Booking the Damn Territory: Vergil Ortiz vs Everybody

Vergil Ortiz Jr. is one of boxing’s most electrifying talents, boasting a perfect record of 21-0 with every victory coming by way of knockout. Known for his relentless aggression and power, Ortiz is already a major force in the junior middleweight division. This Saturday, he returns to the ring at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, to challenge Serhii Bohachuk (24-1, 23KOs) for the WBC interim junior middleweight title. This bout is poised to be one of the most violent and action-packed of the year, marking Ortiz’s first fight under a new long-term deal with Golden Boy Promotions.

Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy are banking on Ortiz to be the superstar that will carry the company forward. Ortiz, in turn, is relying on De La Hoya to deliver the big fights and big-name opponents that will cement his legacy. As one of the most exciting fighters in the sport today, Ortiz’s future holds endless possibilities for high-profile matchups that could elevate him to the top of the boxing world.

Let’s explore the five biggest matchups for Vergil Ortiz, in no particular order.

Terence “Bud” Crawford (41-0, 31KOs) - WBA Junior Middleweight Champion

Terence Crawford is widely regarded as one of the top five pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Fresh off a unanimous decision victory over Israil Madrimov, Crawford now holds the WBA junior middleweight title. A fight between Ortiz and Crawford would pit the young lion against one of the sport’s most complete fighters. Crawford’s ability to switch stances, coupled with his exceptional ring IQ and sharp counter-punching, would test Ortiz’s aggressive style to the fullest. This fight would be a true measuring stick for Ortiz, determining whether he can compete with the elite level of the sport.

Errol Spence Jr. (28-1, 22KOs) - Former Unified Welterweight Champion

The Battle of Texas. Errol Spence Jr. remains one of the biggest stars in boxing despite his recent loss, and he is arguably the most marketable name in the junior middleweight division. A native of Texas, like Ortiz, a fight between the two would be a blockbuster event, with potential venues like AT&T Stadium or the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Spence, known for his physicality, high work rate, and body punching, would be a stern test for Ortiz. This fight could catapult Ortiz into mainstream stardom if he were to come out victorious.

Jermell Charlo (35-2-1, 19KOs) - Lineal Junior Middleweight Champion

Jermell Charlo, the lineal junior middleweight champion, is another Texan who would make for a massive fight against Ortiz. Charlo’s combination of speed, power, and championship experience would present a unique challenge. Charlo has shown the ability to adapt and overcome adversity in the ring, making him a dangerous opponent for any fighter. A victory over Charlo would solidify Ortiz’s status as the king of the division and further his claim as one of boxing’s next superstars.

Sebastian Fundora (21-1-1, 13KOs) - WBC and WBO Unified Junior Middleweight Champion

Standing at 6’6”, Sebastian Fundora is one of the most unique and challenging opponents in the division. Fundora’s freakish height and reach advantage, coupled with his surprising ability to fight effectively on the inside, make him a difficult puzzle to solve. Fundora is coming off a huge win over Tim Tszyu, where he claimed the WBC and WBO junior middleweight titles. A bout between Ortiz and Fundora would be a clash of styles, with Ortiz needing to find a way to get past Fundora’s reach and apply his power.

Tim Tszyu (24-1, 17KOs) - Former WBO Junior Middleweight Champion

Tim Tszyu, one of the division’s biggest stars, was originally slated to face Ortiz, but was not medically cleared to compete. Tszyu, known for his relentless pressure and powerful combinations, would make for an exciting and explosive fight with Ortiz. Both fighters have a come-forward style, and this matchup would likely produce fireworks from the opening bell. A victory over Tszyu would be a statement win for Ortiz, further solidifying his place among the top fighters in the division.

But First Things First…

Before Ortiz can entertain any of these potential blockbuster matchups, he must first take care of business against Serhii Bohachuk. Bohachuk, with his own impressive knockout ratio, is the most formidable opponent Ortiz has faced to date. This fight is expected to be a high-octane clash, with both fighters possessing the kind of power that can end a fight at any moment. A win for Ortiz would not only secure the WBC interim junior middleweight title but also set the stage for the megafights that lie ahead.

Ortiz and Bohachuk are both known for their ability to end fights with a single punch. This fight will likely come down to who can land first. Ortiz will need to be cautious of Bohachuk’s power while looking to impose his own will and establish dominance early.

The potential future matchups are what Vergil Ortiz dreamed of as a little boy: Big Nights and Big Fights. The stage is set for Ortiz to announce himself to the world. Oscar De La Hoya is banking on it. Ortiz has the potential to be a generational talent, but the road to superstardom goes through Serhii Bohachuk first.