Vergil Ortiz Hopes to Finally Elude Health Issues at 154
WBA #3 rated junior middleweight Vergil Ortiz Jr. (19-0, 19KO) is set to make a return to the ring, signaling a potential end to his health struggles and paving the way for a significant bout with title implications in 2024.
The boxing world was abuzz when Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya announced the comeback of the hard-hitting Texan in December. Ortiz, eager to get back into action, shared the news on social media, revealing a new date, division, and opponent in Fredrick Lawson.
“I’m back in the ring January 6 . . . next stop 154.”
DOES THIS MARK THE END OF HEALTH ISSUES?
Ortiz has grappled with health issues related to rhabdomyolysis, which date back to the postponement of his fight against Michael McKinson in 2022. He eventually faced the British fighter and secured a spectacular ninth-round stoppage in August 2022.
Many in the boxing community believed that the scare was behind him, only to discover that more challenges lay ahead. Ortiz Jr. experienced three fight postponements against WBA Regular welterweight champion Eimantas Stanionis, with two of them stemming from the same recurring health problem. This resulted in the WBA removing him from the mandatory position.
With a move to a new division and the elimination of excessive weight cutting, fans are hopeful that Ortiz can now resume his career without further interruptions.
The Texan is undoubtedly looking to make a statement against Lawson, as he steps into a division filled with naturally bigger opponents. It will also be interesting to see if his power translates to this new weight class.
With a generous ranking position from the WBA, fans can anticipate a focused Ortiz, as he vies for a potential title shot for either the Regular or Super championship category.
