Highlights
- Controversial stoppage by referee Tony Weeks leaves both Ortiz and Lawson disappointed, raising questions about the decision.
- Ortiz maintains his streak of stoppage victories by defeating Lawson in his new weight class, calling out Tim Tszyu for a title shot.
- Ortiz moved up to the 154-pound weight class due to health challenges and no longer feels drained, showcasing his power in the ring against McKinson.
Vergil Ortiz Jr. secured a victory in the first round against Frederick Lawson through a technical knockout, though disappointment lingered due to a controversial stoppage by referee Tony Weeks. Ortiz, Lawson, and the spectators were left dissatisfied when the fight was halted prematurely.
Ortiz had Lawson pinned against the ropes, exerting pressure and delivering a solid body shot. Despite Lawson not showing signs of being hurt, the stoppage stunned both him and the audience, raising questions about the referee's decision.
Vergil Ortiz Jr. has had all of his 19 victories by stoppage at welterweight. He continued that streak in a new division with the win over Lawson. Weeks claimed that Lawson's eye rolled back, which is why he decided to stop the fight.
Related10 Infamous Boxing Moments That Would Never Happen Today
These are the most bizarre, shocking and unique moments and achievements in the history of boxing that will not repeat itself.Vergil Ortiz Jr. Calls Out Tim Tszyu
The Mexican Star Wants A Title Shot Next
In an interview with Fight Hub TV before his fight with Lawson, Ortiz opened up about his desire to fight 154-pound champion Tim Tszyu.
“A lot of the problems came from me waiting for the big fights for me to put on a show for the fans that never got to happen because it kind of seemed like only one person wanted to fight. “I was ready to fight Stanionis right after the McKinson fight. That fight didn’t happen. It wasn’t my fault. That’s an exciting fight there. I would love to fight him,” said Ortiz about Tszyu.
Ortiz reiterated his desire for the title matchup in his post-fight speech. It is unclear what Tszyu, who fought three times last year, will do next.
Related10 Best Boxing Knockouts Of 2023, Ranked
These are awe-inspiring, shocking and downright brutal boxing knockouts of 2023.Vergil Ortiz Pulled Out Of Numerous Fights Due To Health Issues
He Is No Longer Weight Drained At His New Weight Class
Vergil Ortiz Jr. decided to move up to the 154-pound weight class after facing health challenges while trying to make the 147-pound limit in his last fight. Despite the difficulties, Ortiz expresses feeling great at the new weight. His most recent bout took place in August 2022, where he stopped Michael McKinson in the ninth round. Despite being significantly weight-drained, Ortiz displayed remarkable performance, delivering powerful punches that finished McKinson.
In the past three years, Ortiz has faced health hurdles, including battles with COVID-19 and rhabdomyolysis. These health issues led to the postponement of several fights since 2020. Notably, Ortiz had to withdraw from a scheduled bout against champion Eimantas Stanionis for the WBA title last year.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTErKeoqqSowaa%2BjZympmemmr%2Botctmpqusma96uLXNrGSipl2nsrXB0adkn6GXncFurcWtnKtlkaO8tbTEq2Scp56pv7DCxKuqopmcYsC1u8%2BpmKCdXZfGbsDOp7Bmr5WauLR7