Oscar De La Hoya Promises December Return for Vergil Ortiz
Top welterweight contender Vergil Ortiz Jr. (19-0, 19KO) is set to make his long-awaited return to the ring. According to Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya, Ortiz Jr. could be back in action by the end of the year.
The history of his health issues is well-documented. Ortiz is the cause of the fight with WBA Regular champion Eimantas Stanionis getting postponed twice. On July 6, the boxing news cycle reported he was hospitalized overnight. Some speculated it was due to his constant battle with rhabdomyolysis.
DIVISION DECISIONS
During the intermission of Raul Curiel versus Courtney Pennington, De La Hoya stated when boxing fans could expect to see the Texan back in the ring.
“We have Vergil Ortiz coming back in December.”
The question is, at what weight will he return? Despite being ranked number one by the WBA and number four by the WBO, he could move up to junior middleweight. It’s believed Ortiz’s recurring illness is due to him trying to make the weight.
During an interview a few months ago with Fight Hub TV, the Golden Boy CEO liked the idea of his fighter moving up.
“Look, he’s a big kid. So, I think 154 would be ideal.”
Ortiz Jr. has been out of the ring since defeating Michael McKinson in August 2022. A move to junior middleweight is more than likely what will happen. When looking at the division, there are a lot of winnable fights for the undefeated power-puncher.
It will be interesting to see what team Ortiz decides to do over the next few of months. 3Kings Boxing will monitor this story and provide any further updates.
