Bernard Hopkins believes Vergil Ortiz Jr is ready for Terence Crawford
Legendary Philadelphia fighter/Golden Boy Promotions partner Bernard “B-Hop” Hopkins emphasized their undefeated welterweight, Vergil Ortiz (17-0, 17kos), is ready to challenge the WBO champion Terence “Bud” Crawford (37-0, 28ko).
On Saturday, March 22, Ortiz went from being lightly known to a full-blown title contender. He put on an excellent performance by dominating former junior welterweight champion Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker (27-2-3, 18ko). Also, Ortiz walked away with some extra hardware by capturing the vacant WBO International title.
The young undefeated fighter has the WBO number two ranked spot on lockdown. Being the bearer of the minor title makes him a legitimate championship contender. Moreover, Bud was in attendance supporting his stablemate in Hooker, and Ortiz wasted little time going after the WBO champion.
“I’m looking at you, Bud! I’m looking at you. I don’t care if I’m 22-years-old, I want that fight.”
WILL GOLDEN BOY GIVE THEIR FIGHTER HIS WISH
Hopkins, immediately after the fight, was asked by Esnews what is next for the undefeated young lion, and he spoke like a fighter instead of some corporate mouthpiece.
“Next fight! I want to see that. When Oscar comes out, he’s right there, ask him when are you going to do that fight, because Bernard said he (Vergil Ortiz) is ready for him (Terence Crawford) now!”
“I told Eric Gomez (President of Golden Boy Promotions) to make that fight. Crawford, that is the next fight”
WILL CRAWFORD TAKE THE FIGHT?
So, for the moment, it appears the Golden Boy is willing to make the fight. But the question is, will the WBO champion be on board with the fight?
Bud, earlier during an intermission interview, scoffed at the idea of facing Ortiz. However, he may have reacted that way because his stablemate Hooker was about to fight. Moreover, he claims to have bigger things in mind, meaning a fight with unified champion Errol Spence Jr. However, that is doubtful considering he emphatically stated the Spence fight is behind him now.
Equally important, Top Rank does not seem to be progressing with making a fight with mandatory challenger “Showtime” Shawn Porter either. So, what bigger things does Bud have planned?
Crawford needs to call the front office and demand they aggressively pursue this fight. The dialogue that nobody wants to fight him has gotten old and is falling upon dear ears.
By: Garrisson Bland
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