De La Hoya’s Ambitious Plans for Ortiz Jr.
Promoter Oscar De La Hoya is already setting his sights on a major bout for Vergil Ortiz Jr. (22-0, 21 KOs) despite the controversy surrounding Ortiz’s recent victory. After Ortiz Jr.’s narrow and debated win over Serhii Bohachuk (24-2, 23 KOs), De La Hoya is determined to arrange a fight between Ortiz and Terence Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs), if that’s what Ortiz desires.
“Fight of the Year” Controversy
De La Hoya hailed the bout as a “Fight of the Year,” but the match was marred by controversy. Ortiz Jr., who was knocked down twice in the first and eighth rounds, secured a majority decision victory with scores of 113-113, 114-112, and 114-112. This razor-thin margin and the two knockdowns have fueled skepticism about the legitimacy of Ortiz’s win.
Fans Question the Crawford Matchup
Despite the enthusiasm for a potential showdown between Ortiz and Crawford, many fans are hesitant. The close nature of Ortiz’s victory and his visible struggles against Bohachuk cast doubt on whether he is ready for Crawford. The upcoming match might appear to some as a fight between two fighters who benefited from controversial judge’s decisions rather than clear-cut victories.
Crawford’s Recent Performance
Terence Crawford himself is coming off a contentious win against WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov on August 3rd. Crawford’s performance was criticized by many who felt he lost the fight. This has led to concerns that a fight between him and Ortiz could also be tainted by controversial decisions.
De La Hoya’s Position on Rematch
While De La Hoya is pushing for the Crawford matchup, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh has expressed a desire to see a rematch between Ortiz Jr. and Bohachuk. Alalshikh, who was present ringside, saw the fight as a draw and believes a second bout is warranted to settle the score.
Risk of a Rematch
De La Hoya’s eagerness to secure the Crawford fight for Ortiz Jr. might be influenced by the risks associated with a rematch against Bohachuk. Given Ortiz’s heavy punishment and the significant damage he endured, De La Hoya is wary that another bout with Bohachuk could further compromise Ortiz’s health and future prospects.
Health and Recovery
Both Ortiz Jr. and Bohachuk are currently recovering from their grueling bout. De La Hoya emphasizes the need for both fighters to rest and heal before making any decisions about future fights. The extent of their injuries, likened to a scene from a Rocky movie, underscores the physical toll of their recent battle.
The Strategic Decision
De La Hoya’s strategic push for a Crawford fight rather than a rematch with Bohachuk suggests a preference for maximizing potential earnings and opportunities for Ortiz. Given the heavy shots Ortiz took from Bohachuk, a rematch might pose a higher risk of defeat or further injury.
Future Plans and Negotiations
De La Hoya has indicated that future negotiations will depend on the health and recovery of both fighters. Once Ortiz Jr. and Bohachuk are back to full strength, discussions about their next steps, including the possibility of a rematch or a high-profile fight with Crawford, will resume.
A Rocky Road Ahead
As both fighters recuperate, the boxing community remains on edge, eagerly awaiting updates on their next moves. Whether Ortiz Jr. will face Crawford or revisit a rematch with Bohachuk, the outcome will significantly impact the future landscape of the junior middleweight division.
