Vergil Ortiz Jr. (USA) vs. Maurice Hooker (USA) | BATTLE OF THE BADASS HITTERS

Vergil Ortiz Jr. continued to maintain strong momentum tonight, facing a significant and challenging test against former titleholder Maurice Hooker and securing a seventh-round stoppage in Fort Worth, Texas.

In a venue that was nearly a home crowd for both fighters based in Dallas, Ortiz (17-0, 17 KO) clearly enjoyed fan favoritism. However, Hooker (27-2-3, 18 KO) also put up a commendable fight, engaging in compelling exchanges with Ortiz throughout the bout.

Hooker managed to win several rounds, or at least made convincing arguments for his performance in them, before succumbing to a late sixth-round knockdown due to Ortiz's potent body shots. Despite coming out aggressively in the seventh round, Hooker was down again within a minute and ultimately retired from the fight due to a hand injury (or injuries).

The 22-year-old Ortiz earned Hooker's respect, which was not unexpected.

"He didn’t have to take this fight. I give him props," Ortiz remarked. "I feel like I performed pretty well. There's always room for improvement. I could have executed many things better. He showed durability and could take a punch. He demonstrated intelligence in trying to penetrate my guard. Fortunately, I knew how to respond."

Ortiz emphasized Hooker's resilience, noting that head shots were ineffective, prompting him to focus on body shots. Then, Ortiz boldly declared his desire for a world title fight, emphasizing his readiness for it.

"I'm prepared for a title shot. Whoever is willing to provide me with the opportunity," he asserted. "I won't belittle anyone. I respect every fighter who steps into the ring. I prefer to demonstrate my abilities inside the ring."

In the presence of WBO titlist Terence Crawford, who trains with Hooker, Ortiz directed some remarks toward Crawford, who had earlier dismissed the notion.

"I would welcome that opportunity. Crawford is arguably the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, certainly in the top two," Ortiz stated. "If they are open to giving me that opportunity, I am more than willing to seize it. I am unconcerned with whether I am 'ready' or not; I desire that fight."









Adam Kownacki vs. Charles Martin
   • Adam Kownacki (POLAND) vs. Charles Ma...  

Subriel Matias vs. Batyr Jukembayev
   • Subriel Matias  (PUERTO RICO) vs. Bat...  

Jermall Charlo vs. Brandon Adams
   • Jermall Charlo  (USA) vs. Brandon Ada...  

Mario Barrios vs. Jovanie Santiago
   • Mario Barrios (USA) vs. Jovanie Santi...  

Ronald Ellis vs. Matvey Korobov
   • Ronald Ellis  (USA) vs. Matvey Korobo...  

Mikey Garcia vs. Robert Easter
   • Mikey Garcia (USA) vs. Robert Easter ...  

Batyr Akhmedov vs. Alberto Puello
   • Batyr Akhmedov  (KASAKHSTAN) vs. Albe...  

Cody Crowley vs. Kudratillo Abdukakhorov
   • Cody Crowley (CANADA) vs. Kudratillo ...  

#mexico
#boxing #boxingvideos #boxingnews #boxingday #boxingworkout #boxinglife #sportsnews #actionsports #combat #combatsports #highlights #sporthighlights #action #punch #punching #fight #fighting #knockoutpower #middleweight #mexican #americansports #usa #supermiddleweight #boxingmatch #boxingfight #lightweight #americansports #american #middleweight #bantamweight #2024 #latestfight #america