Welterweight contender Vergil Ortiz Jr withdrew from his fight against Michael McKinson in Los Angeles on Saturday after he was diagnosed with a muscle disease, Golden Boy Promotions announced in a press release Tuesday.
Ortiz has rhabdomyolysis, as described by the Mayo Clinic: “Rhabdomyolysis is a rare condition in which muscle cells break down and release a substance into the bloodstream that can lead to kidney failure. It is often seen in people who have suffered a serious injury or trauma. Rhabdomyolysis can also develop in response to certain medications, supplements, or medications. “
🚨 BREAKING NEWS: Vergil Ortiz Jr withdraws from fight against Michael McKinson after being diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis. Vergil is recovering well in hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. More information on the March 19 event will be announced shortly. pic.twitter.com/DNa4KOK7hr
– Golden Boy (@GoldenBoyBoxing) March 15, 2022
Ortiz is “recovering well in hospital and is expected to make a full recovery,” according to the statement. The promoter is not speculating on when he might return.
And it did not provide information on the status of Saturday’s event at USC’s Galen Center. Alexis Rocha was scheduled to face Blair Cobbs in a welterweight match in the lower division.
Oscar De La Hoya, President and CEO of Golden Boy, said: “We wish Vergil a speedy and speedy recovery. “As warriors, our first instinct is to fight whatever we have and overcome it. It takes a lot of courage to admit that something is wrong and get the care you need.
“We are confident that we will see Vergil again in the ring very soon.”
Ortiz, who turned 24 on March 25, stopped all 18 of his opponents. No one has gone through eight rounds with him.
The Texans had hoped a win over McKinson (21-0, 2 KOs) would be another step towards the £147 grand slam.
