VERGIL Ortiz Jr will look to position his barely wobbly profession again on monitor when he takes on WBC Interim super-welterweight champion Serhii Bohachuk.
While Ortiz was initially slated to combat Tim Tszyu as a part of the August 3 Madrimov-Crawford help card, this combat, on the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, takes place per week later as a standalone principal occasion and present.
The Tszyu combat was an intriguing prospect, provided that Tim was taking on such a tricky problem shortly after shedding his unbeaten document to Sebastian Fundora. The horrible scalp wound that Tszyu acquired from Fundora’s errant elbow had but to heal sufficiently, and medical doctors dominated the Aussie out.
Left with no dance accomplice, Vergil, 21-0 (21 KOs), was swiftly paired with Ukraine’s Bohachuk, 24-1 (23 KOs), who additionally fought on the Tszyu-Fundora card, defeating Brian Mendoza for the title that he now defends on August 10.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 30: Serhii Bohachuk waits for the beginning of a WBC interim tremendous welterweight title combat against Brian Mendoza at T-Mobile Arena on March 30, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bohachuk gained the title by unanimous determination. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
The bout was initially floated as a direct substitute on August 3 however was reportedly turned down by the Saudi promoters. Undeterred, promoter Oscar De La Hoya determined to run with it himself.
There are a number of storylines at play right here. Firstly, each males are recognised bangers. De La Hoya believes it gained’t go the gap, and he’s most likely right in that assumption.
Another issue is Ortiz’s ongoing well being points that curtailed his on-again-off-again saga of non-fights with Eimantos Stanionis. Putting these struggles all the way down to the load, Ortiz finally moved as much as 154, the place he now contests this WBC Interim strap.
Interestingly, regardless of recording back-to-back first-round KOs of Fredrick Lawson and Thomas Dulorme, respectively, after a prolonged ring absence, Vergil has but to truly make the 154-pound weight restrict.
Weighing in at 156 after which 155, he’s getting nearer by the pound in every combat. Both have been non-title affairs, so seemingly there are not any issues right here, however, given his previous, it’s one thing to maintain half a watch on.
As for Bohachuk, the Ukrainian has earned his place on the world title desk the onerous means. Now primarily based in LA and promoted by Tom Loeffler, who guided Gennady Golovkin via his pomp, Serhii has overcome a single profession defeat, residency points relating to his proper to combat, and the continuing politics surrounding the Russia-Ukraine battle to enter the heftier payday bracket.
Getting punched within the head by Vergil Ortiz Jr, thought-about one of many sport’s rising heavy-handed stars, is most definitely a welcome reduction from every part else that life has thrown at him.
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