WATCH: Vergil Ortiz Jr. Stops Michael McKinson

Written by Jared Parry on 7th August 2022.

Vergil Ortiz Jr. kept his perfect knockout record intact as he defeated the tough Michael McKinson in nine rounds in Texas. Ortiz Jr. now moves to 19-0 with all 19 of those wins coming inside the distance, as his latest stoppage would be the first loss for McKinson.

Unlike Ortiz Jr, McKinson doesn't have a reputation as a power puncher. McKinson would land some meaningful shots in the first round, but nothing to affect Ortiz Jr. who would fire back sharp shots causing McKinson to stagger. McKinson's slippery style would give him success in the bout as rounds went by, but the power punch output of Ortiz Jr. would prove more eye-catching. A big left hook in the third from Ortiz also managed to dislodge McKinson's mouthpiece, showcasing the power of Ortiz Jr.

Ortiz Jr. would take control of the bout, slowing down McKinson with some brutal shots to the body. McKinson was still game, but his lack of punch power seemed to be a downfall, as anything he was landing on Ortiz Jr. had little effect and caused minimal damage. McKinson hung in there giving it everything, however, Ortiz Jr. would find a breakthrough, as the build-up of body shots throughout the bout caught up with McKinson, leading to him being sent to the canvas at the hands of a vicious one.

McKinson would continue but in round nine Ortiz Jr. would continue to whip in the body shots leading to him seating McKinson again. McKinson was grimacing in pain but showed grit as he rose to his feet. Ortiz Jr. would march his man down, landing frequently, McKinson was refusing to touchdown, but his corner threw in the towel, saving the British man for another day.

Ortiz Jr. edges nearer a shot at welterweight world title glory. The WBO champion Terence Crawford was in attendance and was impressed by Ortiz Jr's display. The only other world champion in that division is Errol Spence Jr. who holds the IBF, WBA and WBC titles. There are a lot of exciting fights to be made in the welterweight division, and we are sure Ortiz Jr. could be involved in many of them.