Vergil Ortiz urged to target Yoenli Hernandez at middleweight

Vergil Ortiz Jr should target Yoenli Hernandez next as he looks to return to action after a lengthy period outside the ring. Ortiz remains unbeaten at 24-0 with 22 knockouts, but his inactivity has limited his options in the junior middleweight division.

Ortiz last fought in November, stopping Erickson Lubin in the second round. That victory appeared to position him for a major bout with Jaron Ennis, but a contractual dispute with Golden Boy Promotions kept Ortiz tied up in court. The disagreement was settled in July, after Ortiz had spent about nine months without fighting.

Ortiz has said that opponents are unwilling to sign contracts, while also making clear that he cannot force anyone to accept a bout. However, Ennis has since moved on. After stopping Xander Zayas in June to win the WBA and WBO junior middleweight titles, Ennis identified IBF champion Josh Kelly and WBC champion Sebastian Fundora as his preferred targets in pursuit of an undisputed championship.

Ennis did leave the door open to facing Ortiz if those fights could not be arranged, but Ortiz is no longer central to his immediate plans. Continuing to wait for Ennis, Kelly or Fundora would therefore risk extending a layoff that has already cost him valuable time.

Hernandez offers a possible route back to competition. The Cuban middleweight would provide Ortiz with a credible opponent, while a victory over a dangerous fighter at 160 pounds could strengthen Ortiz’s position and broaden his options. Ortiz has also indicated that he would be willing to move up from junior middleweight, making the proposed fight realistic in principle.

The priority for Ortiz and Golden Boy is now activity rather than waiting for an ideal opponent. A fight with Hernandez would allow Ortiz to return, test himself against a recognised contender and continue his career without depending on Ennis, Fundora or Kelly becoming available.