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?
WATCH: Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Fredrick Lawson, live on DAZN
Who will win the first boxing main event of 2024? The Sporting News provides insight on how to bet on this matchup.
Betting odds for Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Fredrick Lawson
Per the FanDuel Sportsbook, Vergil Ortiz Jr. is the -2400 favorite, while Fredrick Lawson is the +1140 underdog.
Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Fredrick Lawson betting trends
Here's a look into the latest prop bets for a method of victory, courtesy of the FanDuel Sportsbook:
- Ortiz via KO/TKO: -500
- Ortiz via decision: +630
- Lawson via KO/TKO: +1260
- Lawson via decision: +2500
- Draw: +2000
BET: Latest odds for Ortiz vs. Lawson on FanDuel
Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Fredrick Lawson predictions, best bets
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.
MORE: How to bet on combat sports
Lawson's resiliency saw him survive and win a fight against Estevan Villalobos. He used his jab to push Villalobos back, and when he got hurt in the seventh, he adjusted. Pivoting his body through the contest, the jab helped him avoid key blows while inflicting damage himself. "General Okunka" has 22 wins via knockout.
Ortiz has been away from boxing for a while, and ring rust can definitely be a factor. However, he should get the win, though it may not be easy. If Ortiz can adjust as well as Lawson, he can inflict damage and hurt the Ghanaian.
The Sporting News believes Ortiz returns to the ring with a bang, albeit in the later rounds.
Sporting News prediction: Ortiz via KO (round ten)
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