Vergil Ortiz Jr. Thinks Maurice Hooker Will Be Toughest Fight Of His Career

Vergil Ortiz Jr. believes Maurice Hooker could serve as his most difficult foe to date.

Ortiz is undefeated in his young pro boxing career. He’s gearing up for a big step up in competition when he meets Hooker, who is a former WBO Light-Welterweight Champion. The bout will take place on Saturday night, March 20.

Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Ortiz said that while the fight is being built as his toughest test, he believes it truly will be (h/t Bad Left Hook).

“I think so. I said it before, people try to sell the fight saying ‘this is gonna be the hardest fight of my career’ — I actually think it’s gonna be the hardest fight of my career and we’re not taking him lightly.”

In terms of what’s next if he gets past Hooker, Ortiz said he’s ready to knock down whoever is lined up for him.

“I mean, honestly, it’s whoever gives me the opportunity. Like Oscar said, no one’s lining up to fight me. I feel like I really have to force my way in there, get a mandatory. I’m gonna do whatever it takes to be wanted to fight. I know people aren’t gonna want to fight me stylistically — they’re gonna want to fight me because I have a belt. That’s my main goal right there. Whatever fight gets me closer to get a belt I’ll gladly take it.”

Ortiz last competed back in July 2020. He defeated Samuel Vargas via seventh-round TKO. Hooker has been out of action for longer, having not fought since December 2019 when he stopped Uriel Perez by way of TKO in the opening frame.