Vergil Ortiz Jr., one of boxing’s rising stars, had a crowd of 5,584 on hand for his fight with Maurice Hooker on Saturday night, but two members of the audience were of special note because they hold three of the four welterweight world titles: pound-for-pound elites Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr., who owns two belts.
The Nino Lopez vs Jairo Lopez match on the undercard was an outstanding fight! Anyone else catch that? Jairo Lopez earns all respect from me for his outstanding effort in a losing battle, fought till he could fight no more. Just fought back like a tough assed son of a bitch against a much more powerful guy, and cracked his veneer a couple of times, while getting bounced off the canvas all night. The kinda fight you’d show to your son and say “kid, you show determination like that and you’ll do well at anything you try.”
I felt Beterbeiv, while looking strong and rugged in a dominant performance, was a little mechanical and seemed like he didn’t have a plan b. I would give Canelo an edge in a tough fight with him. Am I crazy to think that??
Why is Crawford not entertaining a fight with Ortiz? Too much of a risk? I still think Ortiz might need some time but he gained a lot from this fight vs Hooker and he can pose problems for anyone at 147
Risk vs Reward ... Like Bud is favored - but a dude with hands like that is a problem for anybody. Save the vitriol towards Bud for not fighting Spence (and vice versa).
Great test for the young Ortiz Jr. He wasn't hurt too badly and it was a good experience for the young boxer as Hooker showed why he is a threat and will continue to be a threat in that division.
Hooker quit mid fight so I do not think Hooker is in a position to say who is ready or not much less a benchmark of "readiness" when he never faced Crawford. Don't see what gives him an insight.
The Nino Lopez vs Jairo Lopez match on the undercard was an outstanding fight! Anyone else catch that? Jairo Lopez earns all respect from me for his outstanding effort in a losing battle, fought till he could fight no more. Just fought back like a tough assed son of a bitch against a much more powerful guy, and cracked his veneer a couple of times, while getting bounced off the canvas all night. The kinda fight you’d show to your son and say “kid, you show determination like that and you’ll do well at anything you try.”
Terrific fight!
I felt Beterbeiv, while looking strong and rugged in a dominant performance, was a little mechanical and seemed like he didn’t have a plan b. I would give Canelo an edge in a tough fight with him. Am I crazy to think that??
Why is Crawford not entertaining a fight with Ortiz? Too much of a risk? I still think Ortiz might need some time but he gained a lot from this fight vs Hooker and he can pose problems for anyone at 147
Risk vs Reward ... Like Bud is favored - but a dude with hands like that is a problem for anybody. Save the vitriol towards Bud for not fighting Spence (and vice versa).
Agree!
Great test for the young Ortiz Jr. He wasn't hurt too badly and it was a good experience for the young boxer as Hooker showed why he is a threat and will continue to be a threat in that division.
Hooker was busting up his face. Crawford?? I don’t think so. I think Hooker was right. Not ready for that one!
Hooker quit mid fight so I do not think Hooker is in a position to say who is ready or not much less a benchmark of "readiness" when he never faced Crawford. Don't see what gives him an insight.
I would say boxing him gives him a little more insight.