Vergil Ortiz Jr has withdrawn from his fight this Saturday against Michael McKinson.
The 23-year-old Texan was due to headline the DAZN card in a few days time at the USC Galen Centre in Los Angeles. However, illness has forced the unbeaten welterweight to pull out after he was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis.
The condition is described as a breakdown of skeletal muscle due to direct or indirect muscle injury and can lead to kidney damage. The seriousness of the matter is highlighted furthermore as it can be dangerous or life threatening.
Ortiz released a statement on social media earlier today revealing that he was hospitalised yesterday.
“For the last two weeks I didn’t feel like myself,” he said.
“I just felt like my body was deteriorating and I didn’t know why. My dad was also able to tell I wasn’t right and took me to the doctor. We ran some tests and the doctor conclude I had rhabdomyolysis. I was hospitalised yesterday and had to stay overnight. It could’ve been a lot worse and I’m thankful that we caught it on time.
“And of course sorry to Michael McKinson. I’m sure you trained your ass off; we’re just fighting trying to provide for our family. I hope you still get the chance to fight.”
As of yet there has been no official word on whether McKinson will still get a fight or if the card will go ahead but the Matchroom welterweight shared his disappointment at the news of the withdrawal.
“I am gutted,” McKinson said on Twitter.
“I’d like to firstly wish Vergil Ortiz a speedy recovery. I have UK fans travelling out and I’ve worked so hard. So, a replacement is now all down to Golden Boy Promotions, Matchroom Boxing, MTK Global.”