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

It wasn’t always the most pleasing fight to watch, but Vergil Ortiz Jr nicked a decision win over Israil Madrimov to remain undefeated and keep his interim WBC super welterweight title. Ortiz (23-0, 21 KO) went the distance for the second straight fight,

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).

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

Vergil Ortiz Jr moved to 23-0 on Saturday night in Riyadh with a unanimous decision win over former WBA light welterweight champion Israil Madrimov.

With the triumph, Ortiz defended his interim super welterweight title, which he captured in December after defeating Serhii Bohachuk. Ortiz won the title by majority decision (113-113, 114-112 and 114-112), with a relentless and thrilling Round 8 that made the matchup an instant classic.

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