Who is the tougher opponent: Israil Madrimov or Xander Zayas?

[ShoulderRoll]

[dan_cov]

For who?

[ShoulderRoll]

For who?

For Vergil Ortiz.

[ShoulderRoll]

Some are claiming that Ortiz ducked Zayas. But how can that be the case if he is actually fighting someone who I believe is a more dangerous opponent, as proven by the Terence Crawford fight?

[crimsonfalcon07]

Some are claiming that Ortiz ducked Zayas. But how canthat be the case if he is actually fighting someone who I believe is a more dangerous opponent, as proven by the Terence Crawford fight?

Vergil doesn't really have a reputation for ducking. In fact, I'm pretty sure he's signed to fight every opponent that's been put in front of him. This whole nonsense is coming from Zayas who was briefly considered after Ennis ran from the fight like he has from every dangerous opponent, but never made it to negotiations. And Zayas is supposed to make those claims. He's not ready, regardless. I think he's close to being ready for the world title scene, but I bet his handlers are secretly happy this fight isn't happening yet, because they've been moving him pretty well so far.

[ShoulderRoll]

Vergil doesn't really have a reputation for ducking. In fact, I'm pretty sure he's signed to fight every opponent that's been put in front of him. This whole nonsense is coming from Zayas who was briefly considered after Ennis ran from the fight like he has from every dangerous opponent, but never made it to negotiations. And Zayas is supposed to make those claims. He's not ready, regardless. I think he's close to being ready for the world title scene, but I bet his handlers are secretly happy this fight isn't happening yet, because they've been moving him pretty well so far.

That’s why I’m asking the question.

It seems pretty clear to me that Madrimov is the more difficult opponent at this stage. But I want to check and see what other boxing fans think.

[Mammoth]

Is the former champion a tougher fight than the very unproven prospect? It's tough to say...

[crimsonfalcon07]

That’s why I’m asking the question.

It seems pretty clear to me that Madrimov is the more difficult opponent at this stage. But I want to check and see what other boxing fans think.

Kinda hard to say, really, because we have limited data. But Madrimov proved he could hang with a p4p guy who will likely have some historical longevity in Crawford, and he's got power and demonstrated he can use different gameplans and stick to them, along with his good skillset. I have thought for some time that he was going to be a world champion, and I'm sure he will again, even in the stacked 154 lb division. I also think Zayas will end up being the goods, but he's as yet unproven at the world title level, and the notion that he's being ducked by a guy who has historically signed every contract he's ever had put in front of him is, frankly, laughable. If Ortiz is willing to fight the likes of Stanionis, Madrimov, Ennis, Crawford, Bohachuk, etc, he's not ducking Zayas. Let's see Zayas fight one of the aforementioned before he can be taken seriously with ducking claims...

[BustedKnuckles]

That’s why I’m asking the question.

It seems pretty clear to me that Madrimov is the more difficult opponent at this stage. But I want to check and see what other boxing fans think.

I'll say Madrimov, if he can step on the gas better at times and not take off the last rounds.

[STREET CLEANER]

I don't see anyone saying that he ducked Zayas to fight the more decorated and experienced Israil. There is disappointment for Zayas not getting the fight but Virgil took a bigger risk and I bet you a much better payday for that fight.