Article by Rick Mohamed

Vergil Ortiz Jr. keeps KO streak alive: 17-0, 17 KOs, now wants Terence “Bud” Crawford

Young rising superstar Vergil Ortiz Jr. passed his test vs former welterweight champion Maurice “ MO” Hooker in an impressive performance. Ortiz came out establishing that “Rock’em Sock’em robots” style jab, popping Hooker’s head back all night. 

Ortiz worked beautiful to the body, plus he had great counter punching. Make no mistake, Hooker showed up and was very much in this fight, showing why he was once a world champion. Hooker got dropped early but got up and rose to the occasion and starting cutting the the ring off from Ortiz and walking him down. 

Ortiz’ face showed that Hooker was having success in touching him up. Ortiz’ mindset, determination, and motivation pushes him much much further as the later rounds came. He’s yet another young top prospect that says he is ready for his big title shot, so he’s got to be tested. 

Ortiz caught Hooker with a crushing left hook in the seventh round. After a combination of punches were delivered, the final left hook sent Hooker down to 1 knee to the canvas. 

He was unable to continue, giving Ortiz his 17th pro win and his 17th KO. 

Ortiz says ‘rest or not, I want Terrance “ BUD “ Crawford as my next fight’, Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. were in attendance, with both holding titles as welterweight champion. Spence has the IBF & WBC titles, and Crawford holds the WBO. 

I love seeing this new breed of fighters stepping up & calling out all the elite world champions to fight them. We are witnessing a new era of fighters in the great sport of boxing today, they are bringing excitement, entertainment and they are upsetting and winning big fights. 

Ortiz is also promoted by Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, and De La Hoya was in attendance. He came into the ring after the fight to congratulate and salute his young star. 

Robert Garcia, former World Champion and HOFer, has a stable of very talented up and coming and World champions. Ortiz happens to be one of those stable talents. I can’t wait to see where Ortiz goes next, because you have to admit: this kid is something special. Congrats to “TEAM ORTIZ”. LETSGOCHAMP!! #THEBRAWLERSSPORTSBOXINGSHOW

LETSGOCHAMPS!