Vergil Ortiz forced to pull out of upcoming fight against Michael McKinson
- Joe Hewlett
- 16 March 2022
Vergil Ortiz Jr has been forced to pull out of his upcoming clash against England’s Michael McKinson on March 19.
The welterweight prospect was set to fight for the first time in 2022 - a fight that was also going to be his first contest without trainer Robert Garcia.
Ortiz has joined forces with Manny Robles - the current coach of former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr.
However, he will have to wait until he boxes again after falling ill with rhabdomyolysis - 'a serious medical condition that can be fatal or result in permanent disability, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
Golden Boy Promotions released a statement to confirm the news of Ortiz's withdrawal from this weekend's fight.
"Unfortunately Vergil is recovering well in 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.
"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."
Sorry to my fans, friends, and family. I was really looking forward to giving you another great fight pic.twitter.com/MWowrv5VHX
— Vergil Ortiz Jr. (@VergilOrtiz) March 16, 2022
It was a fight fans were excited to watch. Ortiz - Ring Magazine's 2019 Prospect of the Year - has an unblemished record of 18-0 as a professional with all of them ending inside the distance.
McKinson of Portsmouth has also won all of his fights although only two of the 21 wins have been via stoppage.
McKinson - nicknamed 'The Problem', tweeted after learning his colossal contest with Ortiz Jr was off: "I am gutted. I'd like to firstly wish @VergilOrtiz a speedy recovery.
"I have UK fans travelling out, and I've worked so hard. So a replacement is now all down to @GoldenBoyBoxing @MatchroomBoxing @MTKGlobal."
I am gutted 😩
— michael mckinson (@mikeytheproblem) March 16, 2022
I’d like to firstly wish @VergilOrtiz a speedy recovery 🙏🏽
I have uk fans travelling out, and I’ve worked so hard. So a replacement is now all down to @GoldenBoyBoxing @MatchroomBoxing @MTKGlobal
