De La Hoya Wants Ortiz Vs. Crawford
Oscar De La Hoya wants Vergil Ortiz Jr. to face Terence Crawford after his fighter beat Serhii Bohachuk.
Ortiz defeated Bohachuk via a majority decision, which divided the boxing community. Ortiz was dropped twice but finished the fight strong to take it on the cards. However, the result divided the boxing community and fans. Turki Alalshikh has called for a rematch before any fight with Crawford is considered. Meanwhile, Ortiz is open to boxing Sabastian Fundora next.
The win made Ortiz the WBC Interim Junior Middleweight Champion, meaning he is mandatory for Fundora, who has the WBO and WBC belts. Crawford is coming off a win against Israil Madrimov to become the WBA champion at 154. It was Crawford’s first fight in the weight class, and he became a four-weight world champion.
De La Hoya Reacts
But his victory was questioned with suggestions that the unanimous decision was much closer. Madrimov landed more power punches, even if Crawford landed more punches. There is a narrative for both Crawford and Ortiz that they should have immediate rematches with their opponents before facing each other. But De La Hoya thought otherwise.
“We just discussed it with His Excellency, and if that’s what Vergil wants, then that’s what we’re going to get him. Everything is up in the air. Vergil is in the hospital. Bohachuk is in the hospital. Let’s respect that. Once they get better, we’ll discuss it again and make something happen. He’s [Ortiz] okay. They’re both okay. They’re hurt. It’s literally like the Rocky movie. Apollo Creed and Sylvester Stallone in the hospital. It was a tough fight. Let’s let them rest, and then we’ll reconvene,” De La Hoya said
Ryan Garcia reacted to Ortiz’s win, criticizing his performance. Garcia has previously said that he has faced Ortiz many times as an amateur. He claims not to have lost to Ortiz, as he was critical of his win. Garcia has even called for the Ortiz fight, as the latter was also receptive to making it happen. Ryan’s confidence is similar to that of when he faced Devin Haney.
Garcia Responds
During the build-up to that fight, Garcia consistently stated that he would get the better of Haney. They had a 3-3 record in the amateurs. Ryan would end up winning via a majority decision. However, the result was overturned after Garcia failed for Ostarine. He is banned for a year, meaning he cannot box until April 2025. However, once he returns, Ortiz could become a target as Ryan is confident about his chances.
“Robert, I love you. But I have beat the [hell] out of every fighter you have put in front of me. Sparring etc. No one from RGBA [Robert Garcia Boxing Academy] can beat me and you know it. I would murder the blind kid, [I] can’t see how the [hell] you think he will see the left.
“For Robert Garcia to say I had no chance in beating Ortiz is comical. Rematch but don’t mention my name again”
Ortiz and Garica are both under Golden Boy, and a fight could be made at 154. But since they are De La Hoya’s biggest stars, would he want to risk making that fight happen?
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