Tag: Robert Garcia

Oleksandr Usyk was ‘mentally stronger’ than Anthony Joshua: AJ’s trainer

Oleksandr Usyk was “mentally stronger” than Anthony Joshua in their heavyweight title fight last Saturday, Joshua’s trainer said.

Anthony Joshua’s trainer said his fighter was “mentally defeated” by Round 10 of his split-decision loss to heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk last Saturday.

Robert Garcia told Izquierdazo that Joshua came close to winning the rematch in the ninth round, when he seemed to hurt Usyk, but the Ukrainian’s ability to bounce back in the following round gave Joshua only a puncher’s chance down the stretch.

Usyk won the final three rounds on two of the scorecards and two of three on the third card, which gave him the victory. He won 116-112, 115-113 and 113-115.

“Joshua was mentally defeated since round 10 or 11,” Garcia said. “Round 10 was a big one for Usyk. That changed the whole fight, and mentally we were defeated. At that point, we were relying on a good shot or something like that, because Anthony is a hard puncher, and one shot can change a fight.

“That is what we were hoping for, one shot, because he (Joshua) was dominated at that point of the fight.”

He went on: “The fight was going well for us, but the 10th round changed everything. The last three rounds of the fight were the ones that changed the fight. In the ninth round we were close to winning, perhaps even by knockout. Through Round 9, we were winning the fight on the judges’ scorecards, but it was decided in the last rounds.

“Usyk is a great fighter, with a tremendous heart, who knows how to finish strong, like champions do.”

Garcia said he believed Joshua would win the fight as he watched the ninth round. In retrospect, he thinks Joshua might’ve expended too much energy in an effort to finish off Usyk.

“During that ninth round, me and the guys in the corner were telling to ourselves that we had the fight,” Garcia said. “But nothing is secured until the final bell. Usyk came back stronger in the 10th round, and that changed the fight. I have even thought in these last few days that it was Anthony Joshua who mentally defeated himself.”

“In the ninth, Joshua threw a lot of punches, and almost put Usyk out,” he added. “Maybe, he emptied out, but maybe it was just that Usyk came stronger and more motivated to the 10th round, we don’t know.”

In the end, Garcia said, the fight came down to determination.

“In this fight, I think that Usyk was mentally stronger,” he said. “I think he was stronger, to the point that after being close to a knockout, instead of giving up, he came back stronger. His will and his desire to demonstrate to his country that he couldn’t let himself lose the fight, made him come back.

“He wanted to give a message to his country, for everything that is happening there. He is a big inspiration for them (Ukrainians). His mind was what made him turn the tide in the fight and get him to victory. And I think that Anthony’s mind is a bit weaker than Usyk’s, because instead of going out stronger, his mind and exhaustion play games with him.”

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Oleksandr Usyk was ‘mentally stronger’ than Anthony Joshua: AJ’s trainer

Oleksandr Usyk was “mentally stronger” than Anthony Joshua in their heavyweight title fight last Saturday, Joshua’s trainer said.

Anthony Joshua’s trainer said his fighter was “mentally defeated” by Round 10 of his split-decision loss to heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk last Saturday.

Robert Garcia told Izquierdazo that Joshua came close to winning the rematch in the ninth round, when he seemed to hurt Usyk, but the Ukrainian’s ability to bounce back in the following round gave Joshua only a puncher’s chance down the stretch.

Usyk won the final three rounds on two of the scorecards and two of three on the third card, which gave him the victory. He won 116-112, 115-113 and 113-115.

“Joshua was mentally defeated since round 10 or 11,” Garcia said. “Round 10 was a big one for Usyk. That changed the whole fight, and mentally we were defeated. At that point, we were relying on a good shot or something like that, because Anthony is a hard puncher, and one shot can change a fight.

“That is what we were hoping for, one shot, because he (Joshua) was dominated at that point of the fight.”

He went on: “The fight was going well for us, but the 10th round changed everything. The last three rounds of the fight were the ones that changed the fight. In the ninth round we were close to winning, perhaps even by knockout. Through Round 9, we were winning the fight on the judges’ scorecards, but it was decided in the last rounds.

“Usyk is a great fighter, with a tremendous heart, who knows how to finish strong, like champions do.”

Garcia said he believed Joshua would win the fight as he watched the ninth round. In retrospect, he thinks Joshua might’ve expended too much energy in an effort to finish off Usyk.

“During that ninth round, me and the guys in the corner were telling to ourselves that we had the fight,” Garcia said. “But nothing is secured until the final bell. Usyk came back stronger in the 10th round, and that changed the fight. I have even thought in these last few days that it was Anthony Joshua who mentally defeated himself.”

“In the ninth, Joshua threw a lot of punches, and almost put Usyk out,” he added. “Maybe, he emptied out, but maybe it was just that Usyk came stronger and more motivated to the 10th round, we don’t know.”

In the end, Garcia said, the fight came down to determination.

“In this fight, I think that Usyk was mentally stronger,” he said. “I think he was stronger, to the point that after being close to a knockout, instead of giving up, he came back stronger. His will and his desire to demonstrate to his country that he couldn’t let himself lose the fight, made him come back.

“He wanted to give a message to his country, for everything that is happening there. He is a big inspiration for them (Ukrainians). His mind was what made him turn the tide in the fight and get him to victory. And I think that Anthony’s mind is a bit weaker than Usyk’s, because instead of going out stronger, his mind and exhaustion play games with him.”

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Mikey Garcia, a four-division titleholder, retires from boxing

Mikey Garcia, a four-division titleholder, has decided to retire from boxing at 34 years old.

Mikey Garcia has had enough.

The four-division world titleholder from a fighting family, who is only 34, confirmed to ESPN that he is retiring from boxing. The product of Southern California had quietly changed his profile on Instagram to indicate that he’s a “retired world champ.”

Garcia (40-2, 30 KOs) wanted to go into law enforcement growing up but ended up following in the footsteps of his brother and future trainer Robert Garcia, who was guided to a world title by father Eduardo Garcia.

Mikey Garcia, a gifted boxer with power, was untouchable most of his career. He had a total of five title reigns between 126 and 140 pounds.

He was a juggernaut in 2013 and  2014, when he knocked out in succession Orlando Salido, Juan Manuel Lopez and Roman Martinez, and then nearly shut out Juan Carlos Burgos to become a star.

He then spent 2½ years away from the sport because of a contract dispute with his longtime promoter, Top Rank. He returned in 2016 and picked where he left off, easily defeating the likes of Adrien Broner, Sergey Lipinets and Robert Easter to climb onto pound-for-pound lists.

“My brother Mikey had a great boxing career,” Robert Garcia told ESPN on Tuesday. “Becoming a five-time champion of the world in four divisions is something very few have done. I am very proud of my brother for everything he accomplished in boxing.

“Now it’s time for him to enjoy his life together with his family and loved ones.”

Mikey Garcia was still unbeaten when took a gamble by moving up to welterweight to challenge talented titleholder Errol Spence Jr. in March 2019. As he put it, he “dared to be great.”

However, things didn’t go well in that fight, as he lost a one-sided decision. He rebounded to outpointed Jessie Vargas the following February but lost a majority decision to relative unknown Sandor Martin last October, his most-recent – and last – fight.

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Mikey Garcia, a four-division titleholder, retires from boxing

Mikey Garcia, a four-division titleholder, has decided to retire from boxing at 34 years old.

Mikey Garcia has had enough.

The four-division world titleholder from a fighting family, who is only 34, confirmed to ESPN that he is retiring from boxing. The product of Southern California had quietly changed his profile on Instagram to indicate that he’s a “retired world champ.”

Garcia (40-2, 30 KOs) wanted to go into law enforcement growing up but ended up following in the footsteps of his brother and future trainer Robert Garcia, who was guided to a world title by father Eduardo Garcia.

Mikey Garcia, a gifted boxer with power, was untouchable most of his career. He had a total of five title reigns between 126 and 140 pounds.

He was a juggernaut in 2013 and  2014, when he knocked out in succession Orlando Salido, Juan Manuel Lopez and Roman Martinez, and then nearly shut out Juan Carlos Burgos to become a star.

He then spent 2½ years away from the sport because of a contract dispute with his longtime promoter, Top Rank. He returned in 2016 and picked where he left off, easily defeating the likes of Adrien Broner, Sergey Lipinets and Robert Easter to climb onto pound-for-pound lists.

“My brother Mikey had a great boxing career,” Robert Garcia told ESPN on Tuesday. “Becoming a five-time champion of the world in four divisions is something very few have done. I am very proud of my brother for everything he accomplished in boxing.

“Now it’s time for him to enjoy his life together with his family and loved ones.”

Mikey Garcia was still unbeaten when took a gamble by moving up to welterweight to challenge talented titleholder Errol Spence Jr. in March 2019. As he put it, he “dared to be great.”

However, things didn’t go well in that fight, as he lost a one-sided decision. He rebounded to outpointed Jessie Vargas the following February but lost a majority decision to relative unknown Sandor Martin last October, his most-recent – and last – fight.

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Keith Thurman vs. Mario Barrios: Trainer panel leans toward Barrios

Keith Thurman vs. Mario Barrios: Three of four trainers asked to weigh in lean toward Barrios to win the fight.

Four prominent trainers recently got onto a Zoom call to discuss 147-pound contender Keith Thurman’s pay-per-view comeback fight against Mario Barrios on Saturday in Las Vegas.

Thurman (29-1, 22 KOs) last fought in July 2019, when he lost his title to Manny Pacquiao by a decision. Barrios (26-1, 17 KOs) is coming off an 11th-round knockout loss to Gervonta Davis at 140 pounds.

The trainers were Robert Garcia, Derrick James, Stephen Edwards and Ismael Salas, none of whom work with Thurman or Barrios.

Here are a few take aways from their conversation.

  • Three of the four predicted that Barrios will win even though Thurman is favored. The fourth didn’t make a prediction.
  • All four believe it will be a close, competitive fight.
  • The trainers agreed that if Barrios doesn’t crowd Thurman – if he gives the athletic Thurman room to work – he could be in trouble.
  • They said that the intensity of Thurman’s training camp will have determined how much rust he brings into the ring.

Here are some quotes from each trainer:

ROBERT GARCIA

“Mario Barrios is a young fighter who wants to be great. He hasn’t had the paydays that Thurman has, and I think that gives him a great chance. He knows that a win here will change his life. I have a lot of fighters who are from San Antonio like Barrios is, and I know he’s a very dedicated fighter who’s always training. He’s going to do whatever it takes to win this fight.

“Barrios is moving up in weight, which is a challenge, but he’s big enough and tall enough that he might be even better as a welterweight. I think he’s got a great chance of beating Thurman.

“Thurman hits very hard, so Barrios has to pressure smartly. He can’t reach on his punches and he has to make sure he has his hands up. I personally think Barrios is going to win this fight. I see this as a close fight that’s going to go the distance. I could definitely see a split-decision.

“Thurman has great experience and has been in world class fights numerous times. He just has to go out there and be himself. He can’t get caught up in Barrios’ game plan. He has to use his angles and find his punches.

“When Mikey Garcia was off for two and a half years, he wasn’t a big name yet and was still really hungry and in the gym all the time. When he came back, he came back strong. Thurman has made millions of dollars, and that can make you comfortable. We’re going to find out how dedicated he is, because those big paydays can change your work habits.”

DERRICK JAMES

“You really have to have an extensive training camp in order to combat ring rust. When Errol Spence Jr. fought Danny Garcia, we worked on a lot of things, and one of those was building back up his athleticism. One of the keys to Keith’s success has always been his athleticism. He’s going to need that, and that’s something that is fleeting.

“This fight will depend on the type of fighter Thurman is right now and if Barrios can implement his pressure. I think this is going to be a good fight and that it’s going the distance.

“Keith Thurman boxes intelligently, but what helps him in the ring is his ability to move. We’re going to be able to tell how intense his training camp was.

“Thurman is going to have to adjust to Barrios’ speed. I think there will be some pressure on him to catch up with the fighter moving up in weight. There’s pressure on every fighter, but I also know that Thurman really wants to shut up his critics.

“I think this fight is about pressure. I believe that Barrios has to be aggressive. He has to make sure Keith Thurman isn’t himself. Thurman is great if you let him be great. If Barrios can disrupt Thurman, it’ll be to his advantage. If he lets Thurman sit back, Thurman is going to box phenomenally.”

STEPHEN EDWARDS

“Thurman moves, but his movement is not overly efficient. He glides around the ring and jumps in and out with big shots. If Barrios fights the kind of fight where he’s putting pressure on Thurman, he’s going to have a lot of success. You have to step to Keith Thurman. If you give him room, you give him a chance to load up with his punches. I actually think Barrios will win this fight.

“When Julian Williams got clipped by Jermall Charlo with that big shot, I compartmentalized that for him. I told him how he was fighting a great fight, and you just have to give the opponent credit. I let him spar with no headgear on the first time he sparred, so he knew that I had the confidence in him. I also sent him out to spar with Gennadiy Golovkin, so he could see that anybody can get clipped like that. Barrios got stopped by Gervonta Davis, but that’s not the end of the world for him. How fighters bounce back from that does depend on what kind of person you are. He seems like a guy who will be able to put that behind him.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if both guys get hurt in this fight. There could definitely be some controversy in this fight.

“I think there’s a lot of pressure on Keith Thurman in this fight. Thurman went into the Manny Pacquiao fight thinking he was going to have that name on his way to superstar status. Losing that fight is going to hurt the ego. The pressure on Barrios is because no young fighter wants to lose two fights in a row and go to the back of the line. Thurman knows there’s a huge fight for him down the line if he can get past Barrios, and that brings pressure.

“Fighters don’t admit it, but there is a different kind of hunger when fighters are working toward that title shot. It’s different than once you get it. Even in Thurman’s prime, he was only fighting once a year. Boxing is a game of skill, and you build skill with repetition. You don’t get better at doing anything by not doing it for an extended period of time. I think that’s going to make this fight more competitive than people think.”

ISMAEL SALAS

“The most important thing in sports is longevity. It’s a highly-coordinated sport and you have to be explosive. To remain at a high-level in that category, it’s all about training camp. Ring rust is something you really have to deal with.

“You have to control the intensity of the work to keep a more experienced fighter fresh. But at the same time, you have to keep the boxing ability at a high level. Those reaction times need to be sharp.

“I believe that the best chance Thurman has is in rounds four through six with a stoppage. If it goes the distance, I think it’s a close decision for Barrios. If Thurman can control the tempo of the fight, he can win.

“I work with a veteran fighter in Erislandy Lara, we don’t have a date for his next fight yet, but we’ve been working three times a week for the last two months. Because we’re keeping his ability and his stamina up. That’s the way to deal with ring rust when you’re later in your career.

“I believe Thurman lost the fight with Manny Pacquiao because he lost the ability to control the aggression of Pacquiao. He was there in front of Manny Pacquiao, and Pacquiao got him early, and that changed the whole fight.

“Aggression is the way to beat aggression. Barrios needs to keep a strong front hand in this fight, with his jab, and also with mixing up those punches.”

[lawrence-related id=27673,27664,27625]

Keith Thurman vs. Mario Barrios: Trainer panel leans toward Barrios

Keith Thurman vs. Mario Barrios: Three of four trainers asked to weigh in lean toward Barrios to win the fight.

Four prominent trainers recently got onto a Zoom call to discuss 147-pound contender Keith Thurman’s pay-per-view comeback fight against Mario Barrios on Saturday in Las Vegas.

Thurman (29-1, 22 KOs) last fought in July 2019, when he lost his title to Manny Pacquiao by a decision. Barrios (26-1, 17 KOs) is coming off an 11th-round knockout loss to Gervonta Davis at 140 pounds.

The trainers were Robert Garcia, Derrick James, Stephen Edwards and Ismael Salas, none of whom work with Thurman or Barrios.

Here are a few take aways from their conversation.

  • Three of the four predicted that Barrios will win even though Thurman is favored. The fourth didn’t make a prediction.
  • All four believe it will be a close, competitive fight.
  • The trainers agreed that if Barrios doesn’t crowd Thurman – if he gives the athletic Thurman room to work – he could be in trouble.
  • They said that the intensity of Thurman’s training camp will have determined how much rust he brings into the ring.

Here are some quotes from each trainer:

ROBERT GARCIA

“Mario Barrios is a young fighter who wants to be great. He hasn’t had the paydays that Thurman has, and I think that gives him a great chance. He knows that a win here will change his life. I have a lot of fighters who are from San Antonio like Barrios is, and I know he’s a very dedicated fighter who’s always training. He’s going to do whatever it takes to win this fight.

“Barrios is moving up in weight, which is a challenge, but he’s big enough and tall enough that he might be even better as a welterweight. I think he’s got a great chance of beating Thurman.

“Thurman hits very hard, so Barrios has to pressure smartly. He can’t reach on his punches and he has to make sure he has his hands up. I personally think Barrios is going to win this fight. I see this as a close fight that’s going to go the distance. I could definitely see a split-decision.

“Thurman has great experience and has been in world class fights numerous times. He just has to go out there and be himself. He can’t get caught up in Barrios’ game plan. He has to use his angles and find his punches.

“When Mikey Garcia was off for two and a half years, he wasn’t a big name yet and was still really hungry and in the gym all the time. When he came back, he came back strong. Thurman has made millions of dollars, and that can make you comfortable. We’re going to find out how dedicated he is, because those big paydays can change your work habits.”

DERRICK JAMES

“You really have to have an extensive training camp in order to combat ring rust. When Errol Spence Jr. fought Danny Garcia, we worked on a lot of things, and one of those was building back up his athleticism. One of the keys to Keith’s success has always been his athleticism. He’s going to need that, and that’s something that is fleeting.

“This fight will depend on the type of fighter Thurman is right now and if Barrios can implement his pressure. I think this is going to be a good fight and that it’s going the distance.

“Keith Thurman boxes intelligently, but what helps him in the ring is his ability to move. We’re going to be able to tell how intense his training camp was.

“Thurman is going to have to adjust to Barrios’ speed. I think there will be some pressure on him to catch up with the fighter moving up in weight. There’s pressure on every fighter, but I also know that Thurman really wants to shut up his critics.

“I think this fight is about pressure. I believe that Barrios has to be aggressive. He has to make sure Keith Thurman isn’t himself. Thurman is great if you let him be great. If Barrios can disrupt Thurman, it’ll be to his advantage. If he lets Thurman sit back, Thurman is going to box phenomenally.”

STEPHEN EDWARDS

“Thurman moves, but his movement is not overly efficient. He glides around the ring and jumps in and out with big shots. If Barrios fights the kind of fight where he’s putting pressure on Thurman, he’s going to have a lot of success. You have to step to Keith Thurman. If you give him room, you give him a chance to load up with his punches. I actually think Barrios will win this fight.

“When Julian Williams got clipped by Jermall Charlo with that big shot, I compartmentalized that for him. I told him how he was fighting a great fight, and you just have to give the opponent credit. I let him spar with no headgear on the first time he sparred, so he knew that I had the confidence in him. I also sent him out to spar with Gennadiy Golovkin, so he could see that anybody can get clipped like that. Barrios got stopped by Gervonta Davis, but that’s not the end of the world for him. How fighters bounce back from that does depend on what kind of person you are. He seems like a guy who will be able to put that behind him.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if both guys get hurt in this fight. There could definitely be some controversy in this fight.

“I think there’s a lot of pressure on Keith Thurman in this fight. Thurman went into the Manny Pacquiao fight thinking he was going to have that name on his way to superstar status. Losing that fight is going to hurt the ego. The pressure on Barrios is because no young fighter wants to lose two fights in a row and go to the back of the line. Thurman knows there’s a huge fight for him down the line if he can get past Barrios, and that brings pressure.

“Fighters don’t admit it, but there is a different kind of hunger when fighters are working toward that title shot. It’s different than once you get it. Even in Thurman’s prime, he was only fighting once a year. Boxing is a game of skill, and you build skill with repetition. You don’t get better at doing anything by not doing it for an extended period of time. I think that’s going to make this fight more competitive than people think.”

ISMAEL SALAS

“The most important thing in sports is longevity. It’s a highly-coordinated sport and you have to be explosive. To remain at a high-level in that category, it’s all about training camp. Ring rust is something you really have to deal with.

“You have to control the intensity of the work to keep a more experienced fighter fresh. But at the same time, you have to keep the boxing ability at a high level. Those reaction times need to be sharp.

“I believe that the best chance Thurman has is in rounds four through six with a stoppage. If it goes the distance, I think it’s a close decision for Barrios. If Thurman can control the tempo of the fight, he can win.

“I work with a veteran fighter in Erislandy Lara, we don’t have a date for his next fight yet, but we’ve been working three times a week for the last two months. Because we’re keeping his ability and his stamina up. That’s the way to deal with ring rust when you’re later in your career.

“I believe Thurman lost the fight with Manny Pacquiao because he lost the ability to control the aggression of Pacquiao. He was there in front of Manny Pacquiao, and Pacquiao got him early, and that changed the whole fight.

“Aggression is the way to beat aggression. Barrios needs to keep a strong front hand in this fight, with his jab, and also with mixing up those punches.”

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Vergil Ortiz Jr. eager to test himself against the best

Welterweight contender Vergil Ortiz, only 22, is confident he can beat anyone in one of the deepest divisions in boxing.

Vergil Ortiz Jr. let out a groan when he was asked about Canelo Alvarez’s departure from Golden Boy Promotions, which handles Ortiz.

The welterweight contender clearly isn’t happy to see the Mexican star leave the fold. At the same time, he recognizes that without the immense presence of Alvarez his promoter will be able to concentrate more intently on its young stars, like himself, Ryan Garcia and Jaime Munguia.

And, in fact, the timing couldn’t have been better for Ortiz: 2021, he says, is going to be his break-out year.

“Firstly, I’m sad about Canelo leaving,” he told Boxing Junkie. “I really enjoyed fighting on his undercards. I’m really going to miss that. I thought we would be fighting on the same cards the rest of our careers.

“… I think it does give some other fighters more opportunity. Golden Boy can put more focus on it’s up-and-coming stars. I’m sure people will benefit.”

[jwplayer AS9mdpZR]

Golden Boy has a lot to work with in Ortiz, who is only 22 years old and loaded with talent. The 16 knockouts in 16 fights speaks loudly but he also is a good, patient boxer who doesn’t depend entirely on his power.

Of course, he must still demonstrate those qualities against next-level opposition, which is his intention beginning next year.

Ortiz has always seen world championships in his future but a recent high-profile fight was particularly inspiring as he prepares to take the next step in his career: Teofimo Lopez’s sensational victory over pound-for-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko last month at 23 years old.

“Teofimo really motivated me a lot,” Ortiz said. “He beat arguably the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter at 23 years old. For the most part I don’t think anyone thought he was going to do that. I’ve been saying this era of boxers, the next generation coming up, is probably the best the world has ever seen.

“I’ve seen these guys growing. They’re different. That’s all I can say.”

Who does Ortiz have in mind for 2021?

Well, he’s thinking big. He has already begun calling out big-name welterweights. That includes former 147-year-old titleholder Keith Thurman, who Ortiz is confident he can beat tomorrow if the fight were to be made.

Vergil Ortiz (left) maintained his KO streak against Samuel Vargas. Tom Hogan / Hoganphotos-Golden Boy

He’s realistic, though. Ortiz, still growing his brand, is arguably too big a risk for too little gain for the elite 147-pounders. He recognizes that he must force his biggest rivals to fight him by winning titles and continuing to build his name recognition.

And he acknowledges that he has room to grow as a fighter, both physically and technically. He said he feels stronger – “I’m getting my man strength” — and more confident in his ability every time he puts on boxing gloves.

Thus, when the time comes to challenge himself against elite opponents, he feels he’ll be in a position to win.

“I think I’m ready,” said Ortiz, referring to the top 147-pounders. “I’ve been wanting to fight Keith Thurman for a long time. I remember calling him out two, three years ago. I’m pretty sure I can beat him, 95 percent sure. His weaknesses are my strengths.

“Errol Spence and Terence Crawford. I’d love to see how I’d do against them. I like to test myself. I don’t like easy fights. It makes me feel like I haven’t accomplished anything.”

 

Vergil Ortiz has had his hand raised 16 times in 16 fights. Tom Hogan / Hoganphotos-Golden Boy Promotions

Samuel Vargas wasn’t supposed to be an easy opponent on July 24, his most-recent fight, but that’s how it turned out.

The slick veteran from Colombia gave Ortiz some resistance early in the fight and took many of Ortiz’s biggest shots. However, the heavy blows eventually took their toll and Vargas couldn’t get out of the seventh round.

Robert Garcia, his trainer, wasn’t in Ortiz’s corner for that fight after testing positive for COVID-19 but was impressed with what he saw on TV.

“Man, after that, I got so many calls from everybody in boxing, family members, everybody about how good he looked,” Garcia said on The PBC Podcast. “This kid is sensational. I think he’s the next big thing at welterweight. We’re not rushing anything anytime soon but by the end of next year he’ll be ready to fight for a title.

“Honestly, I do believe he has the power, the strength, the decision, the mentality to beat any of the champions. He’s the real deal. … I wouldn’t be afraid in maybe two, three fights to have him fight anybody in the welterweight division.”

That’s music to Ortiz’s ears. He’s young, approaching his prime. He wants to get rolling.

“I don’t want to lose any time,” he said. “I’m in my youth, I want to make the most out of it. I’ve seen a lot of fighters have one fight a year. No. I want to fight at least three times a year. Sadly, I couldn’t do that this year because of the pandemic.

“I want to make 2021 the best year of my career so far.”

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Vergil Ortiz Jr. eager to test himself against the best

Welterweight contender Vergil Ortiz, only 22, is confident he can beat anyone in one of the deepest divisions in boxing.

Vergil Ortiz Jr. let out a groan when he was asked about Canelo Alvarez’s departure from Golden Boy Promotions, which handles Ortiz.

The welterweight contender clearly isn’t happy to see the Mexican star leave the fold. At the same time, he recognizes that without the immense presence of Alvarez his promoter will be able to concentrate more intently on its young stars, like himself, Ryan Garcia and Jaime Munguia.

And, in fact, the timing couldn’t have been better for Ortiz: 2021, he says, is going to be his break-out year.

“Firstly, I’m sad about Canelo leaving,” he told Boxing Junkie. “I really enjoyed fighting on his undercards. I’m really going to miss that. I thought we would be fighting on the same cards the rest of our careers.

“… I think it does give some other fighters more opportunity. Golden Boy can put more focus on it’s up-and-coming stars. I’m sure people will benefit.”

[jwplayer AS9mdpZR]

Golden Boy has a lot to work with in Ortiz, who is only 22 years old and loaded with talent. The 16 knockouts in 16 fights speaks loudly but he also is a good, patient boxer who doesn’t depend entirely on his power.

Of course, he must still demonstrate those qualities against next-level opposition, which is his intention beginning next year.

Ortiz has always seen world championships in his future but a recent high-profile fight was particularly inspiring as he prepares to take the next step in his career: Teofimo Lopez’s sensational victory over pound-for-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko last month at 23 years old.

“Teofimo really motivated me a lot,” Ortiz said. “He beat arguably the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter at 23 years old. For the most part I don’t think anyone thought he was going to do that. I’ve been saying this era of boxers, the next generation coming up, is probably the best the world has ever seen.

“I’ve seen these guys growing. They’re different. That’s all I can say.”

Who does Ortiz have in mind for 2021?

Well, he’s thinking big. He has already begun calling out big-name welterweights. That includes former 147-year-old titleholder Keith Thurman, who Ortiz is confident he can beat tomorrow if the fight were to be made.

Vergil Ortiz (left) maintained his KO streak against Samuel Vargas. Tom Hogan / Hoganphotos-Golden Boy

He’s realistic, though. Ortiz, still growing his brand, is arguably too big a risk for too little gain for the elite 147-pounders. He recognizes that he must force his biggest rivals to fight him by winning titles and continuing to build his name recognition.

And he acknowledges that he has room to grow as a fighter, both physically and technically. He said he feels stronger – “I’m getting my man strength” — and more confident in his ability every time he puts on boxing gloves.

Thus, when the time comes to challenge himself against elite opponents, he feels he’ll be in a position to win.

“I think I’m ready,” said Ortiz, referring to the top 147-pounders. “I’ve been wanting to fight Keith Thurman for a long time. I remember calling him out two, three years ago. I’m pretty sure I can beat him, 95 percent sure. His weaknesses are my strengths.

“Errol Spence and Terence Crawford. I’d love to see how I’d do against them. I like to test myself. I don’t like easy fights. It makes me feel like I haven’t accomplished anything.”

 

Vergil Ortiz has had his hand raised 16 times in 16 fights. Tom Hogan / Hoganphotos-Golden Boy Promotions

Samuel Vargas wasn’t supposed to be an easy opponent on July 24, his most-recent fight, but that’s how it turned out.

The slick veteran from Colombia gave Ortiz some resistance early in the fight and took many of Ortiz’s biggest shots. However, the heavy blows eventually took their toll and Vargas couldn’t get out of the seventh round.

Robert Garcia, his trainer, wasn’t in Ortiz’s corner for that fight after testing positive for COVID-19 but was impressed with what he saw on TV.

“Man, after that, I got so many calls from everybody in boxing, family members, everybody about how good he looked,” Garcia said on The PBC Podcast. “This kid is sensational. I think he’s the next big thing at welterweight. We’re not rushing anything anytime soon but by the end of next year he’ll be ready to fight for a title.

“Honestly, I do believe he has the power, the strength, the decision, the mentality to beat any of the champions. He’s the real deal. … I wouldn’t be afraid in maybe two, three fights to have him fight anybody in the welterweight division.”

That’s music to Ortiz’s ears. He’s young, approaching his prime. He wants to get rolling.

“I don’t want to lose any time,” he said. “I’m in my youth, I want to make the most out of it. I’ve seen a lot of fighters have one fight a year. No. I want to fight at least three times a year. Sadly, I couldn’t do that this year because of the pandemic.

“I want to make 2021 the best year of my career so far.”

[lawrence-related id=12179,12137]

WBA exploring possibility of Rolando Romero-Jackson Marinez rematch

WBA President Gilberto Mendoza is exploring the possibility of a rematch after Rolando Romero’s controversial decision over Jackson Marinez.

Jackson Marinez could get his rematch.

Rolando Romero defeated Marinez by a unanimous decision to win the “interim” WBA lightweight title on the David Benavidez-Roamer Alexis Angulo card Saturday in Uncasville, Conn.

The scores were 118-110, 116-112 and 115-113. Many thought Marinez did more than enough to win.

WBA President Gilberto Mendoza, recognizing the controversy, obviously believes a second fight is in order.

“I just spoke with both teams and we are going to study the possibility of a rematch,” Mendoza said, according to BoxingScene.com.

Romero (12-0, 10 KOs) has the reputation of being a big puncher and predicted a knockout. However, Marinez (19-1, 7 KOs) seemed to control the fight with his jab and movement, which allowed him to avoid most of Romero’s biggest shots.

Afterward, defending his victory, Romero said he was the aggressor and landed the bigger punches. Marinez didn’t buy that, saying the decision was a “pure robbery.”

Robert Garcia, Marinez’s trainer, watched from home after testing positive COVID-19 last month, said the scoring was “just ridiculous.”

WBA exploring possibility of Rolando Romero-Jackson Marinez rematch

WBA President Gilberto Mendoza is exploring the possibility of a rematch after Rolando Romero’s controversial decision over Jackson Marinez.

Jackson Marinez could get his rematch.

Rolando Romero defeated Marinez by a unanimous decision to win the “interim” WBA lightweight title on the David Benavidez-Roamer Alexis Angulo card Saturday in Uncasville, Conn.

The scores were 118-110, 116-112 and 115-113. Many thought Marinez did more than enough to win.

WBA President Gilberto Mendoza, recognizing the controversy, obviously believes a second fight is in order.

“I just spoke with both teams and we are going to study the possibility of a rematch,” Mendoza said, according to BoxingScene.com.

Romero (12-0, 10 KOs) has the reputation of being a big puncher and predicted a knockout. However, Marinez (19-1, 7 KOs) seemed to control the fight with his jab and movement, which allowed him to avoid most of Romero’s biggest shots.

Afterward, defending his victory, Romero said he was the aggressor and landed the bigger punches. Marinez didn’t buy that, saying the decision was a “pure robbery.”

Robert Garcia, Marinez’s trainer, watched from home after testing positive COVID-19 last month, said the scoring was “just ridiculous.”