Bogachuk’s Promoter Leffler: Virgil was still in the hospital under observation, while Sergey was released to enjoy his party

Promoter of Ukrainian boxer Sergei Bogachuk (24-2, 23 KO) Tom Leffler commented on his protégé’s defeat in the fight for the title of interim WBC light middleweight champion against the holder of the WBO International welterweight belt Virgil Ortiz (22-0, 21 KO)

“Sergey arrived at his post fight party like the champion he is. His face looks clean because he absorbed a lot of punches. Virgil looked bad after 12 grueling rounds, taking clean shots to the head.”

“I give credit to both fighters for putting on a great fight for the fans. We agree with the vast majority of the media and fans who believe that Sergey should still hold the title, especially after two knockdowns.”

“Credit to Virgil and Robert Garcia for a great fight, and cutman Mike Rodriguez for keeping Ortiz in the fight with a bloody nose and swollen eyes. Virgil was still in the hospital for care, while Sergey was released to enjoy his party.”

Let us recall that the fight took place on the night of August 11 in Las Vegas. The fight was equal and as close as possible. During the confrontation, the Ukrainian knocked his opponent down twice, although Virgil himself does not think so.

However, the judges’ decision was in favor of the local boxer: one referee counted it as a draw in his notes (113:113), while the other two gave a minimal advantage to Ortiz (114:112, 114:112).

One way or another, this result means the following: Ortiz took the WBC interim champion title from Bogachuk and remained undefeated in the professional ring.

Robert Garcia, Ortiz’s trainer, believes that the Ukrainian “definitely deserves a rematch.” The likelihood of a repeat fight is not zero, especially if the American’s side fails to agree on a fight with former absolute champion in two weight categories Terence Crawford.