns, and I used to be placing stress on the entire combat,” Ball mentioned. “I believed I did sufficient to win it.”
After an unsuccessful transfer to junior light-weight led to a unanimous choice defeat to O’Shaquie Foster simply over a 12 months in the past, Vargas was floored twice and regarded on the purpose of being stopped within the seventh spherical on his return to featherweight.
Vargas (36-1-1, 22 KOs), who was sad with the knockdowns and thought he mustn’t have been given a rely, mentioned by way of an interpreter: “Sure, after all I’ll combat Ball in a rematch. I’d even go to his yard to combat him.”
Ball (19-0-1, 11 KOs), 27, from Liverpool, England, entered the combat filled with confidence after some spectacular wins, together with a factors victory over former junior featherweight champion Isaac Dogboe in November.
In addition to superior expertise, two-weight world champion Vargas had an enormous peak benefit that made it tough for Ball to land head pictures early on. However within the third spherical he made an excellent job of it when he leapt into pictures simply to succeed in Vargas.
The champion landed higher pictures within the opening rounds, slowing down Ball with combos to the physique. However among the rounds had been ugly, and Vargas couldn’t get into his rhythm whereas Ball saved making lunging assaults.
The motion peaked midway by way of the seventh spherical when Ball surprised Vargas with an overhand proper hand that left the Mexican on shaky legs for the remainder of the spherical. Vargas’ legs had been jittery as he backpedaled away from hassle, and a cuffing left hook left him on wobbly legs once more later within the spherical.
Inspired by his success, Ball compelled a knockdown within the last seconds of Spherical 8. The Englishman spun Vargas round out of a clinch and caught the champion with a glancing left hook to ship him to the canvas. To Vargas’ dismay he was given a rely, and he flicked his mouth guard into the ringside seats in frustration.
Ball remained on prime within the ninth and tenth rounds as Vargas turned weary. Ball sensed it and, within the eleventh, despatched Vargas sprawling to the canvas with a proper hook. Vargas complained, however it was dominated a knockdown.
Nevertheless, it was not sufficient for Ball to be topped champion. His promoter, Frank Warren, was left demanding a rematch and complaining concerning the scorecards.
Madrimov stops Kurbanov to seize title
Israil Madrimov captured the vacant WBA junior middleweight title with a fifth-round stoppage of Magomed Kurbanov in a career-best efficiency.
A embellished newbie, Madrimov (10-0-1, 6 KOs) was in management from the opening bell. The 29-year-old Uzbek used his elite athleticism and fluid motion to persistently beat Kurbanov to the punch.
Madrimov linked on a bundle of energy pictures, however none higher than an fully-extended overhand proper that landed flush. Kurbanov was laying on the ropes when he ate the shot and coated up. Because the Russian dipped and appeared near crumbling, referee Steve Grey halted the competition with 40 seconds left in Spherical 5.
Madrimov, who entered the competition rated No. 8 in his division, mentioned he has his sights set on holding all 4 belts.
Jermell Charlo was the undisputed champion however has been stripped of all 4 of his titles as he hasn’t competed at 154 kilos since Could 2022. That opened the door for Madrimov and Kurbanov to compete of their first title bout.
Kurbanov (25-1, 13 KOs) entered the bout on the heels of a career-best win, a split-decision over Michel Soro. The 27-year-old Kurbanov additionally owns wins over former titleholders Liam Smith and Patrick Teixeira. Kurbanov is ESPN’s No. 7 junior middleweight.
“This can be a huge win for Israil, for Matchroom,” mentioned Madrimov’s promoter, Eddie Hearn. “They discuss he is a younger Gennadiy Golovkin. … Undisputed at 154 is the plan. Terence Crawford, Tim Tszyu. … He is coming for all of the belts within the division.”
ESPN’s Nick Parkinson contributed to this report.
Joseph Parker was floored twice by Zhilei Zhang however in any other case outboxed his foe for big stretches of the heavyweight combat to earn a majority-decision victory on Friday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
One decide scored it 113-113 however was overruled by 114-112 and 115-111 tallies for Parker, who upset Deontay Wilder through choice in December. The victory over Zhang is Parker’s second consecutive over a heavyweight rated in ESPN’s prime 5 and completes a stunning turnaround for the 32-year-old New Zealander.
Parker, a former heavyweight titleholder, was brutally knocked out by Joe Joyce in Spherical 11 of their September 2022 assembly and was virtually written off as a heavyweight contender.
However following three wins over domestic-level opposition final 12 months, Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) punctuated the marketing campaign with a dominant victory over Wilder in a significant upset. And now, Parker is positioned for one more crack at a heavyweight title on the heels of one other upset win.
“This can be a nice win,” mentioned Parker, who entered the ring rated No. 4 by ESPN at heavyweight. “Zhang is a troublesome man, knocked me down twice. … I am very completely happy. …. We have now a rematch [clause], so we’re gonna do it once more.”
Zhang (26-2-1, 21 KOs) dropped Parker in Spherical 3 after a straight left hand linked flush. Parker, 32, beat the rely with a bloody and busted up nostril after which continued to outbox the 40-year-old China native.
Parker persistently beat Zhang to the punch along with his superior pace and mobility. Zhang weighed 291½ kilos whereas Parker was 247½. And whereas there was much more pop behind Zhang’s pictures, there wasn’t practically sufficient exercise.
That was till Zhang caught Parker once more, this time with a pointy proper hook that produced the knockdown in Spherical 8. However Parker once more rose to the canvas with a transparent head and returned to his jab and motion.
Parker was in a position to break up Zhang’s guard with fast one-twos and used his toes to circle across the southpaw. And as Zhang sat on the stool earlier than Spherical 12, his nook instructed him to attain one other knockdown. As an alternative, Zhang landed zero punches within the last spherical.
Zhang, although, will likely be afforded one other crack at Parker as a result of rematch clause. ESPN’s No. 5 heavyweight, Zhang’s earlier loss was a controversial choice defeat to contender
Ball flooring Vargas twice however settles for draw
Rey Vargas needed to get off the canvas twice to carry on to the WBC featherweight world title after his combat with Nick Ball was scored a break up draw.
Ball overcame an 8½-inch peak drawback to drop Vargas in Rounds 8 and 11, however it was not sufficient to win his first world title.
Vargas, who was walked to the ring by boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, held on to the belt in his first protection after scores of 114-112 for Vargas, 116-110 for Ball and 113-113.
“I had two knockdowns, and I used to be placing stress on the entire combat,” Ball mentioned. “I believed I did sufficient to win it.”
After an unsuccessful transfer to junior light-weight led to a unanimous choice defeat to O’Shaquie Foster simply over a 12 months in the past, Vargas was floored twice and regarded on the purpose of being stopped within the seventh spherical on his return to featherweight.
Vargas (36-1-1, 22 KOs), who was sad with the knockdowns and thought he mustn’t have been given a rely, mentioned by way of an interpreter: “Sure, after all I’ll combat Ball in a rematch. I’d even go to his yard to combat him.”
Ball (19-0-1, 11 KOs), 27, from Liverpool, England, entered the combat filled with confidence after some spectacular wins, together with a factors victory over former junior featherweight champion Isaac Dogboe in November.
In addition to superior expertise, two-weight world champion Vargas had an enormous peak benefit that made it tough for Ball to land head pictures early on. However within the third spherical he made an excellent job of it when he leapt into pictures simply to succeed in Vargas.
The champion landed higher pictures within the opening rounds, slowing down Ball with combos to the physique. However among the rounds had been ugly, and Vargas couldn’t get into his rhythm whereas Ball saved making lunging assaults.
The motion peaked midway by way of the seventh spherical when Ball surprised Vargas with an overhand proper hand that left the Mexican on shaky legs for the remainder of the spherical. Vargas’ legs had been jittery as he backpedaled away from hassle, and a cuffing left hook left him on wobbly legs once more later within the spherical.
Inspired by his success, Ball compelled a knockdown within the last seconds of Spherical 8. The Englishman spun Vargas round out of a clinch and caught the champion with a glancing left hook to ship him to the canvas. To Vargas’ dismay he was given a rely, and he flicked his mouth guard into the ringside seats in frustration.
Ball remained on prime within the ninth and tenth rounds as Vargas turned weary. Ball sensed it and, within the eleventh, despatched Vargas sprawling to the canvas with a proper hook. Vargas complained, however it was dominated a knockdown.
Nevertheless, it was not sufficient for Ball to be topped champion. His promoter, Frank Warren, was left demanding a rematch and complaining concerning the scorecards.
Madrimov stops Kurbanov to seize title
Israil Madrimov captured the vacant WBA junior middleweight title with a fifth-round stoppage of Magomed Kurbanov in a career-best efficiency.
A embellished newbie, Madrimov (10-0-1, 6 KOs) was in management from the opening bell. The 29-year-old Uzbek used his elite athleticism and fluid motion to persistently beat Kurbanov to the punch.
Madrimov linked on a bundle of energy pictures, however none higher than an fully-extended overhand proper that landed flush. Kurbanov was laying on the ropes when he ate the shot and coated up. Because the Russian dipped and appeared near crumbling, referee Steve Grey halted the competition with 40 seconds left in Spherical 5.
Madrimov, who entered the competition rated No. 8 in his division, mentioned he has his sights set on holding all 4 belts.
Jermell Charlo was the undisputed champion however has been stripped of all 4 of his titles as he hasn’t competed at 154 kilos since Could 2022. That opened the door for Madrimov and Kurbanov to compete of their first title bout.
Kurbanov (25-1, 13 KOs) entered the bout on the heels of a career-best win, a split-decision over Michel Soro. The 27-year-old Kurbanov additionally owns wins over former titleholders Liam Smith and Patrick Teixeira. Kurbanov is ESPN’s No. 7 junior middleweight.
“This can be a huge win for Israil, for Matchroom,” mentioned Madrimov’s promoter, Eddie Hearn. “They discuss he is a younger Gennadiy Golovkin. … Undisputed at 154 is the plan. Terence Crawford, Tim Tszyu. … He is coming for all of the belts within the division.”
ESPN’s Nick Parkinson contributed to this report.
Joseph Parker was floored twice by Zhilei Zhang however in any other case outboxed his foe for big stretches of the heavyweight combat to earn a majority-decision victory on Friday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
One decide scored it 113-113 however was overruled by 114-112 and 115-111 tallies for Parker, who upset Deontay Wilder through choice in December. The victory over Zhang is Parker’s second consecutive over a heavyweight rated in ESPN’s prime 5 and completes a stunning turnaround for the 32-year-old New Zealander.
Parker, a former heavyweight titleholder, was brutally knocked out by Joe Joyce in Spherical 11 of their September 2022 assembly and was virtually written off as a heavyweight contender.
However following three wins over domestic-level opposition final 12 months, Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) punctuated the marketing campaign with a dominant victory over Wilder in a significant upset. And now, Parker is positioned for one more crack at a heavyweight title on the heels of one other upset win.
“This can be a nice win,” mentioned Parker, who entered the ring rated No. 4 by ESPN at heavyweight. “Zhang is a troublesome man, knocked me down twice. … I am very completely happy. …. We have now a rematch [clause], so we’re gonna do it once more.”
Zhang (26-2-1, 21 KOs) dropped Parker in Spherical 3 after a straight left hand linked flush. Parker, 32, beat the rely with a bloody and busted up nostril after which continued to outbox the 40-year-old China native.
Parker persistently beat Zhang to the punch along with his superior pace and mobility. Zhang weighed 291½ kilos whereas Parker was 247½. And whereas there was much more pop behind Zhang’s pictures, there wasn’t practically sufficient exercise.
That was till Zhang caught Parker once more, this time with a pointy proper hook that produced the knockdown in Spherical 8. However Parker once more rose to the canvas with a transparent head and returned to his jab and motion.
Parker was in a position to break up Zhang’s guard with fast one-twos and used his toes to circle across the southpaw. And as Zhang sat on the stool earlier than Spherical 12, his nook instructed him to attain one other knockdown. As an alternative, Zhang landed zero punches within the last spherical.
Zhang, although, will likely be afforded one other crack at Parker as a result of rematch clause. ESPN’s No. 5 heavyweight, Zhang’s earlier loss was a controversial choice defeat to contender
Ball flooring Vargas twice however settles for draw
Rey Vargas needed to get off the canvas twice to carry on to the WBC featherweight world title after his combat with Nick Ball was scored a break up draw.
Ball overcame an 8½-inch peak drawback to drop Vargas in Rounds 8 and 11, however it was not sufficient to win his first world title.
Vargas, who was walked to the ring by boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, held on to the belt in his first protection after scores of 114-112 for Vargas, 116-110 for Ball and 113-113.
“I had two knockdowns, and I used to be placing stress on the entire combat,” Ball mentioned. “I believed I did sufficient to win it.”
After an unsuccessful transfer to junior light-weight led to a unanimous choice defeat to O’Shaquie Foster simply over a 12 months in the past, Vargas was floored twice and regarded on the purpose of being stopped within the seventh spherical on his return to featherweight.
Vargas (36-1-1, 22 KOs), who was sad with the knockdowns and thought he mustn’t have been given a rely, mentioned by way of an interpreter: “Sure, after all I’ll combat Ball in a rematch. I’d even go to his yard to combat him.”
Ball (19-0-1, 11 KOs), 27, from Liverpool, England, entered the combat filled with confidence after some spectacular wins, together with a factors victory over former junior featherweight champion Isaac Dogboe in November.
In addition to superior expertise, two-weight world champion Vargas had an enormous peak benefit that made it tough for Ball to land head pictures early on. However within the third spherical he made an excellent job of it when he leapt into pictures simply to succeed in Vargas.
The champion landed higher pictures within the opening rounds, slowing down Ball with combos to the physique. However among the rounds had been ugly, and Vargas couldn’t get into his rhythm whereas Ball saved making lunging assaults.
The motion peaked midway by way of the seventh spherical when Ball surprised Vargas with an overhand proper hand that left the Mexican on shaky legs for the remainder of the spherical. Vargas’ legs had been jittery as he backpedaled away from hassle, and a cuffing left hook left him on wobbly legs once more later within the spherical.
Inspired by his success, Ball compelled a knockdown within the last seconds of Spherical 8. The Englishman spun Vargas round out of a clinch and caught the champion with a glancing left hook to ship him to the canvas. To Vargas’ dismay he was given a rely, and he flicked his mouth guard into the ringside seats in frustration.
Ball remained on prime within the ninth and tenth rounds as Vargas turned weary. Ball sensed it and, within the eleventh, despatched Vargas sprawling to the canvas with a proper hook. Vargas complained, however it was dominated a knockdown.
Nevertheless, it was not sufficient for Ball to be topped champion. His promoter, Frank Warren, was left demanding a rematch and complaining concerning the scorecards.
Madrimov stops Kurbanov to seize title
Israil Madrimov captured the vacant WBA junior middleweight title with a fifth-round stoppage of Magomed Kurbanov in a career-best efficiency.
A embellished newbie, Madrimov (10-0-1, 6 KOs) was in management from the opening bell. The 29-year-old Uzbek used his elite athleticism and fluid motion to persistently beat Kurbanov to the punch.
Madrimov linked on a bundle of energy pictures, however none higher than an fully-extended overhand proper that landed flush. Kurbanov was laying on the ropes when he ate the shot and coated up. Because the Russian dipped and appeared near crumbling, referee Steve Grey halted the competition with 40 seconds left in Spherical 5.
Madrimov, who entered the competition rated No. 8 in his division, mentioned he has his sights set on holding all 4 belts.
Jermell Charlo was the undisputed champion however has been stripped of all 4 of his titles as he hasn’t competed at 154 kilos since Could 2022. That opened the door for Madrimov and Kurbanov to compete of their first title bout.
Kurbanov (25-1, 13 KOs) entered the bout on the heels of a career-best win, a split-decision over Michel Soro. The 27-year-old Kurbanov additionally owns wins over former titleholders Liam Smith and Patrick Teixeira. Kurbanov is ESPN’s No. 7 junior middleweight.
“This can be a huge win for Israil, for Matchroom,” mentioned Madrimov’s promoter, Eddie Hearn. “They discuss he is a younger Gennadiy Golovkin. … Undisputed at 154 is the plan. Terence Crawford, Tim Tszyu. … He is coming for all of the belts within the division.”
ESPN’s Nick Parkinson contributed to this report.