The stacked undercard for Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury’s eagerly anticipated rematch on December 21 has taken an unexpected turn.
Former world champion Israil Madrimov was supposed to lock horns with spiteful puncher Serhii Bohachuk, before taking on Vergil Ortiz Jr just over two months later.
However, with Madrimov suffering from acute bronchitis, the 29-year-old has now been forced to pull out of his first scheduled outing.
But instead of losing his slot on the fast approaching Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 undercard, Bohachuk has been presented with the opportunity to face a replacement opponent in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Ishmael Davis replaces Israil Madrimov in Serhii Bohachuk showdown
Even before the announcement of his illness, it seemed highly unlikely that Madrimov would face both Bohachuk and Ortiz in such quick succession.
Instead of hampering his preparation for February 22, though, the Uzbek is now afforded sufficient time to recuperate before challenging for the WBC interim super welterweight title.
But still, Madrimov’s scheduled bout against Ortiz left many scratching their heads, with Bohachuk, in particular, suggesting that the clash is a joke.
The Ukrainian comes off a strong performance against Ortiz, flooring the rising star twice before losing a highly contentious majority decision.
And now, rather than heading into a 50-50 dustup with Madrimov, Bohachuk will face unproven contender Ishmael Davis in what looks to be a huge step up for the Brit.
Boxing power broker Turki Alalshikh announced the 29-year-old’s replacement opponent last night, giving both operators less than two weeks to prepare.
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Eddie Hearn praises Ishmael Davis for fighting Serhii Bohachuk
Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn, who promotes Davis, has been blown away by his fighter’s remarkable success story over the past few months.
“Ishmael Davis needs a f***ing wheelbarrow to carry his nuts around,” Hearn told IFL TV. “Ishmael Davis, in two months, has made a f***ing fortune – and I couldn’t be more happy for him.
“He’s changed his life forever, he’s going to buy himself a nice house, he’s going to be able to look after his kids. He was supposed to be fighting for less than a tenth of what he’s getting.
“What a f***ing story. And if he goes out there and beats Bohachuk… guess what – next fight, he’s going to make seven figures.”
Davis comes off a majority decision defeat to Josh Kelly, another fight that he took on short notice.
Yet still, with around a week to prepare for the tricky style of his opponent, ‘The Black Panther’ gave a good account of himself through 12 rounds.
Against Bohachuk, however, Davis will need to raise his level even further, no doubt hoping to compensate for his lack of experience with a typically tenacious approach to the formidable test.