LAS VEGAS -- Vergil Ortiz Jr.'s perfect knockout record remained intact but not in the way he may have wanted it as he scored a controversial first-round TKO over Fredrick Lawson in his return to action at the Virgin Hotels after over a year on the sidelines.
The end came remarkably fast in shocking fashion as referee Tony Weeks halted the action after Ortiz's first salvo of offense just two minutes into the fight. Although Lawson was in trouble as Ortiz pounded away at his head and body, he never appeared to be badly hurt or in real trouble. But Weeks inexplicably stepped in before either fighter broke a sweat.
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Considering that Lawson was a massive betting underdog, the ending may have been elementary but it would have been great to see him get a chance. However, Ortiz believed the fight was on its way to getting ugly.
"He wasn't responding," Ortiz said afterward. "I knew it was over. Fans want to see great knockouts and I understand that but I knew that it was getting really bad for him and I don't think it was an early stoppage."
Ortiz spent the past two years dealing with multiple health issues that kept him out of the ring. His highly anticipated return found him in a new weight class of super welterweight and his hunt for a major world title is officially underway.
"We have plans for Vergil Ortiz to fight for a world title in the third quarter of 2024," Oscar De La Hoya said.
Ortiz has mentioned potential showdowns with Tim Tszyu and Jermell Charlo in the future. Perhaps one of those could come to fruition sooner than later but his two-minute decimation of Lawson has reminded the boxing world why Vergil Ortiz is one of the sport's brightest young stars.
Here are the full results from Las Vegas.
Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Fredrick Lawson full card results
- Vergil Ortiz Jr. def. Fredrick Lawson via 1st round TKO (2:33)
- Ismael Barroso def. Ohara Davies via 1st round TKO (1:53) for the interim WBA super lightweight title
- Arnold Barboza Jr. def Xolisani Ndongeni 8th round TKO (3:00)
- Raul Curiel def. Elias Diaz via 8th round TKO (1:06)