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Jose Uzcategui vs. Ezequiel Maderna | Preview & Prediction

Current IBF super middleweight champion Jose Uzcategui (27-2, 23 KOs) steps back into the ring tonight against unheralded challenger Ezequiel Maderna (26-4, 16 KOs) in a non title main event of an ESPN+ card from California.

Current IBF Super Middleweight champion Jose Uzcategui (27-2, 23 KOs) steps back into the ring tonight against unheralded challenger Ezequiel Maderna (26-4, 16 KOs) in a non-title main event of an ESPN+ card from California.

Uzcategui won the interim IBF title in a rematch against Andre Dirrell in March after the first fight ended controversially to say the least.

He was then elevated to full champion status when former belt holder James Degale decided to drop his strap as opposed to making a mandatory defense against Uzcategui.

Undefeated challenger Caleb Plant (17-0, 10 KOs) was supposed to be across the ring from Uzcategui tonight after he successfully defeated Rogelio “Porky” Medina (38-9, 32 KOs) in a title eliminator. Unfortunately for Plant, he suffered a broken hand during training camp which has lead to our matchup tonight.

There’s no denying that Maderna is facing a daunting task. Uzcategui is one of the best opponents he’s faced in his entire career.

Although it may seem bleak, there are a few things he can implement into his game plan to pull off the massive upset.


Tale Of The Tape

Mikey Williams/Top Rank

Both Jose Uzcategui and Ezequiel Maderna share the same height with both coming in at 6’2″ and very similar reaches. 76 and half inches for Uzcategui and 78 inches for Maderna.

That is however where the similarities both start and stop.

These are two massively different fighters with Uzcategui coming in four years younger and a much bigger puncher. Sporting a knockout percentage of 79 percent, while Maderna checks in at a modest 53 percent.

Surprisingly enough the level of opposition for both fighters is relatively even with Maderna having his stiffest test against both Edwin Rodriguez and current IBF Light Heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev.

Uzcategui hasn’t exactly faced a murderers row of opponents with most of them checking in as journeymen. He has however faced two opponents of note in Matt Korobov and Andre Dirrell.

Say what you want about Maderna failing every time he has stepped up his level of opposition. Uzcategui has had his troubles in that department as well. He was outboxed and knocked down twice by Korobov in their matchup and disqualified against Dirrell the first time (although it was highly controversial).


Main Storylines

Mikey Williams/Top Rank

Although there is no title at stake tonight, Ezequiel Maderna must be aware of the opportunity that awaits him.

A win over a current Super Middleweight champion lines up major fights and even bigger pay days for him down the line.

Even with his big fight staring him right in the face he has been a bit distracted as he was dealing with issues obtaining his traveling visa for this fight for quite some time now.

Jose Uzcategui on the other hand has a different set of issues and that’s looking past his perceived easy opponent.

There may not be a title on the line tonight but a loss can bring all of Uzcategui’s upcoming plans to an end. The future showdown with Caleb Plant gets put on hold and any unification matches will be completely placed on ice with a loss tonight.

Uzcategui knows that he must not only win but he must look great while doing it.


Strengths For Each Fighter

Jose Uzcategui

Al Bello/Getty Images

Jose Uzcategui is an aggressive come forward fighter but he’s not reckless with his aggression as many may think.

He has a very calm aggression to his game. Jabbing his way in and applying constant pressure while throwing a ton of punches. He also possess a sturdy chin.

Sure, he was knocked down twice against Matt Korobov but he never seemed to be in any real danger of getting knocked out in that fight.

Ezequiel Maderna

Mikey Williams/Top Rank

Ezequiel Maderna is a completely different fighter in comparison. He’s a good boxer who uses his jab to set up combinations. He’s also defensively aware and tries to use his height and reach to avoid getting hit unnecessarily.

Although he’s not the biggest puncher he does have a bit of pop that keeps most fighters honest at times.


Weaknesses For Each Fighter

Jose Uzcategui

Jose Uzcategui is there to be hit. A lot. As I mentioned before he has a chin that can take a few punches (ask Andre Dirrell’s Uncle) but in boxing it only takes one good shot to put the lights.

It doesn’t appear likely that Ezequiel Maderna will be the one to turn out the lights but with Uzcategui’s penchant for getting hit you never know when someone can take you out. Sure Maderna isn’t the biggest puncher but you just never know.

Uzcategui also seems to have a bit of trouble when it comes to fighters that move constantly. Korobov was able to box circles around him all night and Dirrell found success early on in their fight when he fought on his toes and continued to move.

Ezequiel Maderna

Ezequiel Maderna has a few weakness that can be exploited on fight night. One is that he isn’t very physically strong. Fighters have constantly been able to push him back as he seems to have a real issue with holding his ground.

He also doesn’t have the kind of power that can discourage a fighter from staying in his face the entire contest. With the type of pressure he’s expected to see tonight that lack of power could be his detriment.

Also although he’s been a pro for ten years this will only be his fourth fight outside of his native country Argentina. That lack of exposure of fighting outside of his comfort zone could be glaring tonight.


The Winner and Why

Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

With all due respect Ezequiel Maderna who comes to fight every time out and puts out an honest effort, this is an utter mismatch. Jose Uzcategui is just too big, too strong and too sharp for his opponent tonight.

Their is too much riding on the line for Uzcategui to slip up now. He’s been on the record saying numerous times that he wants to unify the division. A loss tonight puts an end to that notion.

Sure, tonight’s fight is a non-title bout so Uzcategui can go on to lose and still go home with his belt, but he’ll be stuck in boxing purgatory for quite some time. Undoubtedly a rematch will have to take place not to mention Caleb Plant still waiting on the sidelines for his shot at gold.

Don’t sweat, however, boxing fans you can fully expect Uzcategui to take care of business tonight in emphatic fashion.

He knows it’s not about just winning tonight, but also looking impressive in the process. Expect him to do so as this contest won’t see the final bell.

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