KO Artist Vergil Ortiz Tells Ryan Garcia – ‘Let’s Make This Happen’
Vergil Ortiz Jr. has responded to Ryan Garcia’s call out, saying he is willing to fight him.
Ortiz was meant to box Tim Tszyu on August 3 on the Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov card. However, the fight has been called off after Tszyu pulled out because his recent cut had not healed. Tszyu suffered a big cut over his hairline in the Sebastian Fundora fight. The Australian landed his head on Fundora’s elbow, as blood continued to gush forward.
Tszyu’s team did not stop the fight, as the Australian lost a split decision. It was Tszyu’s first defeat, losing his WBO Junior Middleweight Belt. Tszyu was clear that his vision was hampered. The news of the Ortiz fight surprised people, but on medical advice, it was decided he should not fight. Garcia reacted to the news, saying he would be willing to step in. Ortiz has now responded.
Garcia vs. Ortiz
“I love Vergil. He’s my homie, but if I have to step in I will. Stop playing with me. I’m up 3-0 on my boy,” Garcia
“I got a call saying you want to step in and replace Tim. I already gave my manager Rick Mirigian the green light to make it happen. Let’s make this happen, Ryan, don’t let me down! I’ll see you Aug 3,” Ortiz
The fight is unlikely to happen based on Garcia’s current situation. The boxer tested positive for Ostarine following his win over Devin Haney. Garcia’s B sample also came back positive, although his supplements have shown the presence of Ostarine, indicating contamination. Strict liability means that boxers are responsible for their intake, meaning that Garcia could still be subject to a ban.
That will likely rule out an August 3 date since Garcia must be in training camp. Garcia’s call out could simply be a way for his name to stay relevant and appease fans who may be worried about a possible big ban. However, since Ortiz and Garcia are both with Golden Boy Promotions, a narrative is in place to make the fight happen.
Will It Happen?
It would likely take place at 154 pounds, with both fighters having a huge Mexican fanbase. Both are known for having knockout power, as Ortiz has a 100 percent KO rate in his 21 wins as an undefeated fighter. Meanwhile, Garcia has 20 KOs in his 25 wins. Based on Ortiz’s prior comments, the fight will happen at some point.
“Me and Ryan have actually talked about this. If we end up fighting each other one day, or if the opportunity is there, we’ll take the money, fight a good fight, and leave it all in there. It would be cool. That’s all I can really say about it,” Ortiz stated
Ortiz’s main focus will be on his next fight. Errol Spence Jr. has been mentioned as a possible replacement. Spence has not fought since getting stopped by Terence Craword last year. The Truth took a lot of punishment, getting dropped three times in the fight. After the loss, Spence underwent cataract surgery on his right eye.
He has been linked with a fight against Sebastian Fundora for October. That fight would be for a WBC belt at 154, with a possible WBO belt unless Fundora is stripped. Spence has also hinted that his next fight could be his last. Facing a KO artist in Ortiz is a big risk, making that fight unlikely. But Ortiz must remain active.
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