Ortiz Stops Solomon to Defend WBA Gold Title at Fantasy Springs

By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent

 

Indio, Ca (December 14th, 2019)– World Boxing Association Gold welterweight titleholder Vergil Ortiz Jr. retained his title in spectacular fashion, dropping Solomon three times en route to a main event fifth-round knockout victory at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California, on December 13, 2019.



 

Ortiz, 15-0, 15 knockouts, Dallas, Texas, age 21, trained by Robert Garcia, probably ended the longstanding title hopes of Solomon, 28-2 with nine knockouts, Douglasville, Georgia, age 36, a top technical fighter who has been somewhat inactive. Solomon has averaged only one fight every 12 months since October 2015 when he decisioned Raymond Serrano. A 10 round split decision loss to Konstatin Ponomarev in 2016 took the title hopes of then 27-0 Solomon off the track.



 

Solomon was out of the ring for 20 months, and now found himself up against Ortiz, an opponent 15 years younger who has fought 15 bouts in 41 months. Solomon started well, using his jab out of range for three rounds. Ortiz eventually closed the distance, though, and landed multiple punch combinations to the head, forcing Solomon to back up and maintain a defense stance on the ropes. With pinpoint jab combinations raining down, and overhand rights to the head, Solomon, no longer moving or out of distance range, confused and not able to deal with a legitimate a power hitter, became a stationary target.

 



“I give him credit. He was difficult to figure out. He (Brad Solomon) made me think. I tried not to rush things. I had to utilize my jab. I just had to use my smarts. I knew he was going to be a tough cookie to break. I felt like I did a good job,” noted Ortiz, who would like to fight the likes of Keith Thurman and the welterweight division’s other top fighters in the near future. The victory over the now faded Solomon was a fine start for the young rising prospect Ortiz.

 

Result: Vergil Ortiz Jr. KO 5 Brad Solomon, Welterweights (2:22)

Ortiz retains World Boxing Association Gold Welterweight title

Brad Solomon down in the fourth round. Brad Solomon down again, twice in fifth round. Referee stops contest, count waived. California rules: KO. Referee: Raul Caiz Sr.

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Robert Brizel - Head Boxing Correspondent
Robert Brizel - Head Boxing Correspondent
Robert is the Head Boxing Correspondent for Real Combat Media Boxing since 2013. Robert is also a photographer and ringside reporter for the RCM Tri State region which includes NJ, NY and PA. Robert conducts exclusive interviews, provides historical boxing articles and provides editorial ringside coverage of major boxing events. You can contact or follow Robert on Facebook and by email at [email protected].