Overview

• Ortega said he blacked out after a 20‑minute bike session, had ice applied and his clothes removed, and woke up in an emergency room.
• The scheduled featherweight fight with Aljamain Sterling was changed to a 153‑pound catchweight after he failed to reach 145.
• He recounted that Sterling told him a replacement was ready, yet he chose to compete after spending the day eating and rehydrating.
• Sterling won by unanimous decision with three 50–45 scorecards, and Ortega said he accepts full responsibility for the weight‑cut problems.
• Ortega indicated he is not retiring, and his disclosure has intensified calls for tighter medical oversight and weight‑cut reforms.