The best punch trackers on the market
6th August 2022
By: Ryan Gurewitz
Vergil Ortiz Jr. (18-0) vs. Michael Mckinson (22-0) Preview and Prediction:
Vergil Ortiz Jr. has been considered by many to be the next great thing in boxing. Sitting at 18-0, Ortiz has dominated his competition with finishes in all of his bouts. His next test; 28-year-old undefeated southpaw Michael McKinson. Originally scheduled to face off in March, Ortiz had to withdraw due to a rhabdomyolysis diagnosis, a serious condition affecting the bloodstream. At only 24-years old, Ortiz Jr. already has a great resume, with wins against former world champion Maurice Hooker and welterweight staple Egidijus Kavaliauskas; the question begs, what does Michael McKinson bring to the table that can really test Vergil Ortiz Jr.?
Michael Mckinson is no pushover. With an equally impressive undefeated record, Mckinson is a slick southpaw who excels at counter-punching and creating angles. With only two stoppages, Mckinson’s style will be one that Ortiz Jr. has yet to face at the higher level. Mckinson’s ability to create angles, get out of the way of heavy shots, and counter back with shots of his own, was on full display in his last fight out, where he dominated his way to a UD victory against fellow southpaw Alex Martin (17-2*). It will be interesting to see whether or not Mckinson’s style works to his advantage against the heavy pressure and power of Vergil Ortiz.
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At this point, it is not a question of if, but a question of when Vergil Ortiz will get a shot at the big boys. Ortiz’s climb to the top has been quick, and a dominant win over Mckinson is going to be needed to be considered for that elusive welterweight world title shot. With the division seemingly in limbo between Errol Spence Jr. and Terrance Crawford, a win for Vergil Ortiz could very well mean a fight against former champion Yordenis Ugás. Another scenario, albeit unlikely, would be a fight between undefeated 25-year-old Jarron Ennis (29-0).
Vergil Ortiz’s career has been trending in one direction only, world champion, and for good reason. Ortiz’s resume is far superior to most undefeated 24-year-old prospects. His chin was tested against Kavaliauskas when he was dropped and came back to get the stoppage; he has already fought a former world champion and has consistently shown improvement in his game. While Mckinson brings a tricky style and could give him problems in the early rounds, Ortiz has demonstrated his ability to adapt mid-fight.
My official prediction for this fight is that Vergil Ortiz stops Michael Mckinson between the mid to late rounds.
*record before fight
