Vergil Ortiz Jr.: True Gold Fears No Fire
By William Trillo
Photos: Tom Hogan – Hoganphotos – Golden Boy Promotions
When Vergil Ortiz Jr. (14-0, 14 KO’s) blew through the seasoned veteran Antonio Orozco (28-2, 17 KO’s) in six impressive rounds he not only took another step up the ladder but in so doing proved he is ready to face any and all challenges put in front of him. No matter how high the heat has been turned up, Ortiz always comes out of the fire more refined and ready for the next challenge. 
Facing his toughest test on Saturday night Ortiz, who was fighting in front of his hometown fans, came out like gangbusters and had Orozco stumbling right away. If it were not for the fact that Orozco is a fighter of some repute himself this might have been and early night. But Orozco weathered the storm and over the course of the next 4 rounds Orozco gave Ortiz a very stiff challenge.
But looking like a fighter with a lot more than 13 fights Ortiz took it up a notch and began to put some real hurt on Orozco. By round six Ortiz was in complete command and in surgical fashion he had Orozco reeling, the round would not come to its conclusion. Ortiz kept his 100% KO ratio alive.
In a world full of fighters who are more interested in adding Instagram followers than they are taking on a real challenge, Vergil Ortiz Jr. is a breath of fresh air. Just take a look at his young career, three fights in 2016, five fights in 2017, three more fights in 2018 and in 2019 he just had his fourth fight. What’s more impressive is his opposition has gotten tougher with each and every fight, as it should be.
It’s a shame that outside of hard core boxing fans Ortiz is still flying somewhat under the radar. It’s about time Vergil starts getting maximum exposure on some high profile cards. And before you tell me he only has 14 fights it’s not his time yet, allow me to remind you he was just put in the ring with a very formidable challenge in Orozco and passed that test with flying colors.
Since Oscar De La Hoya retired there has always been the search for the next “Golden Boy”. Fighters have been groomed and/or coddled to become the next glittering star but time and time again they have fallen short.
In Ortiz you have a fighter who doesn’t need any pampering or grooming. This young man already has everything it takes to become a real Super Star in the sport. It’s time to give this kid a lot more exposure under the spotlight!
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