Michael McKinson Discusses His Stoppage Loss To Vergil Ortiz Jr!
Prior to stepping foot into the squared circle with top welterweight contender Vergil Ortiz Jr (19-0, 19KOs), Michael “The Problem” McKinson (21-1, 2KOs) was very confident that he would shock the world! However, once in the ring, the reality of that happening hit him hard as the powerful Ortiz disposed of him in the ninth round.
McKinson, who was fighting for the second consecutive time in America, simply had no answers. A boxer with very little power, The Problem couldn’t evade Ortiz and his power throughout the course of the nine rounds the fight lasted. After succumbing to the vicious body assault distributed by Ortiz, McKinson reflected on the failed mission of beating Ortiz.
“I knew he would start fast. I knew he would start very fast. It was a hell of a pace early on, but as the fight went on, I thought I could see it going points. I really did. I was getting more and more confident that it was going to reach the final bell.
“He did slow down a little bit and change his tactics. He was more patient and if anything, that normally would have worked into my hands. You know, he picked a hell of a shot. Like I said, this is boxing.
“I’ve never been in trouble in twenty-two fights. He’s a hell of a fighter, and I hope he goes on to win world titles in multiple weight classes. But I’m a little bit hurt; my pride is a little bit hurt.”
Those feelings are understandable, as he genuinely felt he would be the first man to defeat Ortiz Jr. as a professional. Unfortunately for him, he’s now forced to go back to the drawing board and see where he can make improvements ahead of his next ring assignment.
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By: Jerrell Fletcher
