Jeff Mayweather Slams Vergil Ortiz Jr.’s Controversial Victory
Trainer Jeff Mayweather has publicly criticized Vergil Ortiz Jr.’s recent 12-round majority decision win over WBC interim junior middleweight champion Serhii Bohachuk. Mayweather’s harsh assessment has been echoed by many boxing fans who view the outcome as a blatant case of robbery.
The Fight’s Controversial Outcome
Ortiz Jr. (22-0, 21 KOs) was awarded a majority decision that many believe did not accurately reflect the bout’s action. Mayweather’s comments suggest that the scoring was heavily skewed in favor of Ortiz, despite Bohachuk (24-2, 23 KOs) clearly demonstrating superior performance during the fight.
Ortiz Jr.: A “Simple” Fighter?
Jeff Mayweather describes Vergil Ortiz Jr. as a “simple, everyday fighter,” drawing a parallel to former Golden Boy fighter Jaime Munguia. He argues that Ortiz’s rise through the ranks has been facilitated by a string of less challenging opponents, designed to set him up for a lucrative showdown with Terence Crawford.
Bohachuk’s Knockdowns: A Key to the Fight?
Mayweather points out that Bohachuk scored two knockdowns against Ortiz Jr., which, by traditional scoring, should have given him a significant advantage. The knockdowns, combined with Bohachuk’s overall performance, should have translated into a clear win for the Ukrainian fighter.
The Debate Over Knockdown Scoring
Jeff Mayweather insists that the scoring of knockdowns should be treated as 10-8 rounds, not 10-9. He believes that Bohachuk’s two knockdowns should have resulted in a more decisive score, reflecting the impact and control Bohachuk had during the fight.
Ortiz Jr.’s Path to a Crawford Fight
The controversial win has set the stage for Ortiz Jr. to potentially face Terence Crawford. However, Mayweather questions Ortiz’s readiness for such a high-profile bout, suggesting that Ortiz’s previous matches have not adequately prepared him for Crawford’s elite level.
Crawford’s Performance and Future Prospects
Crawford’s recent performance against WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov raised questions about his current form. Mayweather notes that Crawford, approaching 37, might be experiencing a decline in performance due to age and inactivity, which could affect his future bouts, including a potential fight with Ortiz.
Comparisons with Alfredo Angulo
Jeff Mayweather compares Vergil Ortiz Jr. to a younger Alfredo Angulo, noting similarities in their basic, heavy-handed styles. He suggests that while Ortiz has power, his simplistic approach may not be sufficient against more skilled opponents, echoing the challenges Angulo faced in his career.
A Call for Rematch or Justice
The controversy surrounding Ortiz’s win has led many to call for a rematch or a reevaluation of the scoring. The disparity between fan perception and the official result has sparked debate about fairness in scoring and the treatment of high-profile fighters.
The Impact on Ortiz’s Career
Regardless of the outcome, Ortiz Jr.’s controversial win will have implications for his career trajectory. A matchup with Terence Crawford would be a significant step, but the doubts raised by Mayweather and other critics may affect public and professional perceptions of Ortiz’s readiness and legitimacy as a top contender.
