Vergil Ortiz Jr Trainer Robert Garcia on Title Shot
When the versatile Vergil Ortiz Jr (14-0, 14 KO’s) stepped in the ring with Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (28-2, 17 KO’s) on August 10, the idea was to step up his competition. In that regard, Team Ortiz was successful. Orozco did provide a bit more push back than the young welterweight usually endures, but not that much more.
Prior to the Texas based showdown, Ortiz had never gone past the fifth round in a professional outing. Orozco managed to hang around until the sixth before falling victim to Vergil Ortiz Jr’s power and pressure.
Naturally, any young up-and-coming fighter full of vigor is anxious to obtain their first title opportunity. This is certainly the case with Ortiz. However, wanting a title shot and actually penning a contract for one are two different things.
When it comes to the notion of securing a title shot, Robert Garcia, Ortiz’s lead trainer, is not optimistic about getting one any time soon. Even though he is high on his fighter, Garcia foresees the politics of the day gumming up any potential chance to face a champion quickly. Garcia took the time to share his thoughts in a brief interview conducted by Fight Hub.
“Well look, he’s young so there’s no rush. I think it’s going to be a matter of time, you know. Plus, all the champions are already fighting each other. They have different plans, so it’s not like we’re looking for a certain champion.
“I think when the time is right we’ll find the right champion and we’ll challenge them. But right now, we got to continue fighting top welterweights. I don’t think we’ll get a title shot soon because all the champions are either with PBC or Top Rank, and you know? I don’t think they’ll give us a shot.”
To be honest though, it is probably in Ortiz’ best interest to hold off any would-be title opportunities. While the resourceful boxer does have a bright future before him, it’s unlikely he’s ready for the cream of the welterweight crop right this very second.
At only twenty-one years of age, with just fourteen bouts under his belt, Ortiz would definitely benefit from getting in some more quality rounds with proven opposition. Also, Ortiz seems to have a penchant for engaging in needlessly toilsome brawling.
Despite toting marvelous boxing skills, all too often, he foregoes his talents in order to slug it out. While he has not been made to pay for this, as his competition improves, it’s very likely that this rumble-first mentality will come back to bite him.
“Yea, he has a killer mentality. That’s the only thing he’s got in his mind; its to go out there and hurt whoever’s in front of him. That’s what he does in the gym. He does it in the fights. He’s a hell of a fighter man.”
By: Bakari Simpson
