Vergil Ortiz (11-0, 11 KOs) is just 20 years of age, but will be showcased on one of the biggest cards of the year when he takes on Omar Tienda (19-5, 12 KOs) on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez vs. Rocky Fielding this Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The fight will stream live on Golden Boy Promotions‘ new home, DAZN.
The magnitude of the event won’t get to the young Lightweight prospect. He just recently fought on the undercard of Canelo vs. Gennady Golovkin 2 this past September. On that card he knocked out the veteran Roberto Ortiz (35-4-2, 26 KOs) in the second round.
His performance really began to open the eyes of many fight fans. Although that card could be viewed as a much bigger event, this current card will hold just as much value for the up-and-coming star.
“I’ve actually never been to New York before,” said Ortiz to Round By Round Boxing in a recent interview. “Not just fighting but in general this is my first time actually being out there.”
The pressures to perform under the bright lights of New York City can have a damning effect on just about everyone. Ortiz however seems unaffected.
“I’m ready to get back in the ring,” said Ortiz. “There’s a lot of history here at Madison Square Garden so just to be a part of that history is huge for me.”
Ortiz isn’t just your typical undefeated prospect. He’s knocked out every opponent he has stepped inside the ring with. He has also never been past the third round.
At just the young age of 20, Ortiz gave insight on who were some of the boxers that inspired him the most growing up, along with who he looks at today as inspiration.
“Definitely Oscar De La Hoya,” said Ortiz. “He was really big for me. I loved Miguel Cotto also. He was a great fighter. Some of the fighters I really enjoy today are [Vasiliy] Lomachenko and Canelo [Alvarez]. Just getting the opportunity to fight on another one of Canelo’s undercards is a great honor for me.”
For someone so young, Ortiz has great appreciation for the opportunity that is at hand. When asked if he feels any added pressure to not just win, but to look great while doing it and keeping his knockout streak alive, Ortiz kept his response simple.
“No. If the knockout comes then great, but we’re prepared to go the full distance if needed,” said Ortiz. “I just want to win and continue to move up the rankings. There’s no pressure at all.”
The only thing that matters to Ortiz is securing a victory. Although that might be the most important thing, it is always necessary to look dominant when doing so. He is fighting on one of the biggest cards of the year.
Sure he’s just a young prospect with a lot of potential. However with another explosive win, the boxing world will begin to pay attention to young Ortiz. Whether he realizes it or not.
