Exclusive - Bernard Hopkins reveals why he is so confident for Vergil Ortiz ahead of Israil Madrimov battle

Published: Feb 21, 2025

Vergil Ortiz Jr faces another stern test this weekend when he puts his unbeaten record on the line against Israil Madrimov in Saudi Arabia .

The fight, live on DAZN PPV, will see two of the world’s best super-welterweight collide and rewards for the victor will be very lucrative.

Read next | Beterbiev vs Bivol 2: The tactics and styles of each fighter and their keys to victory

Both fighters come into the contest with question marks surrounding them after issues in their most recent performances that took place last year.

This past August, both men were in action, and they were pushed all the way with only one of the fighters emerging victorious from tough battles.

That man was Ortiz, as he climbed off the floor twice to register a hard-earned win over the menacing Sergi Bohachuk .

The same month, Madrimov took one of boxing’s best fighters in Terence Crawford and although he emerged with credit, he was beaten on points as he lost for the first time as a professional.

Entering the contest each with a point to prove, many within the sport expect this fight to steal the show on a card stacked with blockbuster fights.

Bernard Hopkins, one of the modern era’s best fighters, has played a key role in Ortiz’s development due to his role at Golden Boy Promotions, and the Philadelphia legend has explained why he is so confident that Ortiz can register the biggest win of his career.

“Because of the way he evolved in his last fight and because of how he puts his mind and athleticism together,” said Hopkins during an exclusive interview with DAZN News .

“He has a great coach who I know and respect who’s not a trainer but a teacher. Tomorrow is not guaranteed for any fighter.

“Winners fight winners and losers fight losers. Whatever side the fighter is on is up to them, and that’s why I believe we will be victorious tomorrow night.”

Watch the full Last Crescendo card live on DAZN PPV

Watch the full Last Crescendo fight card, including Beterbiev vs Bivol 2, live on DAZN Pay-Per-View.

The PPV is available to buy now at £19.99 in UK and $25.99 in US.

Buying the DAZN PPV offers a range of extra benefits. including alternative commentary options with Adam Smith or True Geordie or Showbizz the Adult ; local language commentary; entry to a prize draw for tickets to Chris Eubank Jr. vs Connor Benn* (for UK only); and a seven-day free trial of the full DAZN platform.

Watch the fight night anywhere with DAZN via smart TV's, smartphones, tablets, games consoles, streaming devices and PC's / laptops.

For PPV costs in your country and to buy now, click here .

*UK only. Restrictions apply. See T&Cs on help.dazn.com. Full T&C's here