Israil Madrimov recovering from shoulder surgery, planning late spring return

It’s been a while since we heard from 26-year-old Uzbek phenom Israil Madrimov, who last saw action in August 2020. As it turns out, “The Dream” suffered a torn shoulder tendon in that bout and has been rehabbing from surgery; he intends to return to action in the coming months and an announcement will be “forthcoming shortly.”

Said Madrimov, “The rehabilitation from the surgery a couple of months ago is coming along very well. I look forward to starting my training again very soon and hope to be back in the ring in April or May.”

While the fast-tracked Madrimov (6-0, 5 KO), a protege of Joel Diaz, has been scheduled for at least 10 rounds since his pro debut, he didn’t need more than six for his first five efforts. Then came that infamous August clash with a surprisingly game Eric Walker; Madrimov clearly knocked him senseless with a spectacular left hook in the ninth round, but referee Gary Ritter deemed it a slip and gave Walker five minutes to recover. Madrimov would ultimately win by unanimous decision.

Madrimov is currently the WBA’s top contender, putting “super” champ Jermell Charlo and “world” champ Erislandy Lara in his sights. Once he deals with what’s likely to be a tune-up, the rest of his 2021 could prove very interesting indeed.