The Eastern Bloc remains synonymous with a certain type of austere aesthetic; a cold and unforgiving terrain inhabited by an unbreakable population, their spirit unbowed despite enduring the brutality of Soviet rule.
Whilst such imagery makes booking a romantic getaway to the likes of Khiva in Uzbekistan a decidedly tough sell, it does provide the perfect conditions for sourcing a cold-blooded combatant who possesses all of the landscape’s most ferocious qualities.
Ismail Madrimov was born with these bitter winds coursing through his veins. Despite being just 24 years of age he is already more battle-hardened than most veterans of the noble art, turning pro with a gargantuan 330 amateur contests under his belt.
Such experience meant his progress has been hastened from the very start. No four round educational introductions against docile journeymen were required. Instead the Uzbek prodigy has been thrown into 10 round fights against durable and gutsy opposition. Each one was unmercifully steamrolled in chilling fashion.
The emphatic nature of these victories has already reaped rewards. Not only did Madrimov join Matchroom’s growing stable of international stars but he’s now been made the co-feature on this weekend’s Golovkin vs Derevyanchenko card.
It’s easy to see why Eddie Hearn is so eager to push his new recruit to the forefront. Madrimov not only carries ferocious power in both hands but also operates as a technically excellent switch hitter. His footwork and lateral movement has opponents punching fresh air, yet on the attack he keeps his prey under relentless pressure. Disguising withering body shots from range beautifully, he can throw ruthlessly accurate combinations with a rarefied creativity.
In just his second professional outing Madrimov scored one of the most spectacular knockouts of 2019, landing a right uppercut and left hook combo to leave Frank Rojas (24-2 at the time) an unconscious wreckage on the canvas.
The confidence which oozes from this young demolisher is shared by his trainer Joel Diaz, who’s supported his charge’s vocal challenges to the 154lbs division’s elite despite such a fledgling professional career. Nobody, it seems, is in the mood to hold “The Dream” back.
Such a throwback attitude only adds to Israil Madrimov’s appeal. If progress continues at this rapid pace then expect the cream of boxing’s super welterweights to be having some shockingly violent nightmares for the foreseeable future.
Written by: Phil Rogers
Follow Phil on Twitter at: @SouthpawBoxNews