Vergil Ortiz Jr. is stepping into unfamiliar territory as he prepares to face WBC interim junior middleweight champion Serhii Bohachuk this Saturday at the Michelob Ultra Arena. Ortiz, who has often been the favorite in his career, is embracing his role as the B-side fighter in this highly anticipated matchup, which will be broadcast live on DAZN.
Ortiz Jr. has primarily faced second-tier opposition throughout his career, carefully matched by Golden Boy Promotions to build his record. This fight against Bohachuk represents a significant step up in competition, and the outcome is far from certain. A loss for Ortiz could disrupt the meticulous planning and grooming by his promoters.
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“This is a tough test that we have to get past to open up the doors to get the bigger fights,” said Ortiz Jr. to Golden Boy Boxing. He sees this bout as a critical stepping stone towards a potential clash with the winner of the WBC junior middleweight championship fight between Sebastian Fundora and Errol Spence. Ortiz is also open to a lucrative matchup with Terence Crawford.
Despite the high stakes, Ortiz is not looking past Bohachuk. “This is a huge test. I’m confident, and I know I’m going to be champion on August 10th.”
A defeat for Ortiz would necessitate a rebuilding phase, potentially sidelining him from major money fights at 154 pounds. This fight is not just about maintaining an undefeated record but proving he can compete at the highest level.
We will keep an eye on this event, will you?
Image Credit: Golden Boy Promotions