March 20 Vergil Ortiz Jr. (16-0, 16 KOs) and former world champion Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker (27-1-3, 19 KOs) will compete for the vacant WBO international welterweight title, live on DAZN broadcasting across the world.
The fight will headline a map that includes America’s heavyweight debut Arslanbek “Lion” Makhmudov and a clash for the WBA women’s title between Anabel “Avispa” Ortiz and Seniesa “Superbad” Estrada.
Arslanbek Makhmudov
Information on the venue will be announced shortly as it is awaiting commission approval.
Oscar de la hoya:
“In his rapid rise from prospect to candidate, Vergil has absolutely impressed everyone we have put before him, including a former world champion,” he said. Oscar de la hoya, President and CEO of Golden Boy.
“But with a win over Maurice Hooker it would only be one fight away from being entered, on March 20 Vergil can seal his ticket to a world championship fight.”
The Grand Prairie, TX native who has roots in Michoacan, Mexico, has won knockout victories against players such as Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera, Antonio “Relentless” Orozco, Brad “King” Solomon and Samuel Vargas since turning pro in 2016.
The 22-year-old contender has wanted to fight Hooker for some time and is eager to show off his skills against a former world champion.
Vergil Ortiz:
“First of all, I’m very grateful to fight back at home,” said Ortiz. “Not only that, but I’ll be fighting another Dallas native at Maurice Hooker. I’ve known Hooker since the days of the fans. I know we will give the fans at home an unforgettable fight. “
Hooker is a 31-year-old former world champion who traveled to the UK to defeat Terry “Turbo” Flanagan and win the WBO 140-pound title.
Hooker went on to score big wins over unbeaten Mikkel “Slikk Mikk” LesPierre and Alex “El Cholo” Saucedo before suffering his first loss in an epic unification fight against José Carlos Ramírez.
Now at welterweight, Hooker plans to derail Ortiz’s meteoric rise by ending their long-standing rivalry.
Maurice Hooker:
“I’ve never been the type to avoid a fight,” said Maurice Hooker. “The decision to fight Ortiz was easy because it allows me to show the world something that I already know, that I am one of the best welterweights in the world. I have a new team around me that has taken my game to a whole new level and I feel amazing in this weight class. Can’t wait to put on a show for all the fans on March 20th. Dallas, get ready! “
BILLBOARD COMPLET
In the co-main event, Arslanbek “Lion” Makhmudov (11-0, 11 KOs) will make his long-awaited US debut in a 10-round defense of his NABF heavyweight title in a bout presented by Golden Boy and Eye of tiger manipulation. The 31-year-old Russian is on the fast track to a world title and already has his eyes set on the biggest names in the division, he’s one of heavyweight’s biggest prospects.
Two-division champion Anabel “Avispa” Ortiz (31-3, 4 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico and former flyweight champion Seniesa “Superbad” Estrada (19-0, 8 KOs) of East Los Angeles , Calif. Will face off in an epic 10-round bout for the WBA minimum weight title from Ortiz.
Ortiz is eager to make a statement on her debut in the United States, as Estrada looks to fulfill her dream of becoming the world champion in more than one division.
Additionally, Luis “Matador” Hernández (21-0, 19 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico will take part in a 10-round super lightweight battle against Alex Martin (15-3, 6 KOs) of Chicago, Illinois, while George Rincon ( 10 – 0.7 KOs) from Dallas, Texas will return in an eight-round super lightweight bout.
Héctor Valdez (13-0, 8 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will face Alberto Torres (11-3-3, 4 KOs) of Sacramento, Calif. In an eight-round super bantamweight battle, and Oscar Acevedo (7-0) of Garden City, Kansas and James “Crunch Time” Willkins (9-1-0, 6 KOs) of Staten Island, New York will meet in an eight-round super featherweight bout between two Golden Boy prospects.
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