(Original photo: Golden Boy Promotions)
At Golden Boy Promotions’ press conference, Thursday afternoon, Maurice Hooker described Vergil Ortiz’s perfect 16-0 (16 knockouts) record as “Cute”
“16-0 with 16 knockouts means nothing to me until we get in the ring,” Hooker said. “I mean, it’s cute… but we’re going to see”
Hooker also said that he has been watching Ortiz, who he supports because he, too, is from Dallas
Ortiz ignored the comment, seemingly a sign of respect for his fellow Dallas native, and continued the press conference, citing his mind as his strongest weapon instead of his physical attributes
The 22-year-old has all of the physical attributes to be Golden Boy’s next superstar, however, as Oscar De La Hoya explained at the press conference
Hooker, (27-1 18KO) former WBO Super Lightweight Champion, will be competing in his second welterweight bout, March 20th against Ortiz
If he wants to be successful in that fight, hooker has to avoid standing in front of Ortiz and must stay off the ropes
If the fight is fought from the outside, Hooker is equipped to punish Ortiz with jabs all night until he follows them up with his stiff right hand
If Ortiz can get inside, he should be able to push Hooker out of his comfort zone, and may even extend his knockout streak
