Maderna out, Uzcategui needs new opponent

Earlier this week, it was announced that Jose Uzcategui would face Ezequiel Maderna in a non-title super middleweight fight on September 28, headlining an ESPN+ card from Oakland, California.

Now, that fight is off, and Uzcategui (27-2, 23 KO) is in need of a new opponent, according to a report at ESPN.

The reason is that Maderna can’t get a visa yet, and Top Rank doesn’t want to risk him outright not being able to get one. So instead, they’ll search for a new foe for Maderna, the IBF super middleweight titleholder.

The good news is there probably won’t be any big step down in quality if Top Rank can find someone quickly. Maderna was a non-title tune-up opponent in the first place, so replacing him with a fighter of similar quality should be doable.

The card will also feature an IBF super flyweight title fight between Jerwin Ancajas and Alejandro Santiago.