Vergi Ortiz Jr will headline in his hometown of Texas against fellow undefeated welterweight contender, Michael McKinson at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth on August 6, live on DAZN.
Ortiz Jr was set to face McKinson in Los Angeles in March, but withdrew on fight week after being diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis.
The winner will edge closer to a WBO world title shot, with the pair ranked at one and five respectively with the governing body, with Terence Crawford the champion.
“I am very happy to be stepping back into the ring again,” said Ortiz, Jr.
“I’m ready to show the world once again why I’m ready for a world title.”
Ortiz Jr, who has 18 straight knockouts in as many professional bouts, was reportedly set to face European welterweight champion, David Avanesyan, but a fight did not materialise with Ortiz’s manager, Rick Mirigian claiming that a signed contract was not returned.
The highly-touted Texan fights for the first time since stopping former world title challenger, Egidijus Kavaliauskas last August.
McKinson, undefeated in 22 professional fights, secured a unanimous decision win over Alex Martin, who stepped in at late-notice to face the Portsmouth man in Ortiz’s absence.
“I’m getting what I deserve,” said McKinson.
“I was prepared to fight Ortiz, Jr. before; now, I have been given the opportunity again to prove I am the best in this division.”
“Vergil Ortiz, Jr. is the most exciting welterweight in the world,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO, who will promote the fight.
“We are happy that he is back, healthy, and feels 100%. Fighting in his home state, I can’t think of a better way for him to make his comeback and put on another great performance for his fans.
“He is one step away from challenging any world champion and he will prove it on August 6.”
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“I am delighted that this fight has come back around for Mikey,” said McKinson’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Boxing.
“He suffered disappointment in March when Vergil was forced out of the fight, but thanks to a lot of hard work all round, he was able to fight in LA and gathered valuable experience by making his US debut and all that comes with it – so there will be no surprises for him in Fort Worth.
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“Vergil is an exceptional fighter, one of the best rising stars in the sport, but we believe Mikey has the style to cause him a lot of problems, and this could be his break-out night.”
Tickets for Ortiz Jr. vs. McKinson go on sale Tuesday, June 21st at 8:00 a.m. PT / 10:00 a.m CT / 11:00 a.m. ET and are priced at $275, $137.50, $82.50 and $44 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com, DickiesArena.com and GoldenBoyPromotions.com.
