In an electrifying atmosphere during “Latino Night” in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Golden Boy Promotions head Oscar De La Hoya made headlines with a pivotal announcement regarding undefeated boxer Vergil Ortiz Jr. De La Hoya confirmed that Ortiz, currently holding an impressive record of 22 wins with 21 knockouts, is set for a comeback fight on February 22. The fighter that will oppose him remains to be seen, but De La Hoya has narrowed it down to three formidable opponents: Sebastian Fundora, Jaron “Boots” Ennis, and Terence Crawford. Each of these boxers poses a unique challenge, making the upcoming bout an exciting prospect for boxing aficionados worldwide.
When asked about his preferred opponent, Ortiz himself revealed a clear hierarchy in his aspirations. He expressed a strong desire to face Sebastian Fundora, pointing out that he is already the interim WBC champion at 154 pounds, suggesting that this matchup would be relatively easy to arrange. Ortiz’s tactical approach to selecting opponents highlights not just his ambition but also his desire to solidify his standing in a competitive weight class. Following Fundora, Ortiz mentioned Jaron Ennis, acknowledging that Ennis could potentially move up in weight to meet him in the ring. Lastly, Ortiz expressed unambiguous admiration for Terence Crawford, indicating a yearning to test his skills against one of the elite boxers of the current era.
The implications of Ortiz’s forthcoming fight extend beyond individual victories or defeats. Each of these three fighters represents significant stakes in the boxing world. Fundora, known for his towering presence and technical prowess, could present an arduous test for Ortiz’s abilities. Meanwhile, the encounter with Jaron Ennis would serve not only as a personal challenge but also as a defining moment for both fighters’ careers. The most tantalizing possibility, however, lies in a match against Terence Crawford—a future Hall of Famer whose exceptional skills have garnered him a revered status in the sport. This fight, if it materializes, would not only attract widespread attention but also have lasting implications for the boxing scene at 154 pounds.
As Ortiz prepares to step back into the ring, questions abound: Will he emerge as the top contender in his weight class? Can he prove himself against seasoned opponents, thereby asserting his dominance at 154 pounds? The fervor surrounding these potential matchups has increased the anticipation for Ortiz’s fight in February. The boxing community sits on the edge of their seats, eager to see if Ortiz can indeed “chop down” the competition. As he aims to solidify his legacy within a competitive landscape, one thing is certain: Ortiz’s journey in boxing has only just begun, and with each fight, the stakes grow higher. Whether he’s facing Fundora, Ennis, or Crawford, Ortiz’s pursuit of greatness will undoubtedly captivate fans and reshape the narrative of the 154-pound division.