Vergil Ortiz Jr. Interview: Promises a Brutal Fight With Serhii Bohachuk and Reveals His Dream Fight

On Saturday, August 10, at the Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Vergil Ortiz Jr. (21-0, 21 KOs) will take on Serhii Bohachuk (24-1, 23 KOs) for Bohachuk’s interim WBC super welterweight title. The fight will headline the Golden Boy Promotions card live on DAZN. Ahead of this intriguing bout, Ortiz Jr. has spoken to Dan Rafael about the Tim Tszyu fight being called off, his dream fight at the weight and much more.

Vergil Ortiz Jr. Interview: Talks Tim Tszyu Cancelled Fight

Vergil Ortiz Jr. Reveals Dream Fight and Talks Serhii Boachuk Bout

Ortiz Jr. began the interview by recapping his training camp and the year so far.: “I’ve been really good. Training camp has been going well. This year years been going great for me. This is my third fight this year and everything’s going good. Everything’s going as expected,” said Ortiz.

When asked about his planned fight against Tszyu being cancelled and how he felt in that situation, Ortiz said:“Throughout my career, I’ve gone through my ups and downs. At this point, I’m not really surprised about any of it anymore, it’s just how the sport is. Things can happen, so I kind of expected it. I didn’t want to get my hopes to high.”

He then went on to reveal he was in talks to fight Manny Pacquiao when the Filipino was the WBA champion. He added: “With this Tim Tszyu thing, I was really excited.”

Read More: Five Underrated Welterweights to Watch Out for in 2024

The Texan fighter then spoke about the Bohachuk fight and revealed: “It’s going to be a good fight. We used to spar a lot.”

He then explained what type of fight he sees it being: “It’s going to be close quarters the whole time. There’s going to be no boxing.”

Rafael then asked Ortiz about the importance of fighting for an interim title: “I am grateful for the opportunity for sure. It’s a belt.” He added: “I won’t be satisfied until I have the actual title.”

The questions then went back to the Bohachuk sparring sessions and the Dallas native said: “We’ve gone a few rounds.” He continued: “I’m very familiar with him.”

He was then asked about the power of Bohachuk: “I wouldn’t say his knockouts come from power. He does have some, it’s more consistent. He has really good conditioning. I would just say it’s the pressure, I feel like that’s the main reason.”

Check out the exclusive interview with Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Dan Rafael below by pressing the play button. Dan and TJ Rives also recap the action from this past weekend.

Contract Extension and Being Active

Rafael then asked Ortiz Jr. about his Golden Boy contract extension: “We knew that the previous contract was coming to a close and we were just thinking how are we doing this.” He continued: “I wouldn’t say it took a whole lot of time.”

“I am very happy to be here. Golden Boy has always treated me in the best way. I’m very happy here. Why would I go anywhere else.”

Read More: Unbeaten Knockout Artist Agrees Multi-Year Contract Extension With Golden Boy

Ortiz then spoke about being in a groove after his medical issues: “I think the thing I like most about it is the activity is keeping me sharp.”

When asked if he will appear for a fourth time this year, if the Bohachuk fight goes to plan, Ortiz answered without hesitation: “Yes.”

Dream Fight and Bohachuk Prediction

Rafael then listed the potential fights in the division and asked Ortiz Jr. who he wants to face next: “Either Tim Tszyu or the winner of (Sebastian) Fundora-(Errol) Spence, if they fight.”

He continued: “I’ve always wanted to fight Spence in the (Dallas) Cowboys Stadium.” The Texan fighter added: “At 154 I’m telling you, I’m calling it, it’s gonna happen.”

Read More: Sebastian Fundora Emerges Victorious in Bloody Battle – What Could Be Next for the Unified Champion and Tim Tszyu?

When asked for his prediction on his fight against Bohachuk, Ortiz Jr. said: “You’re going to see a brutal fight, that’s all I’m going to say. I know how he fights, we know how I fight. It’s going to be a brutal fight.”