After an exciting evening dubbed “Latino Night” in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, boxing fans are buzzing with anticipation about Vergil Ortiz Jr.’s upcoming fight scheduled for February 22. Golden Boy Promotions’ Oscar De La Hoya has hinted that Ortiz—an undefeated fighter with a solid record of 22 wins, 21 of those by knockout—will step into the ring against one of three formidable opponents. The names generating buzz are Sebastian Fundora, Jaron “Boots” Ennis, and Terence “Bud” Crawford. Each fighter brings a unique challenge to make for a thrilling bout that could shape the welterweight landscape.
Vergil Ortiz: A Fighter Ready for Challenges
Ortiz’s eagerness to face the best in the business reflects his ambitious nature. When asked about his preferences, he did not shy away from naming potential adversaries. Ortiz pointed to Sebastian Fundora as his top choice, citing their shared status in the WBC rankings as a logical matchup. Following closely behind is Jaron Ennis, who has the ability to step into the 154-pound division. Finally, Ortiz expressed a long-standing desire to face Terence Crawford, a highly regarded champion and considered one of the pound-for-pound elite in boxing today.
This mentality of seeking out the best opponents is commendable and positions Ortiz as a serious contender in the sport. It demonstrates not only his confidence but also his desire to prove himself in a division filled with top talent.
A Closer Look at the Opponents
The potential opponents present vastly different styles and angles for Ortiz to tackle. Sebastian Fundora, nicknamed the “Towering Inferno,” boasts an impressive height and reach advantage, creating a daunting challenge for Ortiz, who is shorter. If Ortiz can find a way to work around Fundora’s size and utilize his quickness and power, he could emerge victorious and bolster his title hopes.
On the other hand, Jaron Ennis, known for his explosive speed and adaptability, would push Ortiz to perform at his very best. As Ennis is often seen as a rising star, a matchup with Ortiz would be a litmus test for both fighters, determining who takes the next leap toward championship glory.
Then there’s Terence Crawford, a seasoned champion whose ring IQ and experience are second to none. A showdown with Crawford could serve as a true test for Ortiz, where victory would undeniably cement his legacy and claim within the sport.
As the boxing community eagerly awaits the announcement of Ortiz’s opponent, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the potential is immense. February 22 could act as a turning point for Ortiz, propelling him into discussions as one of the elite fighters at 154 pounds. The real question lies in who he will face, and how Ortiz will manage the extreme pressures that come with fighting some of the best in the sport.
With Oscar De La Hoya assuring fans that it will indeed be one of the aforementioned challengers, excitement swells around this encounter. For Ortiz, this is an opportunity not just to remain undefeated, but to validate his place in boxing history and define his legacy as a champion who faced the best and emerged triumphantly.