LOS ANGELES, Calif. (July 11, 2024) – Golden Boy Promotions announced today the multi-year contract extension of undefeated super welterweight world title contender Vergil Ortiz Jr. (21-0, 21 KOs). Ortiz Jr. has been signed to Golden Boy since his promotional debut in 2016 and has become one of the biggest knockout monsters of the sport, boasting a 100-percent knockout ratio. The 26-year-old is on the cusp of world championship stardom, with a fight scheduled against Serhii Bohackuk for the WBC Interim Super Welterweight World Championship on Saturday, Aug. 10 at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
“Me resigning with Golden Boy is a show of loyalty, and it shows the mutual confidence we both have in each other that we will both bring each other success and to the top,” said Vergil Ortiz Jr. “I want to thank Golden Boy and everyone there for believing in me, my dad for always making sure I’m at the top of my game, my manager Rick for getting this deal done, and to all my supporters who enter this new chapter of my career with me.”
“There is not a more dedicated fighter in the sport of boxing than Vergil Ortiz, Jr, and we are incredibly proud to re-sign him at such an important time – right before his first shot at a world title,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya. “With this signing, Vergil is sending a clear message about his commitment and loyalty to Golden Boy and we will reward that commitment by working shoulder-to-shoulder with him as he becomes the next superstar of boxing.”
“I’m very happy my son Vergil has resigned with Golden Boy; I feel this is the right place and the people to make all his dreams come true,” said father and trainer Vergil Ortiz Sr. “I am very proud of my son. It’s been a long journey and a lot of people have had a major impact on my son’s life. I want to thank Hector Beltran, Dr. Bautista, Rosario Solis, Robert Garcia, Wayne Maddox, my mother, and Rick Mirigian for all they have done for us. I also want to give a special thanks to Gene Vivero and Vivero Boxing Gym. Without him, Vergil and I wouldn’t be where we are today. As you look down from above, Gene, I hope we are always making you proud. Lastly, I would like to say thank you to my son Vergil Jr. for never giving up on his dreams.”
“Let’s make it simple, Golden Boy showed Vergil how special he was the only way you can: by writing a big check and going all in on him with one of the biggest contracts in the sport,” said manager Rick Mirigian. “He was treated like Lebron James as a free agent and the Lakers ponied up when it counted. Golden Boy believes in him and when your promoter believes there is nothing more special and motivating. Vergil will be a World Champion on August 10th and one of the greats in the years to come and the future of the sport.”
The undefeated knockout monster Vergil Ortiz Jr. is one of the most dangerous fighters of this generation. His love for boxing began at five years old when he was introduced to the sport by his father. As a decorated amateur, he is a seven-time national champion and winner of the 2013 Junior Olympics with an impressive record of 140-20. He went on to sign with Golden Boy in 2016 and made his professional debut on July 30 at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino with a first-round knockout of Julio Rodas. Since then, he has built an enviable fighter resume that reflects 100-percent knockouts, and has made some of the world’s toughest contenders fold to his tremendous power including Antonio “Relentless” Orozco, Brad “King” Solomon, Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker and Michael McKinson to name a few.
