Vergil Ortiz Jr. — one of the best prospects in boxing today — returns to the ring this Saturday on DAZN Boxing for Golden Boy Promotions at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
His opponent might be his toughest to date in the Ukrainian, Serhii Bohachuk. Can Ortiz solidify his place in the super welterweight division? And can Bohachuck continue to erase his lone loss to Brandon Adams? We preview that fight, look at two other major matchups, and make a round of bold predictions.
Related: How to Watch Serhii Bohachuk vs. Vergil Ortiz on DAZN – Start Time, Price, And Fight Card
Vergil Ortiz vs Serhii Bohachuk
Ortiz (21-0, 21 KOs) still has question marks regarding his longevity and viability in the sport after he had a two-year hiatus from 2022 to 2024 due to rhabdomyolysis. It’s a serious health issue that leads to muscle fibers breaking down and releasing into the bloodstream. It can cause kidney failure and damage and is designated as a life-threatening condition. He also had multiple cases of COVID-19 since 2020.Â
By all accounts, Vergil Ortiz has the physical tools and skills to be a long-time champion. He has been slotted, along with a few other young fighters like Jaron Ennis and Shakur Stevenson, to be the next generation of American boxing faces. However, that has yet to happen.
He still has the raw talent–boxing IQ, fundamentals, power, speed, etc.–he desperately needs to pick up a signature win to validate the hype. Beating Bohachuk doesn’t accomplish that, but could line him up for a Terence Crawford fight which would be a legacy-defining win.
Read More: Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov: Who Should the Winners From Last Week’s Card Fight Next?
Bohachuk’s rather dominant win against surging Brian Mendoza showed he had fixed the technical issues in the Adams fight–his only loss. It also showed he can deal with heavy punchers again–even though Ortiz is in a different league of power compared to Mendoza on paper.
Bohachuk will have to use his excellent fundamentals and size to use up the space in the ring. He must tire out Ortiz in any way he can. If he gets stuck in the pocket with Ortiz, it can be lights out on Saturday.Â
Prediction: Vergil Ortiz Jr. by Decision
Gabriela Fundora (13-0, 6 KOs) vs. Daniela Asenjo (16-3-3, 2 KOs)
Also on the card is the IBF flyweight championship fight between undefeated Gabriela Fundora vs Daniela Asenjo. Fundora, the sister of super welterweight contender Sebastian Fundora, has separated herself from her brother with her current title reign at flyweight. She’s the bigger, stronger, and better-skilled boxer compared to Asenjo and should win comfortably.
Prediction: Fundora by Decision
Cecilia Braekhus (37-2-1, 9 KOs) vs. Maricela Cornejo (19-6, 7 KOs)
Legend and former undisputed champion, Cecilia Braekhus will be looking for a comeback against the always durable Maricela Cornejo. Braekhus has slowed significantly over the years and definitely is not a divisional powerhouse anymore.
Cornejo is on a three-fight win streak against journeywomen fighters but has the size and athleticism to give a past-their-prime Braekhus a challenge. This should be a highly competitive clash but look for the women’s division great to get the W.
Prediction: Braekhus by Decision