Unbeatable knockout sensation, Vergil Ortiz Jr. (18-0, 18 KOs), of Grand Prairie, Texas will return to his great Los Angeles, as he faces 3rd place WBO, 3rd place challenger, undefeated Michael “The Problem” McKinson (21-0) , 2 KOs) of Portsmouth, UK. The 12-round bout for the WBO International Welterweight title will take place at the University of Southern California Galen Center in Downtown Los Angeles, Saturday, March 19 and will be streamed live worldwide, exclusively on DAZN .
Vergil Ortiz, Jr. “I am very happy to be back in Los Angeles, my hometown. fan. I’m up against an undefeated, world-ranked opponent at McKinson, but I’m ready to show the world that I’m at the top of the league and ready for a world championship. ”
Michael McKinson said: “First, I want to thank everyone who has secured me this opportunity. “It’s the opportunity of a lifetime, and I can’t wait to take America through the storm. Vergil Ortiz, Jr. is an unbelievable talent that has captured everyone’s attention, but I was about to face a whole new set of problems. This war changed my life, but this victory will change my future. This is huge for me, my family and everyone around me, I’ll give it all.”
With a perfect knockout record, Vergil Ortiz Jr quickly climbed up the welterweight division. He was most recently seen in an exciting and sublime TKO win over tough world championship contender Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas in August 2021. The 23-year-old has enjoyed an exciting career. position since its 2016 debut, beating the likes of Antonio “Relentless” Orozco, Brad “King” Solomon, and Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker. On March 19, Ortiz, Jr. will look to keep his title, undefeated record and No. 1 ranking when he faces Michael McKinson at USC’s Galen Center.
Ranked 3rd by the WBO in the welterweight division, Michael McKinson is an undefeated fighter ready to put his undefeated record first to prove he has what it takes to take the number 1 spot in the division. Hailing from Portsmouth, UK, the 27-year-old has enjoyed an active career winning titles including the WBC International Silver Welter and WBO European and Global Welter titles. Now, fighting in the US for the first time, McKinson will look to claim the WBO Intercontinental Welterweight belt from Vergil Ortiz, Jr. on March 19.
“Vergil Ortiz, Jr. is one of the most watched competitors in the sport today,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President and CEO of Golden Boy. “Since his professional debut, Vergil has captured the world’s attention with his incredible punching prowess. Now, undefeated, with a perfect knockout record, Vergil is ready to battle against the elite in the tournament that started with world-ranked Michael McKinson. ”
Eddie Hearn, Managing Director, Matchroom Sport said: “I am delighted to be able to entrust this match to Michael – it has truly been a life changing opportunity in so many ways. “Michael has the style to beat Vergil, who for me is already the top 5 Welterweight in the world, an excellent and powerful boxer. Only certain styles can beat him, and Michael has a style that causes all kinds of problems for Vergil. Money is always important because it is an extreme sport and you have to make every penny possible, but if Michael beats Vergil, he will go on to make many millions of dollars.”
Ortiz Jr. with. McKinson was a 12-round match for the WBO International Welterweight Championship presented by Golden Boy with Matchroom Boxing. This event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Pay” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sports Betting Expert. The fight will take place Saturday, March 19 at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, and will be streamed live. live worldwide on DAZN.
