When you think of knock-out punchers, names like Deontay Wilder and Gervonta Davis, who share impressive knockout percentages of about 95%. But there is one fighter who is more dangerous than even these two: Vergil Ortiz Jr.
21-year-old Vergil Ortiz Jr. is not only one of the most fundamentally sound prospects in the sport, he has explosive power. Ortiz is undefeated at 13-0 with 13 knockouts. 13 men have dared to step into the ring versus Ortiz since he turned pro in 2016, and 13 have been knocked out.
Vergil Ortiz, from Grand Prairie, Texas, trained in the Vivero Boxing Gym in Dallas, Texas in 2008 and 2009. This gym is popular for producing guys like Errol Spence Jr. Ortiz had an amateur record of 140-20. After turning pro, Ortiz began training in Indio, with Joel Diaz where he won his first 9 fights; all by knockout and all in under 4 rounds.
Vergil Ortiz’s father, who manages his son’s career, then made the decision for his son to change trainers, and Ortiz now trains out of Riverside, CA with Robert Garcia. This change has proven to be a positive one, as the already talented Ortiz now looks more polished and deliberate.
Robert Garcia has done a tremendous job fine-tuning Ortiz’ skill, and at this point, Ortiz looks like one of the most complete fighters of the several talented prospects who are gaining popularity. At the Garcia gym, Ortiz is able to spar with high caliber boxers including Mikey Garcia and Lucas Matthysse, and it definitely shows in his skill-level.
Oritz is 5’-10” with a 70” reach and typically fights at 140. Most recently, Ortiz demolished Mauricio Herrera in a third-round knockout, on the Canelo Alvarez/Danny Jacobs card in May. Prior to this fight, Herrera had never been stopped. Ortiz knocked Herrera down and had him badly hurt in the second, but Herrera was saved by the bell in that round. Ortiz came back and finished the job with a huge right hand 30 seconds into round 3 with what is easily a contender for knockout of the year.
Ortiz’ next fight will take place on Saturday, August 10 versus Antonio Orozco (28-1, 17 KOs). This will be Ortiz’ second fight at 147, where he made his debut against Herrera.
Flip the page for video of all his 13 knockouts.