Vergil Ortiz Jr Stops Brad Soloman in Round Five
Vergil Ortiz Jr (15-0, 15 KOs) once again showed why he’s one of the best prospects in boxing today as he coolly broke down, and eventually overwhelmed Brad Solomon (28-2, 9 KOs) in five rounds at Fantasy Springs in Indio, California.
For the first three rounds, Ortiz patiently stalked his opponent behind the jab. Solomon tried to keep his distance and box on the outside, but Ortiz was doing the more consistent work and fighting with the sense he knew it was just a matter of time.
Round four saw Ortiz open up and let the power-punches start to flow. The 21-year-old from Dallas, Texas began landing with hard shots to the body and head. With 1:04 to go in the round, he put down the 36-year-old Soloman with a shot-gun power jab.
Ortiz continued to amp up the pace and pressure in the fifth. With 1:10 left in the round, Solomon went down as a result of a series of lefts and rights to the head and body. A follow-up assault ending with a double left hook put Soloman down for a second time. Referee Raul Caiz Jr had seen enough and stopped the fight with 38-seconds to go in the round.
At this point, it’s obvious that Ortiz is the best prospect on the roster of Golden Boy Promotions. As we head into 2020, now is the time for Ortiz to step up the level of competition. The kid has the look of a future world champion.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
