Vergil Ortiz survived an almighty scare as the undefeated super welterweight improved to 22-0 in a battle against the unlucky Serhii Bohachuk.
Ortiz, Jr. went the full championship distance for the first time in his career at the Michelob ULTRA Arena as the Texan became the new WBC Interim champion at 154 pounds. A Fight of the Year contender, Ortiz Jr. survived two knockdowns in the first and eighth rounds before exchanging fire to win a debated majority decision.
Bohachuk, who could have easily gotten the verdict, dropped to 24-2, 23 KOs after judges carded scores of 113-113, 112-114, and 112-114. Afterward, social media was awash with fans lamenting the decision that many saw as a victory for Bohachuk or at least a draw.
Discussing the MD, Bohachuk said, “People saw this fight today, and the real boxing fans who watched this fight know what happened tonight. I am feeling great. I knocked him down twice. But I want to support my country, Ukraine. I want to thank all the fans for all the support.”
Promoter Tom Loeffler believes Bohachuk was the clear winner.
“Serhii is still a Champion for us. We know who won that fight, and so do the fans. Definitely a top fight of the year candidate,” said the 360 Promotions figurehead.
Those who understand boxing know what just happened 😂
— Serhii Bohachuk 🇺🇦 (@SBohachuk) August 11, 2024
Calls for an immediate rematch will go unheeded for now as Ortiz looks towards the winner of Sebastian Fundora vs. Errol Spence Jr., which is planned for later in the year.
As he kept his undefeated record intact by the smallest of margins, Ortiz was clearly looking towards securing the full WBC title against Fundora or Spence.
“This has been what we have been fighting for since I was five years old. I get straight from school, go to the gym, do my homework, and get straight to work. When I went pro, it was all-day business – 24/7 boxing. It has finally paid off,” said Ortiz.
The Golden Boy star added that one of his trips to the canvas should not have been called.
“The first knockdown, I didn’t feel like it was a true knockdown,” pointed out Ortiz. “I felt like I hit his shoe. But the second one really was one. I feel like I did enough to win this fight.
“I proved everyone wrong. Everyone was saying that I’m washed, that I can’t fight at 154, or that I can’t go the distance. All of that fueled me. I am the best in the world now.”
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
