THE RESULT: Vergil Ortiz Jr put his health troubles behind him by stopping Ghanaian Fredrick Lawson in one round.
KEY MOMENTS: A stiff jab from Ortiz troubled Lawson with over 30 seconds to go. The super-welterweight division’s latest addition needed no second invitation to pile on the pressure resulting in some shots to the body which forced referee Tony Weeks to intervene.
RECORDS: The unbeaten record of Ortiz remains intact at 20-0 (20) while Lawson moves to 30-4 (22).
TALKING POINT: The stoppage by referee Weeks. Ortiz was certainly letting his shots go with success, but Lawson was tucked up and taking them without looking like he was in dire need of assistance. Ortiz was always going to win but Weeks stepped in far too early which resulted in boos from the crowd.
QUOTABLE: Regarding the stoppage Ortiz said, “I was hurting him with jabs, but I wasn’t really putting anything behind it. I wish I could’ve kept going. I need the rounds. I’m ready for anyone out there.” The 25-year-old then issued a challenge to WBO belt holder Tim Tszyu. “There’s a lot of fighters that I wanna fight and I know people would love to see this fight. Tim Tszyu, with all respect I would love to fight you. I think you’re a hell of a fighter and let’s make it happen.”
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Ortiz will look to be back out quickly after that brief night’s work and a fight against Tszyu is certainly a mouth-watering prospect.