Maxboxing 2024 Fight of the Year - Serhii Bohachuk vs. Vergil Ortiz

These “…of the year” lists are always tough when you try to pick out one single event from 12 months of events. While there were bigger shows, starring bigger players in the sport, I think the Serhii Bohachuk vs. Vergil Ortiz fight was one that edged them all in terms of action and competitiveness.

When you have huge stars like Alvarez, Crawford, Usyk and Fury, among others, clocking into work, it can be hard to eclipse those nights. But, once the bell rang their fights didn’t beat the non-stop action of the Ortiz-Bohachuk barn-burner between these two 154-pounders.

It was August 10, at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, with Bohachuk’s WBC Super Welterweight title on the line.

Bohachuk, 29, won the title in his previous fight, beating highly respected Brian Mendoza over 12 rounds. He entered the ring with an impressive 24-1 (22 KO’s) resume. Ortiz, 26, was coming in as an undefeated, highly touted, future champion with a perfect (21-0, 21 KO’s) record. 

So, both boxers brought their strength to the proceedings, and both would put them on display for all 12 rounds.  

From rounds 1-12, it was pretty much non-stop action with both fighters bringing their best round after round. Ortiz mined his advantage which appeared to be in power shots. Bohachuk worked off volume and non-stop aggression.

In the end, the scores reflected a very close fight. Judge Max DeLuca had it a draw at 113-113. He was overruled by judges Steve Weisfeld and David Sutherland who had it 114-112 each, giving Ortiz the fight by one round. In terms of numbers, it doesn’t get a whole lot closer than that.

What baffled Bohachuk supporters, most vocal being Bohachuk promoter Tom Loeffler, is how in a fight that close Bohachuk can score 2 knockdowns and lose the fight. While the knockdowns didn’t hurt Ortiz, they were knockdowns none the less.

Those backing Ortiz, felt that the thunderous body shots and power punches upstairs were enough for him to get his hand raised. Aggression and volume punching vs. power?

After the fight, Bohachuk, who appeared to be on the receiving end of the heavy artillery, was unmarked. Ortiz, who seemed to be getting backed up with volume, albeit lighter, punching, was marked up all over his face. It was indeed hard to tell who did the most damage.  

Back and forth action. Both fighters having their moments. Who wins that one? The fans. In a bout like this both fighters raised their stock with fight fans.

Rematch? Yes, please!

Congratulations to Vergil Ortiz and Serhii Bohachuk on being MaxBoxing’s, 2024, “Fight of the Year”.