GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS - Key Persons
Age-defying. Record-breaking. Inspirational. All of these words describe Bernard Hopkins, who not only became the oldest fighter to win a world championship in the history of boxing, he also became the oldest athlete to win a major championship in any sport. Hopkins, who broke George Foreman's record as the oldest fighter in history to win a title when he defeated Jean Pascal for the WBC and Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight World Championship in May of 2011. He was 46 years, four months and 6 days old at the time. At 48 years, one month and 22 days old, he successfully broken his record and silenced his critics. After his retirement from the sport, Hopkins has continued his career as a Golden Boy Promotions Partner, working with Oscar De La Hoya and Eric Gomez to develop the next generation of talent and promote the biggest fights the sport of boxing has to offer.
Vergil Ortiz Jr. of Grand Prairie, Texas is a seven-time national champion, winner of the 2013 Junior Olympics with a record of 140-20. Ortiz began his career at five years old when he was introduced to the sport by his father.
Vergil Ortiz Jr. of Grand Prairie, Texas is a seven-time national champion and winner of the 2013 Junior Olympics with an impressive amateur record of 140-20. Ortiz began his career at five years old when he was introduced to the sport by his father. He then began boxing when he was eight years old. The decorated amateur signed with Golden Boy in 2016 and made his professional debut on July 30 at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.
Since going pro nearly three years ago, the 21-year old has fought as part of every undercard for Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas. He has also joined forces with renowned trainer Robert Garcia, who along with Vergil Ortiz Sr. and Hector Beltran, make up the training team.
His last fight was May 4, 2019, and it was a huge step up in terms of competition and recognition. Due to several circumstances. Ortiz's fight was elevated to the co-main event of Canelo vs. Jacobs. Ortiz took on former WBA Interim Super Lightweight Champion Mauricio "El Maestro" Herrera, which he won in spectacular fashion via a third-round knockout.
Ortiz is currently undefeated and has won every bout by way of knockout. His next fight will be for the vacant WBA Gold Welterweight title against Antonio "Relentless" Orozco on August 10 Grand Prairie, Texas, which will be the first hometown fight of his professional career. Ortiz plans to continue his knockout streak over his toughest opponent to date.