‘He’s not a big puncher’: Bohachuk reflects on fight with Ortiz, talks Madrimov withdrawal

Serhii Bohachuk says Vergil Ortiz isn’t the knockout machine he’s been made out to be.

Serhii Bohachuk spends some time talking with Fight Hub TV on losing out his fight with Israil Madrimov, with Madrimov citing illness despite announcing a fight against Vergil Ortiz, and his outlook on the division as a whole. Bohachuk also reflects on his own fight with Ortiz and explains why he doesn’t think Ortiz is the puncher he’s been made out to be. Here are some excerpts below.

Bohachuk on his reaction to Madrimov withdrawing from their fight

“My reaction, I’m shocked because I want fight with him. I’m ready for him, I have big camp, I have strong camp. I’m ready for this fight and of course I’m a little bit destroyed. I’m happy (now) because maybe change that fight, maybe not cancel fight — it’s very bad. And now I have fight, I’m happy because I have fight, I have good opponent, I have good show...Of course I’m upset (at) Madrimov. Now it’s okay, I have opponent, I have show.”

On not getting the opportunity of a rematch with Vergil Ortiz and Madrimov getting the shot instead

“Me and Vergil, it’s very much — I can beat him one more time [laughs). I don’t feel I lost (to) him. I’m feeling I won this fight. And next fight I beat him more harder, maybe not two knockdowns, maybe four knockdowns, knockout. I’m ready...if fans interested in this fight, of course I want fight with him.

“I’m feeling him, (Ortiz) is not strong. Before me he’s 18 (fights), 18 knockouts, he’s knockout machine. No, I don’t feel this. I don’t feel this in the fight. He’s not very strong boxer. He’s not bad boxer. Yes, he’s good mover, he’s good (pressure) — he’s not a big puncher. I don’t feel this.”

On how he sees a Ortiz vs Madrimov fight playing out

“I think 12 rounds and Madrimov win this fight on decision...I think Madrimov (wins) this fight and I’m ready for Madrimov for future. Let’s go.”