Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs Michael McKinson is off
McKinson may still fight this weekend however
WBO #1 welterweight Vergil Ortiz Jr. (18-0, 18KOs) has pulled out of this Saturday’s clash (March 19) against WBO #3 Michael McKinson (21-0, 5KOs) after being diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, Golden Boy Promotions announced on March 15, just days before the bout.
American prodigy Ortiz was sheduled to make a first defence his WBO International Welterweight title to the unbeaten Brit, known as 'The Problem' for his incredibly awkward style of fighting, which was set to be an intruiging clash of styles between raw power and ring IQ.
However, former two-time super featherweight world champion Juan Carlos Salgado (27-9-1, 16KOs) has been drafted in as a replacement for the Briton and the bout is pending approval from the California State Athletic Commission.
23-year-old Texan, Ortiz, was recovering at a Los Angeles-area hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
“We wish Vergil a very quick and speedy recovery,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “As fighters, our first instinct is to fight whatever we have and tough it out. It takes a lot of courage to admit that something is wrong and get the care that you need. We are confident that we will be seeing Vergil in the ring again very soon.”
Rhabdomyolysis occurs when there is a breakdown of muscle tissue that releases a damaging protein into the blood. Symptoms include dark, reddish urine, a decreased amount of urine and muscle aches. Early treatment with aggressive fluid replacement reduces the risk of kidney damage.
Ortiz has a perfect record of 18 wins, all by knockout, and no losses. The Texan resides in Grand Prairie and is currently ranked at No.5 by The Ring at 147 pounds. He has not fought since stopping former world welterweight title challenger Egidijus Kavaliauskas on August 21, 2021. He also has knockout wins over former WBO 140-pound titleholder Maurice Hooker and former super lightweight title challenger Antonio Orozco.
Golden Boy also announced Wednesday they are searching for an opponent to face the Portsmouth 'Problem', McKinson, a 27-year-old southpaw, in hopes of salvaging the main event of the scheduled DAZN live stream. That opponent could be Salgado, who hasn't fought since a third-round stoppage defeat at the heavy hands of Ortiz Jr. back in June 2018. In just his 10th fight, Ortiz put the former champ down with a body shot in round three of which he couldn't get back up again in time.
McKinson has had a difficult career so far, often having trouble finding willing opponents to face him. Since his pro debut eight years ago in 2014, his awkward, frustrating, elusive style has not attracted many challengers over the years. The unbeaten Brit has won WBC Youth, WBC International Silver, WBO European, and WBO Global titles and is ranked WBO #3 and WBC #33 presently.
More information on whether Golden Boy is able to secure an opponent for McKinson or if the fight will be postponed to a later date will be announced shortly.
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