Tag: Vergil Ortiz Jr.

Fight Week: Kazuto Ioka to close out 2023, Vergil Ortiz to kick off 2024

Fight Week: Kazuto Ioka will close out 2023 on New Years Eve. Six days later, Vergil Ortiz will make his return to the ring.

FIGHT WEEK

Pound-for-pounder Kazuto Ioka will face Josber Perez on the traditional New Year’s Eve card in Japan. Then, on Saturday, Vergil Ortiz Jr. will return to the ring after a 17-month hiatus.

KAZUTO IOKA (30-2-1, 15 KOs)
vs.  josber perez (20-3, 18 KOs)

Kazuto Ioka defeated Joshua Franco in their rematch.  Yuichi Tamazaki / AFP via Getty Images
  • Date: Sunday, Dec. 31
  • Time: 3 a.m. ET / midnight PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Ota City General Gymnasium, Tokyo
  • TV/Stream: No TV in U.S.
  • Division: Junior bantamweight (115 pounds)
  • At stake: Ioka’s WBA title
  • Pound-for-pound: Ioka, Honorable Mention
  • Odds: NA
  • Also on the card: Yoshimitsu Kimura vs. Kosuke Saka, 12 rounds, junior lightweights; Daigo Higa vs. Navapon Khaikanha, 10 rounds, bantamweights; Hayato Tsutsumi vs. Luis Moncion Ventura, 10 rounds, featherweights
  • Prediction: Ioka KO 9
  • Background: Ioka, 34, proved he has plenty left in the tank by outpointing overweight Joshua Franco in their rematch to regain a 115-pound title on June 24, six months after they fought to a draw. Ioka won his first world title as a 108-pounder in 2011 and has worn one belt or another almost continuously since then, making him one of the most consistent boxers in the world. He’s undefeated (7-0-1) since he lost a split decision to Donnie Nietes in 2018, a setback he avenged last year. Perez is a 28-year-old from Venezuela who will be making his second attempt to win a major title. He lost a one-sided decision to 112-pound champ Artem Dalakian in 2020. He’s 3-0 against journeymen in his home country since that setback, the last two fights taking place at 115 pounds.

 

vergil ortiz JR. (19-0, 19 KOs)
vs.  FREDRICK LAWSON (30-3, 22 KOs)

  • Date: Saturday, Jan. 6
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: The Theater at Virgin Hotels, Las Vegas
  • TV/Stream: DAZN
  • Division: Junior middleweight (154 pounds)
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Pound-for-pound: None
  • Odds: NA
  • Also on the card: Ohara Davies vs. Ismael Barroso, junior welterweights; Arnold Barboza Jr. vs. Xolisani Ndongeni, junior welterweights; Sergiy Derevyanchenko vs. Rowdy Montgomery, super middleweights; Raul Curiel vs. Elias Diaz, welterweights
  • Prediction: Ortiz KO 6
  • Background: Ortiz will be returning to the ring after a 17-month hiatus, the result of illness and fight cancelations. And he’ll be making his debut at 154 pounds. The 25-year-old native of Dallas was a top 140- and 147-pounder — who stopped all 19 of his opponents — but he never received a chance to fight for a major title in those divisions. He was scheduled to face fellow 147-pound contender Eimantas Stanionis in what would’ve been his biggest fight but the bout was postponed three times, the last time in July only days before the event because Ortiz couldn’t make weight. He last fought in August of last year, when he stopped Michael McKinson in nine rounds. Lawson is a 34-year-old from Ghana. He is only 3-2 in his last five fights but has won his last two, over fellow journeymen Collinson Korley and Estevan Villalobos in January and April. Oritz is a monumental step up in opposition for Lawson, although he once beat former contender Breidis Prescott.

ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK

SATURDAY

  • Dusty Hernandez-Harrison vs. Norberto Gonzalez, light heavyweights, Richmond, Virginia (FITE+)

[lawrence-related id=37937,38012,31910]

Fight Week: Kazuto Ioka to close out 2023, Vergil Ortiz to kick off 2024

Fight Week: Kazuto Ioka will close out 2023 on New Years Eve. Six days later, Vergil Ortiz will make his return to the ring.

FIGHT WEEK

Pound-for-pounder Kazuto Ioka will face Josber Perez on the traditional New Year’s Eve card in Japan. Then, on Saturday, Vergil Ortiz Jr. will return to the ring after a 17-month hiatus.

KAZUTO IOKA (30-2-1, 15 KOs)
vs.  josber perez (20-3, 18 KOs)

Kazuto Ioka defeated Joshua Franco in their rematch.  Yuichi Tamazaki / AFP via Getty Images
  • Date: Sunday, Dec. 31
  • Time: 3 a.m. ET / midnight PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Ota City General Gymnasium, Tokyo
  • TV/Stream: No TV in U.S.
  • Division: Junior bantamweight (115 pounds)
  • At stake: Ioka’s WBA title
  • Pound-for-pound: Ioka, Honorable Mention
  • Odds: NA
  • Also on the card: Yoshimitsu Kimura vs. Kosuke Saka, 12 rounds, junior lightweights; Daigo Higa vs. Navapon Khaikanha, 10 rounds, bantamweights; Hayato Tsutsumi vs. Luis Moncion Ventura, 10 rounds, featherweights
  • Prediction: Ioka KO 9
  • Background: Ioka, 34, proved he has plenty left in the tank by outpointing overweight Joshua Franco in their rematch to regain a 115-pound title on June 24, six months after they fought to a draw. Ioka won his first world title as a 108-pounder in 2011 and has worn one belt or another almost continuously since then, making him one of the most consistent boxers in the world. He’s undefeated (7-0-1) since he lost a split decision to Donnie Nietes in 2018, a setback he avenged last year. Perez is a 28-year-old from Venezuela who will be making his second attempt to win a major title. He lost a one-sided decision to 112-pound champ Artem Dalakian in 2020. He’s 3-0 against journeymen in his home country since that setback, the last two fights taking place at 115 pounds.

 

vergil ortiz JR. (19-0, 19 KOs)
vs.  FREDRICK LAWSON (30-3, 22 KOs)

  • Date: Saturday, Jan. 6
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: The Theater at Virgin Hotels, Las Vegas
  • TV/Stream: DAZN
  • Division: Junior middleweight (154 pounds)
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Pound-for-pound: None
  • Odds: NA
  • Also on the card: Ohara Davies vs. Ismael Barroso, junior welterweights; Arnold Barboza Jr. vs. Xolisani Ndongeni, junior welterweights; Sergiy Derevyanchenko vs. Rowdy Montgomery, super middleweights; Raul Curiel vs. Elias Diaz, welterweights
  • Prediction: Ortiz KO 6
  • Background: Ortiz will be returning to the ring after a 17-month hiatus, the result of illness and fight cancelations. And he’ll be making his debut at 154 pounds. The 25-year-old native of Dallas was a top 140- and 147-pounder — who stopped all 19 of his opponents — but he never received a chance to fight for a major title in those divisions. He was scheduled to face fellow 147-pound contender Eimantas Stanionis in what would’ve been his biggest fight but the bout was postponed three times, the last time in July only days before the event because Ortiz couldn’t make weight. He last fought in August of last year, when he stopped Michael McKinson in nine rounds. Lawson is a 34-year-old from Ghana. He is only 3-2 in his last five fights but has won his last two, over fellow journeymen Collinson Korley and Estevan Villalobos in January and April. Oritz is a monumental step up in opposition for Lawson, although he once beat former contender Breidis Prescott.

ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK

SATURDAY

  • Dusty Hernandez-Harrison vs. Norberto Gonzalez, light heavyweights, Richmond, Virginia (FITE+)

[lawrence-related id=37937,38012,31910]

Vergil Ortiz Jr. knocks out Michael McKinson in ninth round

Vergil Ortiz Jr. knocked out Michael McKinson in the ninth round of a scheduled 12-round welterweight fight Saturday.

Vergil Ortiz remains perfect.

The hard-punching welterweight contender from Dallas stopped Michael McKinson in the ninth round Saturday night at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, giving Ortiz 19 knockouts in as many fights.

McKinson, a tricky boxer from England, was competitive for most of the fight. However, Ortiz gradually closed the distance and began to land heavy punches in the second half of the scheduled 12-rounder.

The beginning of the end was a left to the body that forced McKinson (22-1, 2 KOs) to drop to all fours with about 30 seconds remaining in Round 8.

McKinson danced the rest of the round to survive until the bell and was able to come out for Round 9. He didn’t last long, though. In the first few seconds Ortiz landed another punch to the same spot and McKinson dropped again.

Again he got up and continued to fight, but his trainer signaled to the referee that he wanted the fight stopped and he complied.

The official time of the stoppage was 27 seconds into the ninth round.

Ortiz had mixed feelings afterward.

“It wasn’t my best performance,” he said. “The first seven rounds, I didn’t really do anything good. I should have listened to my corner in the opening rounds. Once I listened to them, we were able to get the job done.”

The victory is another step toward the 24-year-old Ortiz’s immediate goal, to fight for a major welterweight title. He’s ranked in the Top 3 of all four major sanctioning bodies. So his time is coming.

“I am ready to fight anyone,” he said. “I stay training. I’ll probably be ready for a run by tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, McKinson felt good about his performance.

”

“I am proud to represent my country and my hometown of Portsmouth,” he said. “Not a lot of fighters were lining up to fight Vergil, and I am proud of being able to show that I can fight at this level.

“When I entered the ring, there were a lot of boos, but I must have done something right to be walking out with cheers for my performance.”

Vergil Ortiz Jr. knocks out Michael McKinson in ninth round

Vergil Ortiz Jr. knocked out Michael McKinson in the ninth round of a scheduled 12-round welterweight fight Saturday.

Vergil Ortiz remains perfect.

The hard-punching welterweight contender from Dallas stopped Michael McKinson in the ninth round Saturday night at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, giving Ortiz 19 knockouts in as many fights.

McKinson, a tricky boxer from England, was competitive for most of the fight. However, Ortiz gradually closed the distance and began to land heavy punches in the second half of the scheduled 12-rounder.

The beginning of the end was a left to the body that forced McKinson (22-1, 2 KOs) to drop to all fours with about 30 seconds remaining in Round 8.

McKinson danced the rest of the round to survive until the bell and was able to come out for Round 9. He didn’t last long, though. In the first few seconds Ortiz landed another punch to the same spot and McKinson dropped again.

Again he got up and continued to fight, but his trainer signaled to the referee that he wanted the fight stopped and he complied.

The official time of the stoppage was 27 seconds into the ninth round.

Ortiz had mixed feelings afterward.

“It wasn’t my best performance,” he said. “The first seven rounds, I didn’t really do anything good. I should have listened to my corner in the opening rounds. Once I listened to them, we were able to get the job done.”

The victory is another step toward the 24-year-old Ortiz’s immediate goal, to fight for a major welterweight title. He’s ranked in the Top 3 of all four major sanctioning bodies. So his time is coming.

“I am ready to fight anyone,” he said. “I stay training. I’ll probably be ready for a run by tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, McKinson felt good about his performance.

”

“I am proud to represent my country and my hometown of Portsmouth,” he said. “Not a lot of fighters were lining up to fight Vergil, and I am proud of being able to show that I can fight at this level.

“When I entered the ring, there were a lot of boos, but I must have done something right to be walking out with cheers for my performance.”

Michael McKinson insists he’s ‘mentally capable’ of upsetting Vergil Ortiz Jr.

Michael McKinson insists he’s “mentally capable” of upsetting Vergil Ortiz Jr. on Saturday in Forth Worth, Texas.

Michael McKinson has never faced a fighter with the ability of welterweight contender Vergil Ortiz Jr., his opponent on Saturday in Forth Worth, Texas (DAZN). He has stopped only two of his 22 opponents, meaning he’s not likely to hurt Ortiz.

The 28-year-old Englishman has something going for him, though: He doesn’t know what it is to lose. The confidence that comes with perfection and his tricky southpaw style could provide challenges for Ortiz.

“I’ll pick one thing out that I’ve got different than everyone he has ever faced,” McKinson said. “He’s never faced an undefeated fighter like me. He’s never been in the ring with someone that’s never tasted defeat.

“I’ve never tasted defeat. I don’t know what it’s like to lose. I’m a very proud Englishman coming to the other side of the world, coming to the lion’s den in an attempt to tame the young lion.

“He’s looked vulnerable in certain fights, but he’s not put a foot wrong, and he’s a great young fighter. But I have a different style than most people, a style that can expose most things in certain fighters.

“So I know I’ve got a hard fight ahead of me. I’ve got a big task ahead of me, but I know I’m very mentally capable of pulling it off.”

McKinson pointed out the stark differences between his start in professional boxing and that of Ortiz, who was a hot prospect out of the gate.

The native of Portsmouth did battle in front of 500 people at a cricket ground in his second fight; more than 50,000 watched as Ortiz fought on the Canelo Alvarez-Liam Smith card in his second outing.

Yes, Ortiz (18-0, 18 KOs) had had advantages and resulting opportunities that relatively few others enjoy. That’s one reason McKinson hasn’t beaten any notable opponents.

Of course, he expects that to change on Saturday. He has the awkward style he mentioned. That could give anyone difficulty, at least for a while.

“You don’t get to 22-0, winning four international titles along the way for not being a good fighter, he said. “I believe I’m a very good fighter, but I haven’t had the opportunity to prove that I’m world-class. Along the way, I’ve never had the luxury of picking and choosing whom I get to fight next.

“I’ve had to take risks from early on and be on the ‘B’ side from early on to get to where I am right now.”

He couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity before him.

“I’m excited to be in Texas,” he said. “I’m excited to show more of my ability than I’ve been able to show in my previous fights because in my previous fights, I’ve coasted. Points win against good fighters, but I’ve not been in any trouble. I have not had to dig deep. I’ve not had to go somewhere that I’ve never been before and I know I’m going to have to in this fight.

“So I’m looking forward to it. I’m excited for Saturday, and I can’t wait.”

[lawrence-related id=31866,31861,28835]

Michael McKinson insists he’s ‘mentally capable’ of upsetting Vergil Ortiz Jr.

Michael McKinson insists he’s “mentally capable” of upsetting Vergil Ortiz Jr. on Saturday in Forth Worth, Texas.

Michael McKinson has never faced a fighter with the ability of welterweight contender Vergil Ortiz Jr., his opponent on Saturday in Forth Worth, Texas (DAZN). He has stopped only two of his 22 opponents, meaning he’s not likely to hurt Ortiz.

The 28-year-old Englishman has something going for him, though: He doesn’t know what it is to lose. The confidence that comes with perfection and his tricky southpaw style could provide challenges for Ortiz.

“I’ll pick one thing out that I’ve got different than everyone he has ever faced,” McKinson said. “He’s never faced an undefeated fighter like me. He’s never been in the ring with someone that’s never tasted defeat.

“I’ve never tasted defeat. I don’t know what it’s like to lose. I’m a very proud Englishman coming to the other side of the world, coming to the lion’s den in an attempt to tame the young lion.

“He’s looked vulnerable in certain fights, but he’s not put a foot wrong, and he’s a great young fighter. But I have a different style than most people, a style that can expose most things in certain fighters.

“So I know I’ve got a hard fight ahead of me. I’ve got a big task ahead of me, but I know I’m very mentally capable of pulling it off.”

McKinson pointed out the stark differences between his start in professional boxing and that of Ortiz, who was a hot prospect out of the gate.

The native of Portsmouth did battle in front of 500 people at a cricket ground in his second fight; more than 50,000 watched as Ortiz fought on the Canelo Alvarez-Liam Smith card in his second outing.

Yes, Ortiz (18-0, 18 KOs) had had advantages and resulting opportunities that relatively few others enjoy. That’s one reason McKinson hasn’t beaten any notable opponents.

Of course, he expects that to change on Saturday. He has the awkward style he mentioned. That could give anyone difficulty, at least for a while.

“You don’t get to 22-0, winning four international titles along the way for not being a good fighter, he said. “I believe I’m a very good fighter, but I haven’t had the opportunity to prove that I’m world-class. Along the way, I’ve never had the luxury of picking and choosing whom I get to fight next.

“I’ve had to take risks from early on and be on the ‘B’ side from early on to get to where I am right now.”

He couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity before him.

“I’m excited to be in Texas,” he said. “I’m excited to show more of my ability than I’ve been able to show in my previous fights because in my previous fights, I’ve coasted. Points win against good fighters, but I’ve not been in any trouble. I have not had to dig deep. I’ve not had to go somewhere that I’ve never been before and I know I’m going to have to in this fight.

“So I’m looking forward to it. I’m excited for Saturday, and I can’t wait.”

[lawrence-related id=31866,31861,28835]

Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Michael McKinson: date, time, how to watch, background

Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Michael McKinson: date, time, how to watch, background.

Welterweight contender Vergil Ortiz Jr. will take on Michael McKinson of the U.K. on Saturday in Forth Worth, Texas, Ortiz’s home state.

VERGIL ORTIZ JR. (18-0, 18 KOS) VS. MICHAEL MCKINSON (22-0, 2 KOS)

  • Date: Saturday, Aug. 6
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, Texas
  • TV/Stream: DAZN
  • Cost: DAZN is $19.99 per month or $149.99 per year
  • Division: Welterweight (147 pounds)
  • Rounds: 12
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Ortiz 10-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Marlen Esparza vs. Eva Guzman, flyweights (for Esparza’s WBA and WBC titles); Maurice Hooker vs. Blair Cobbs, welterweights; Bektemir Melikuziev vs. Sladan Janjanin, super middleweights; Alex Martin vs. Henry Lundy, junior welterweights
  • Prediction: Ortiz KO 10
  • Background: The Ortiz-McKinson fight was scheduled to take place in March but was postponed after Ortiz pulled out because of illness. The 24-year-old slugger from Dallas is now healthy and ready to resume his pursuit of a shot at a 147-pound title. He has stopped all 18 of his opponents, the most recent being capable Egidijus Kavaliauskas in eight rounds in August of last year. No fighter has gone past eight rounds with Ortiz, who is ranked in the Top 3 by all four major sanctioning bodies, No. 1 by the WBA and WBO. He hopes that status will lead to a title fight sooner rather than later. McKinson is unbeaten but has faced no one with ability comparable to Ortiz. The 28-year-old Englishman is a good, experienced boxer but, with two stoppages in 22 fights, he has one of the lowest knockout percentages in the sport. He’s coming off a one-sided decision over Alex Martin this past March in Los Angeles, his first fight outside Europe.

[lawrence-related id=31861,28835,22372]

Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Michael McKinson: date, time, how to watch, background

Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Michael McKinson: date, time, how to watch, background.

Welterweight contender Vergil Ortiz Jr. will take on Michael McKinson of the U.K. on Saturday in Forth Worth, Texas, Ortiz’s home state.

VERGIL ORTIZ JR. (18-0, 18 KOS) VS. MICHAEL MCKINSON (22-0, 2 KOS)

  • Date: Saturday, Aug. 6
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, Texas
  • TV/Stream: DAZN
  • Cost: DAZN is $19.99 per month or $149.99 per year
  • Division: Welterweight (147 pounds)
  • Rounds: 12
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Ortiz 10-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Marlen Esparza vs. Eva Guzman, flyweights (for Esparza’s WBA and WBC titles); Maurice Hooker vs. Blair Cobbs, welterweights; Bektemir Melikuziev vs. Sladan Janjanin, super middleweights; Alex Martin vs. Henry Lundy, junior welterweights
  • Prediction: Ortiz KO 10
  • Background: The Ortiz-McKinson fight was scheduled to take place in March but was postponed after Ortiz pulled out because of illness. The 24-year-old slugger from Dallas is now healthy and ready to resume his pursuit of a shot at a 147-pound title. He has stopped all 18 of his opponents, the most recent being capable Egidijus Kavaliauskas in eight rounds in August of last year. No fighter has gone past eight rounds with Ortiz, who is ranked in the Top 3 by all four major sanctioning bodies, No. 1 by the WBA and WBO. He hopes that status will lead to a title fight sooner rather than later. McKinson is unbeaten but has faced no one with ability comparable to Ortiz. The 28-year-old Englishman is a good, experienced boxer but, with two stoppages in 22 fights, he has one of the lowest knockout percentages in the sport. He’s coming off a one-sided decision over Alex Martin this past March in Los Angeles, his first fight outside Europe.

[lawrence-related id=31861,28835,22372]

Fight Week: Vergil Ortiz returns to action against Michael McKinson

Fight Week: Vergil Ortiz will return to action against Michael McKinson on Saturday in Forth Worth, Texas, Ortiz’s home state.

FIGHT WEEK

Welterweight contender Vergil Ortiz will take on Michael McKinson of the U.K. on Saturday in Forth Worth, Texas, Ortiz’s home state.

VERGIL ORTIZ (18-0, 18 KOS) VS. MICHAEL MCKINSON (22-0, 2 KOS)

  • When: Saturday, Aug. 6
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, Texas
  • TV/Stream: DAZN
  • Division: Welterweight (147 pounds)
  • Rounds: 12
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Ortiz 10-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Marlen Esparza vs. Eva Guzman, flyweights (for Esparza’s WBA and WBC titles); Maurice Hooker vs. Blair Cobbs, welterweights; Bektemir Melikuziev vs. Sladan Janjanin, super middleweights; Alex Martin vs. Henry Lundy, junior welterweights
  • Prediction: Ortiz KO 10
  • Background: The Ortiz-McKinson fight was scheduled to take place in March but was postponed after Ortiz pulled out because of illness. The 24-year-old slugger from Dallas is now healthy and ready to resume his pursuit of a shot at a 147-pound title. He has stopped all 18 of his opponents, the most recent being capable Egidijus Kavaliauskas in eight rounds in August of last year. No fighter has gone past eight rounds with Ortiz, who is ranked in the Top 3 by all four major sanctioning bodies, No. 1 by the WBA and WBO. He hopes that status will lead to a title fight sooner rather than later. McKinson is unbeaten but has faced no one with ability comparable to Ortiz. The 28-year-old Englishman is a good, experienced boxer but, with two stoppages in 22 fights, he has one of the lowest knockout percentages in the sport. He’s coming off a one-sided decision over Alex Martin this past March in Los Angeles, his first fight outside Europe.

 

ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK

THURSDAY

  • Callum Walsh vs. Benjamin Whitaker, junior middleweights, Montebello, California (UFC Fight Pass).

FRIDAY

  • Antonio Moran vs. Michael Dutchover, junior welterweights, Plant City, Florida (ProBoxTV).

SATURDAY

  • Michael Conlan vs. Miguel Marriaga, featherweights, Belfast, Northern Ireland (ESPN+).

Fight Week: Vergil Ortiz returns to action against Michael McKinson

Fight Week: Vergil Ortiz will return to action against Michael McKinson on Saturday in Forth Worth, Texas, Ortiz’s home state.

FIGHT WEEK

Welterweight contender Vergil Ortiz will take on Michael McKinson of the U.K. on Saturday in Forth Worth, Texas, Ortiz’s home state.

VERGIL ORTIZ (18-0, 18 KOS) VS. MICHAEL MCKINSON (22-0, 2 KOS)

  • When: Saturday, Aug. 6
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, Texas
  • TV/Stream: DAZN
  • Division: Welterweight (147 pounds)
  • Rounds: 12
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Ortiz 10-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Marlen Esparza vs. Eva Guzman, flyweights (for Esparza’s WBA and WBC titles); Maurice Hooker vs. Blair Cobbs, welterweights; Bektemir Melikuziev vs. Sladan Janjanin, super middleweights; Alex Martin vs. Henry Lundy, junior welterweights
  • Prediction: Ortiz KO 10
  • Background: The Ortiz-McKinson fight was scheduled to take place in March but was postponed after Ortiz pulled out because of illness. The 24-year-old slugger from Dallas is now healthy and ready to resume his pursuit of a shot at a 147-pound title. He has stopped all 18 of his opponents, the most recent being capable Egidijus Kavaliauskas in eight rounds in August of last year. No fighter has gone past eight rounds with Ortiz, who is ranked in the Top 3 by all four major sanctioning bodies, No. 1 by the WBA and WBO. He hopes that status will lead to a title fight sooner rather than later. McKinson is unbeaten but has faced no one with ability comparable to Ortiz. The 28-year-old Englishman is a good, experienced boxer but, with two stoppages in 22 fights, he has one of the lowest knockout percentages in the sport. He’s coming off a one-sided decision over Alex Martin this past March in Los Angeles, his first fight outside Europe.

 

ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK

THURSDAY

  • Callum Walsh vs. Benjamin Whitaker, junior middleweights, Montebello, California (UFC Fight Pass).

FRIDAY

  • Antonio Moran vs. Michael Dutchover, junior welterweights, Plant City, Florida (ProBoxTV).

SATURDAY

  • Michael Conlan vs. Miguel Marriaga, featherweights, Belfast, Northern Ireland (ESPN+).