Promoter Oscar De La Hoya has made it clear that he is determined to set up a unification fight between WBC interim junior middleweight champion Vergil Ortiz and WBA champ Terence Crawford. This announcement comes on the heels of Vergil’s recent twelve-round majority decision victory over Serhii Bohachuk. De La Hoya emphasized that the decision on whether to face Crawford next rests with Vergil himself, who has expressed a preference for that matchup over a rematch with Bohachuk. Despite the judges awarding Vergil the win with scores of 113-113, 114-112, and 114-112, there is significant controversy surrounding the outcome of the fight.
Vergil’s win over Bohachuk has sparked debate and skepticism due to the fact that he was knocked down twice during the match, in rounds one and eight. While De La Hoya and Vergil’s supporters argue that these knockdowns were the result of slips, the reality is that they were counted against him, forcing Vergil to play catch-up throughout the fight. Many observers believe that Vergil did not do enough to secure a clear victory over Bohachuk, who relentlessly pressured him and forced him to evade in the later rounds. In fact, Bohachuk appeared to dominate the latter part of the fight, taking advantage of a visibly fatigued Vergil.
The decision in favor of Vergil Ortiz has been likened to a gift based on his perceived marketability rather than his performance in the ring. De La Hoya’s assertion that Vergil won the fight has been met with skepticism, especially considering the onslaught from Bohachuk in the closing rounds. Critics argue that the judges may have been swayed by external factors rather than the actual dynamics of the fight itself. The resemblance to the controversial Devin Haney vs. Vasily Lomachenko bout is striking, as both instances raise questions about the fairness and integrity of the decision-making process in boxing.
Despite De La Hoya’s adamant stance on Vergil’s victory, it is evident that there are inconsistencies in the assessment of the fight. The Nevada judges awarded rounds to Vergil that he appeared to have lost convincingly, such as the final round where Bohachuk asserted his dominance. This discrepancy between the judges’ scoring and the actual flow of the fight has only added fuel to the fire of controversy surrounding Vergil’s win. The need for transparency and objectivity in scoring boxing matches is more apparent than ever, as subjective interpretations can significantly impact the outcomes and integrity of the sport.
As discussions around Vergil Ortiz’s victory persist, it is essential to reevaluate the narrative surrounding the fight. While De La Hoya’s intentions to set up a unification bout with Crawford are clear, the circumstances of Vergil’s win raise valid concerns that cannot be overlooked. The focus should shift towards promoting fairness, accuracy, and accountability in boxing judging to ensure that fighters receive the recognition and outcomes they truly deserve. Only by addressing these underlying issues can the sport of boxing maintain its credibility and continue to captivate fans worldwide.