Maurice Hooker says he will still cheer for Vergil Ortiz Jr after beating him
When Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker (27-1-3, 18 KO’s) next steps in the ring, he will be the older, more experienced fighter of the two. Despite his credentials, many are viewing his opponent, Vergil Ortiz Jr (16-0, 16 KO’s), as the clear favorite. Naturally, the former world champion believes that this is a foolish mistake. Like most would in his situation, Hooker questions Ortiz’s professional resume. For his money, Mighty Mo thinks that he is leaps and bounds better than anyone that Ortiz has danced with.
Hooker has not fought in over a year. Although, when last in the ring, he picked up a quick first-round knockout. It was a good confidence building win directly following his first professional loss to WBC and WBO World Super Lightweight champion Jose Carlos Ramirez. While he does not offer it as an alibi, Hooker attributes the majority of that loss to fighting in a division he should not have been in.
The Texas native felt that his energy was spent early in the fight due to the rigors of making weight. That is largely why his showdown with Ortiz will take place at welterweight. This will be Hooker’s second bout in the division.
WHO’S A UNDERDOG?!
In a recent interview with Behind the Gloves, Mighty Mo went in a bit deeper on his thoughts about his upcoming contest.
“They overlooking me? I mean Vergil Ortiz is good, don’t get me wrong, but who has he fought that is on my level? Pretty much nobody that is on my level you know, so is they overlooking me? That can be very dangerous for any fighter to overlook another fighter. So I hope that he is ready. I hope that he is prepared because I am going to take it to him on Saturday!”
Obviously, Hooker is confident that he will leave the ring in victorious fashion, but he is not sure how. Many fighters love predicting a knockout. While he said he would love to score one, Hooker will not be obsessed with claiming one over Ortiz.
“It depends on how he come. If he come too aggressive, I think I will win by knockout. If he come relaxed, I think it will go the whole twelve rounds…to everybody that don’t believe in me, don’t overlook me. See when I went to England to fight Terry Flangan, I was the underdog. When I fought Alex Saucedo, I was the underdog. Don’t count me out; it’s not over yet until the bell ring!”
By: Bakari Simpson
