Video! Bonehead Referee Spoils Ortiz Vs. Lawson

Vergil Ortiz Jr. walked away with a first-round TKO win over Frederick Lawson earlier tonight (Sat., Jan. 6, 2024) live on DAZN from inside Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, but referee Tony Weeks ultimately spoiled the evening with a boneheaded premature stoppage.

Ortiz, who pushed his undefeated professional record to 20-0 with the win, was the betting favorite to take care of business this weekend in “Sin City.” However, the last time Ortiz fought was back in Aug. 2022 when he knocked out Michael McKinson in Texas. Fight fans didn’t know for sure if Ortiz would carry any ring rust into this fight.

Fortunately, the 25-year-old didn’t miss a beat. He found his range early into the first and was able to land some good shots on the move. Ortiz started to open up more later in the first round and landed a collection of punches to the head and body along the ropes. Lawson was bobbing and weaving, but getting clipped along the way.

Weeks, who has been refereeing boxing for roughly 30 years, must have thought the punches were landing harder than they were. He quickly stepped in and separated Ortiz from Lawson, ultimately calling a premature end to the fight and not allowing Ortiz to showcase his true finishing ability.

Check out the early stoppage in the above video player and more highlights below: