Vergil Ortiz Jr vs Maurice Hooker in the works for March 27 on DAZN

Steve Kim and Mike Coppinger bring word of an excellent welterweight battle on the horizon. Top prospect Vergil Ortiz Jr. and former super lightweight champion Maurice Hooker are reportedly in “advanced discussions” to meet in Dallas, Texas on March 27th.

Though his fairly quiet 2020 let the likes of Edgar Berlanga take the spotlight, the 22-year-old Ortiz (16-0, 16 KO) remains one of the most promising fighters in the entire sport. After a breakout four-win 2019, which saw him hand Mauricio Herrera, Antonio Orozco, and Brad Solomon the first stoppage losses of their careers, he crushed Samuel Vargas last July in his sole effort of the year.

Hooker (27-1-3, 17 KO), who twice defended the WBO belt he claimed with a 2018 upset of Terry Flanagan, bid the 140-pound division goodbye after an unsuccessful unification clash with Jose Ramirez. His 2020 campaign was supposed to see him face Regis Prograis at a catchweight, but the initial date fell through due to COVID and Hooker ultimately withdrew after a dispute over weight.

“Mighty Mo” will have a ridiculous 10” reach advantage over Ortiz and is far more decorated than any of the Texan slugger’s prior foes. This is an excellent fight that should propel the winner into title contention.