One of boxing’s youngest stars will be out of action for a while. Vergil Ortiz Jr. is no longer fighting Michael McKinson on March 19 at the Galen Center in Los Angeles on the campus of USC. ESPN’s Mike Coppinger reported Tuesday that Ortiz is out after being hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis.
Rhabdomyolysis is a breakdown of muscle tissue, resulting in the release of myoglobin into the blood. Dan Rafael later confirmed an initial report that weight issues were affecting Ortiz.
“He was dropping weight too fast for me,” Ortiz’s father, Vergil, told ESPN. “That’s when I knew something was wrong. . . . I just know my son so well, he can’t go from 100 miles per hour one day to zero the next [in sparring].”
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The younger Ortiz later posted an update on social media, stating that he felt like his body was deteriorating leading up to the fight and went to the hospital as a result. It is unknown when he plans on returning to the ring.
Sorry to my fans, friends, and family. I was really looking forward to giving you another great fight pic.twitter.com/MWowrv5VHX
— Vergil Ortiz Jr. (@VergilOrtiz) March 16, 2022
Ortiz, 23, made his pro debut in 2016 after earning a Golden Gloves silver medal that year. He beat Antonio Orozco in 2019 to become the WBA (Gold) welterweight champion. In 2021, he beat former champion Maurice Hooker via TKO to win the WBO International welterweight title. His last fight was a TKO win over former welterweight title challenger Egidijus Kavaliauskas in August.
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McKinson made his pro debut in 2014. “The Problem” last fought in August, beating Przemyslaw Runowski via unanimous decision. He will now face off against Jesus Antonio Perez Campos in the new co-main event.
The new main event will be Alexis Rocha vs. Blair Cobbs. Rocha made his pro debut in 2016. The 24-year-old is on a two-fight win streak. He beat Jeovanis Barraza in November via knockout. The unbeaten Cobbs beat Brad Solomon via TKO in June in his last fight.
Join DAZN to watch Alexis Rocha vs. Blair Cobbs
When is Alexis Rocha vs. Blair Cobbs?
- Date: Saturday, March 19
- Start time: 9 p.m. ET
- Main event: 11:15 p.m. ET (approx.)
Alexis Rocha vs. Blair Cobbs will take place Saturday, March 19. The main event should begin around 11:15 p.m. ET, depending on how long the undercard fights go.
How to watch Alexis Rocha vs. Blair Cobbs
- TV channels/live stream: DAZN
The prelims and main card for Alexis Rocha vs. Blair Cobbs will be available through the DAZN app.
Alexis Rocha vs. Blair Cobbs fight card
- Alexis Rocha vs. Blair Cobbs; welterweights
- Michael McKinson vs. Jesus Antonio Perez Campos; welterweights
- Bektemir Melikuziev vs. David Zegarra; light heavyweights
- Evan Sanchez vs. Alejandro Munera; welterweights