Boxing Weekend Watch & Bet

Match information

Vergil Ortiz Jr. returns to the ring for the first time in over 518 days. A former welterweight, he faces Fredrick Lawson at super welterweight on January 6. The fight in Las Vegas airs on DAZN worldwide. Ortiz is one of the most promising figures over at Golden Boy. The 25-year-old has looked to evolve his career to take the steps needed to become a champion. Lingering issues with rhabdomyolysis got in the way of his progress. Now healthy, Ortiz is ready to begin a new chapter, beginning with what should be a productive 2024.

Lawson is 3-2 in his last five fights. After losing against Charles Hatley in 2021, Lawson returned to action in 2023, beating Collinson Korley and Estevan Villabolos, the latter contest in April. He’s ready to play spoiler and earn a title shot for the first time in his career. Oscar De La Hoya is ready to see if Ortiz can handle the bright lights of super welterweight. Can Ortiz return to form, or will Lawson provide the ultimate upset? Ortiz will be eager to impress for his first fight in over a year. He will have a one-inch height advantage. Lawson is a resilient fighter who will look to provide a challenge for Ortiz. With a 100% win-to-knockout ratio, Ortiz is a force to be reckoned with, especially when active. Beating Maurice Hooker in 2021, Ortiz landed 143 of 392 shots (36.5%) compared to 21.5% from Hooker. 45.1% of those shots that landed were for power, and Ortiz landed over 20 punches in all but three rounds, with the fight ending in the seventh. At 23, Ortiz knocked down former title contender Egidijus Kavaliauskas five times. In this fight, he showed his range, using a jab to move past Kavaliauskas' offense while also showing he can take damage. In his last fight against Michael McKinson, Ortiz had to adjust but controlled the distance, inflicting damage to limit McKinson.