Tim Tszyu Versus Vergil Ortiz Jr. is a Possibility for 2024
For junior middleweight contender Vergil Ortiz Jr. (20-0, 20 KOs), first and foremost on his mind at 154 pounds is a fight with reigning WBO champion Tim “The Soul Taker” Tszyu (24-0, 17 KOs). The Soul Taker has responded and said he’s ready to make it happen.
LET’S DO THIS
Ortiz Jr. made his 154-pound debut with a first-round stoppage over Fredrick Lawson in Las Vegas, Nevada. Following the win, Ortiz Jr made the official challenge for a fight with Tszyu. His promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, said that they’re even willing to fight in the champion’s home country of Australia.
It didn’t take long for The Aussie to reply. The WBO champion took to social media and left the following message for Ortiz Jr.:
ALL BUT A GUARANTEE?
In analyzing the styles of Tszyu and Ortiz Jr., both men rarely take a backward step and have a high work-rate. They also carry power in both hands. Defense is not their strong suit. On paper, the ingredients are there for a potential barn burner.
The last time Tszyu was in the ring was in October 2023, when he scored a unanimous decision over Brian Mendoza in Australia. Word on the street is that the next title defense for the WBO champion will occur in the United States in either March or April of this year. Could it be against Ortiz?
That all depends on Golden Boy Promotions, who handles the career of Ortiz Jr., and what direction they want to go with him. With the Texan just now entering 154, some in the boxing community feel that it would be wise for Golden Boy to let their charge take another fight so his body can further adjust to the new division. But if the promotional outlet feels he’s ready for such a task, why not put him in there as the Aussie’s next title defense?
This potential matchup is something to keep an eye on. All parties involved are interested. Even before his fight with Lawson, Ortiz Jr had Tszyu on his mind. De La Hoya is not barking for anything. Look for them to fight at some point in 2024.
