Top Rank returned to boxing from the bubble in Las Vegas and Mexico City in June under strict coronavirus compliance precautions. Golden Boy has announced that they intend to make their return in July. While the restrictions are still limiting the matchmaking in some capacity, there are several fights worth watching. My top 4 here:
July 24 – Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs Samuel Vargas. Vergil Ortiz Jr is on the brink of becoming boxing’s next superstar. An impressive welterweight fighter who does everything right, Ortiz is hard-working, fundamentally sound and has explosive power. 15-0 with 15 knockouts, Ortiz has been challenged to step up, specifically in his last 3 fights (versus Mauricio Herrera, Antonio Orozco and Brad Solomon) and has risen to the occasion whenever his name is called. Samuel Vargas is 31-5 and would make a game opponent for most welterweights. His losses come to fighters like Errol Spence Jr., Danny Garcia and Amir Khan. Ortiz Jr. and Vargas were scheduled to fight in March of this year, but the fight was called off because of the coronavirus closures. It’s nice to see that these two are finally able to step in the ring. They will face off on July 24 on DAZN.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-3M0sLyBFk
July 21- Edgar Berlanga vs Eric Moon. Edgar Berlanga is a guy worth keeping your eye on. This 23-year-old super-middleweight sensation has a record of 13-0, with 13 first-round knockouts. He is facing 11-2 Eric Moon who is coming in off a loss to Mike Guy. Make sure you are in front of the tv when the bell rings, I wouldn’t expect this one to last long. This fight will air on July 21 on ESPN.
July 14- Jamel Herring vs. Jonathan Oquendo. Jamel Herring will defend his WBO junior lightweight title against Johnathan Oquendo. The two were originally scheduled to face each other July 2, but the fight ended up being postponed after Jamel tested positive for COVID-19. Herring has since recovered, and the fight is back on the books. This will be Herring’s second defense of his title that he won versus Masayuki Ito last May. 36-year-old Oquendo has a record of 31-6, with 19 knockouts and is coming in off a win to Charles Huerta. The last title fight that took place in the bubble ended in an upset and A NEW titleholder. Will it happen again? Herring has the height, reach and overall all-around talent advantage, so I wouldn’t count on it. They meet on July 14 on ESPN.
July 21- Oscar Valdez vs. Jayson Velez. 29-year-old undefeated Oscar Valdez is a fighter who guarantees you action every time that he steps in the ring. Sometimes to his detriment. The majority of Valdez’ fights can be described as all out wars, and although he has emerged the victor each time, he has taken some punishment and picked up some battle scars. In late 2018, Valdez made the decision to leave trainer Manny Robles for Eddy Reynoso, hoping to develop the ability to avoid some of the punishment. This will be Valdez’ fourth fight since the trainer change and a chance to take a look at his growth. Jayson Velez is 29-6, and in 2018 took Ryan Garcia 12 rounds, in a fight he ended up losing by unanimous decision. Watch this fight on July 21 on ESPN.