Ortiz survives two knockdowns, defeats Bohachuk via majority decision

Vergil Ortiz Jr (22-0, 21 KOs) survived two knockdowns and defeated Ukraine’s Serhii Bohachuk (24-2, 23 KOs) via majority decision on Saturday night in Las Vegas.

Ortiz Jr. was dropped once in round one and once in round eight, but he got the judges decision in his favor.

Two judges saw him as winner (114:112) and one saw the fight as draw (113:113).

The fight was for WBC Interim World super-welterweight title which Bohachuk held.

“I felt like I did enough,” said Ortiz. “I proved everyone wrong who said that I’m washed, I can’t fight at 154, I can’t go the distance. … All of it fueled me. I’m the best in the world right now, and I’m going to keep showing it.”

Ortiz said he is ready to fight Terence Crawford next.

“I’m ready for a challenge,” said Ortiz. “I think Bud [Crawford] is probably No. 1 pound for pound in the world and I want to show that I have what it takes to beat him.”

Bohachuk said that he deserved to get the victory.

“People [who] saw this fight today and who understand boxing know what happened today,” Bohachuk, 29, said in reference to the judges’ verdict. “I’m feeling great, I make two knockdowns. Come on, guys.”

Ortiz’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, said the fight is candidate for “fight of the year”.