_2.jpg)
Welterweight contender Vergil Ortiz has dynamite in his fists. With 16 knockouts in the same number of fights, the American fighter with Mexican roots not only has the goal of being crowned world champion but also of establishing himself as one of the best fighters in history.
There is talk that his next ring appearance could come against former junior welterweight world champion Maurice Hooker.
Ortiz, 22-year-old, was in action back in July when he knocked out Samuel Vargas in seven rounds. It was only the second that Vargas had been stopped in his pro career. For Ortiz, it was his only ring appearance of the year due to the coronavirus pandemic. He hopes to be a lot busier in 2021.
Ortiz, trained by veteran coach Robert Garcia, believes he is ready for the top boxers in his weight class – including WBO welterweight champion Terence Crawford.
As an amateur, he was crowned national champion seven times and left his record of 140 victories and 20 defeats. He turned pro in 2016, signing with Golden Boy Promotions.
At this point in his career, Ortiz wants is going to push for the biggest fights possible, with hope of getting himself in a mandatory position for a world title shot.
“Everyone yearns to become a world champion, however I want to be remembered, I want people to remember who I am and the impact I left above the ring. I want to become an undisputed champion, I want to get all the belts and I want to fight against the best,” declared Ortiz in an interview with Jocelin Flores.
“I don’t want easy fights. I train very hard and I suffer a lot in training camps, I want to face the best, I want to raise my level and show what I am capable of.”