Vergil Ortiz Hospitalized with High Uncertainty Surrounding his Return
In one very unforeseen turn of events, welterweight contender Vergil Ortiz Jr (18-0, 18 KO’s) pulled out of his next bout during fight week. On March 19, under the hot lights of the USC Galen Center located in Los Angeles, California, Ortiz Jr was going to face Michael McKinson in the main event of a DAZN telecast. Now, instead of Ortiz and McKinson, Blair Cobb and Alexis Rocha will slide into the main event.
Ultimately it was determined that Ortiz Jr withdrew because he was suffering from a condition called rhabdomyolysis. This is a condition that occurs when damaged muscle tissue releases their proteins and electrolytes into the bloodstream. In its most severe cases, rhabdomyolysis can lead to permanent disability or even death. Of course, no one would want to see the young fighter’s career cut short, but there is no way that this thought is not racing through his own mind.
The young fighter, appearing to be in good spirits, released the following statement via social media.
WILL THE SHOW GO ON?
Not only did this medical malady come at an inopportune time for this particular prizefight, it came at a horrible time in his career. At the present moment, Ortiz holds the high rankings of #1(WBO), #1 (WBC), #2 (WBA) and #4 (IBF). With these standings, there is little question that he was closing in on his first shot at a world title. Now, there is no solid guarantee that he will return to the sport whatsoever. Or, if he does, there is no telling at this point if he will return in the same top-notch condition that he left.
For example, the world first had to wait to see what form unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr would show up in for his fight with Danny Garcia. This is because Spence took on Garcia fresh off a near fatal car accident after electing not to take a tune-up. Ultimately, Spence would perform marvelously. Ironically the world is once again waiting to see what Spence looks like in his fight with WBA Super champion Yordenis Ugas because now he will be coming straight off of eye surgery to fix a damaged retina. This the most ideal of outcomes, but will the same be true of Ortiz?
It is only logical that Golden Boy Promotions is pushing the most positive angle possible that ensures a quick and speedy recovery. Yet, only time will tell if that is actually what takes place. Regardless of what his fate winds up being, 3Kings Boxing will be there to report the news.
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By: Bakari Simpson
