On August 10th in Las Vegas, USA, Ukrainian WBC interim super welterweight champion (up to 69.9 kg) Serhii Bohachuk (24-1, 23 KOs) will defend his title against American Vergil Ortiz (21-0, 21 KOs).
Following the fight announcement, the boxers shared their thoughts on the upcoming clash.
Vergil Ortiz on his top fighter status:
"This fight will confirm my status as one of the top fighters in the super welterweight division. This fight will show everyone that nothing has changed: I’m still one of the best fighters in the world."
Serhii Bohachuk on being the best in the super welterweight division:
"I’ve worked hard to win the WBC interim world champion title, and now I intend to defend it to achieve my goal of becoming the absolute world champion. I know Vergil Ortiz – he’s a very strong opponent, but on August 10th, I’ll show that I’m the best in this division."
Golden Boy Promotions founder and head, Oscar De La Hoya, who represents Ortiz, is thrilled about the fight and convinced it will end early.
"Let’s talk about bombs. Vergil and Bohachuk have 44 knockouts between them in 45 wins. There’s almost no chance this fight goes the distance."
Ukrainian promoter Tom Loeffler stated that nothing will stop Bohachuk from winning.
"Serhii has gone through so much. He survived the invasion of his country, waited for a visa to return to the United States. He received special permission as a professional athlete to continue his boxing career.
Serhii won the WBC interim world champion title and is now eagerly waiting to defend it, fighting for Ukraine in the ring. Vergil Ortiz is a very dangerous opponent, but nothing will stop Serhii from winning," said Loeffler to The Ring.
In March, Serhii Bohachuk won a unanimous decision over Brian Mendoza (22-4, 16 KOs) to become the interim champion. In April, Vergil Ortiz knocked out Thomas Dulorme (26-7-1, 17 KOs) in the first round.