Israil Madrimov controls the early going but Vergil Ortiz Jnr showcases substantial ability to take control, writes Lance Pugmire.

Vergil Ortiz Jr. stayed on course for a more huge fights as he battled past the highly skilled Israil Madrimov in Riyadh.

By: Sean Crose The WBC super middleweight interim title was at stake Saturday in Saudi Arabia as the undefeated 22-0 Virgil Ortiz Jr. defended his belt against the 10-1-1 Israil Madrimov, who was widely known as possibly the only fighter to give Terence Crawford a run for his money (even though Crawford ultimately emerged victorious).

Lance Pugmire speaks to former Vergil Ortiz opponent Serhii Bohachuk to break down Saturday's fight between Ortiz and Israil Madrimov.

Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Israil Madrimov will aim to keep themselves firmly in the conversation for world titles and superfights in a high-quality Riyadh Season matchup at super welterweight.Ortiz and Madrimov meet on the stacked undercard for the undisputed light heavyweight rematch between modern greats Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.

Rarely does a fight between two of the best in their division fly under the radar, but that's the case with Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Israil Madrimov. Ortiz Jr. and

A stacked slate of boxing continued with a tight bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, with Vergil Ortiz Jr. defeating Israil Madrimov to retain the WBC interim super welterweight title. After 12 rounds of close fighting,

Rarely does a title fight between two of the best in their division fly under the radar, but that's the case with Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Israil Madrimov. Ortiz Jr