Criticism from promoter Tom Loeffler following Vergil Ortiz Jr.’s victory over Serhii Bohachuk boils down to the state of Ortiz Jr.’s face and the two knockdowns suffered. Loeffler believes these factors should have led to a win for Bohachuk rather than a majority decision in favor of Ortiz Jr. Despite Loeffler’s dissatisfaction, the judges scored the fight 113-113, 114-112, and 114-112 in favor of Ortiz Jr.
According to Loeffler, the judges’ decision does not align with the boxing world’s perception of the fight. He argues that Bohachuk, who entered the bout as the champion, showcased superior performance by visibly affecting Ortiz Jr.’s appearance. Loeffler draws parallels to previous controversial decisions in boxing, expressing disappointment in the outcome and questioning whether a rematch will be arranged by Golden Boy promotions.
The debate over whether Bohachuk should receive a rematch with Ortiz Jr. or be granted a title shot instead adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Loeffler highlights Bohachuk’s effective punching and the damage inflicted on Ortiz Jr. as factors that warrant immediate consideration for a title opportunity. The controversial nature of Bohachuk’s loss further fuels the argument for prioritizing a rematch or title shot over facing contenders to reclaim a title shot.
As the fight progressed, Loeffler emphasizes the competitive nature of the rounds, suggesting that not every close round should automatically favor Ortiz Jr. Based on performance and work rate, he contends that Bohachuk deserved credit for his efforts in various rounds. The promoter also hints at the influence of popularity in boxing decisions, implying that judges may have been swayed by Ortiz Jr.’s reputation and potential future matchups against notable opponents like Terence Crawford and Tim Tszyu.
Entertainment vs. Sport
In assessing the broader context of professional boxing, Loeffler acknowledges the entertainment aspect of the sport and the impact it can have on judging decisions. He alludes to the perception of boxing as more of an entertainment business than a pure sport, especially at the elite level with renowned fighters. The controversial outcome of the Ortiz Jr. vs. Bohachuk fight underscores the delicate balance between sporting merit and marketability in boxing decisions, ultimately shaping the trajectory of fighters’ careers in the industry.