Madrimov enters the fight on a two bout losing streak, but the defeats came against the highest level of competition in the division. He dropped close twelve round decisions to Terence Crawford and Vergil Ortiz Jr.
Performance Against Crawford
Against Crawford, Madrimov performed better than expected and arguably better than Canelo Alvarez did. His awkward timing and unpredictable punches kept Crawford under pressure for much of the fight.
Those performances showed that Madrimov remains dangerous at world level. He landed heavy shots against both Crawford and Ortiz and consistently marked up their faces. Power has never been his issue.
Salazar, a 32 year old from the Dominican Republic, has spent his career facing limited opposition. His lone defeat came by eighth round knockout in 2021. He is not known as a puncher and is not viewed as a serious threat to beat Madrimov, even with ring rust in play.
Clear Skill Gap
The skill gap is clear. Madrimov holds a significant advantage in power, technique, and experience. His amateur background remains a strength. He amassed more than 350 amateur wins before turning professional in 2018.
Stylistically, Madrimov is expected to work from the outside, using movement and his right hand to pick Salazar off. Movement has always been a key part of his game, though it appeared to cost him late in the Ortiz fight, where his output dipped in the closing rounds.
Positioning for the Next Fight
The fight will be shown on DAZN and serves as the co feature to the Andy Cruz vs Raymond Muratalla card at the Fontainebleau.
For Madrimov, the goal is simple. Get rounds. Test the body. Reestablish rhythm. And move forward from there.
Robert Segal has been a key voice at Boxing News 24 for more than a decade, delivering fight news, previews, and analysis with a direct, insider edge. His work highlights champions, contenders, and rising talent from around the world, offering readers a clear understanding of where each fighter stands in the sport’s shifting landscape. Known for his sharp ringside perspective and straightforward reporting style, Robert consistently brings fans closer to the action with knowledgeable, no-nonsense coverage.