American former welterweight contender Vergil Ortiz Jr. is set to make his return after being sidelined for over a year due to at least two cases of rhabdomyolysis, which ultimately led to the cancellation of his highly-anticipated bout with Eimantas Stanionis. Ortiz has apparently made a full recovery and will be making his super welterweight debut against another former welterweight contender, Ghanaian fighter Fredrick Lawson (30-3, 22 KO’s). Their fight is scheduled to headline on January 6th next year at The Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Vergil Ortiz Jr.’s (19-0, 19 KO’s) battles with rhabdomyolysis and Stanionis’ own injury have led for the cancellation of his match with Eimantas Stanionis (14-0, 9 KO’s). The fight faced at least three postponements due to both fighters suffering injuries outside the ring, and it now appears to be fully canceled as the two fighters continue with their respective careers.
In Ortiz’s case, he will be resuming his career at super welterweight, where he undoubtedly aims to maintain the 100% KO ratio he has built up throughout his tenure as a super lightweight and welterweight.
Known as one of the hardest-hitting Americans today, Vergil Ortiz Jr. will likely be looking to contend at 154 lbs, a weight class that currently features two champions: WBO champion Tim Tszyu (24-0, 17 KO’s) and WBA, WBC, and IBF champion Jermell Charlo (35-2-1, 19 KO’s).
First, he will need to overcome Frederick Lawson (30-3, 22 KO’s), who is a heavy underdog with no notable opponents on his resume, except for a WBC International Silver title win in 2017, several national titles, and another regional title victory in 2013 when he won the IBF International belt at welterweight.
Ortiz Jr.’s move signals a clear change of direction in his aspirations at welterweight. The disappointment of not securing a fight with WBA ‘regular’ welterweight champion Eimantas Stanionis likely played a part in Ortiz’s decision.
With his sights set on either Charlo or Tszyu, Ortiz now has two different paths to potential world title glory but will first have to contend with an experienced competitor in Frederick Lawson. Their bout is set for a total of twelve rounds. The event, to be promoted by Golden Boy, is further set to be broadcasted on DAZN.
