Oscar De La Hoya, the CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, has expressed strong confidence in Vergil Ortiz, his junior middleweight contender. Following Ortiz’s impressive first-round stoppage of Fredrick Lawson in Las Vegas, De La Hoya indicated that Ortiz is ready to take his talent to the global stage, specifically mentioning a potential bout with WBO world champion Tim Tszyu in Australia.
Tszyu, a major boxing figure in Australia, had a remarkable year in 2023, securing wins over notable fighters including Tony Harrison, Carlos Ocampo, and WBC interim-beltholder Brian Mendoza. With Jermell Charlo moving up in weight class to fight Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Tszyu was promoted from interim to full champion status by the WBO.
Despite rumors of Tszyu’s return to the ring in Las Vegas in March, De La Hoya expressed willingness for Ortiz to face Tszyu in his home country. “Tim Tszyu, anybody at 154. Ortiz will even go to Australia and do it,” De La Hoya stated. He emphasized the team's commitment to fulfilling Team Vergil's aspirations, showcasing Ortiz as a fighter who embodies the old-school philosophy of seeking the best to be the best.
De La Hoya’s enthusiasm for Ortiz’s prospects is evident. He hailed Ortiz as potentially the best fighter on the planet, not just at 154 pounds, but across weight classes. With a record of 20-0 and 20 knockouts, Ortiz stands out in the boxing world. De La Hoya’s remarks underscore a belief in Ortiz’s ability to compete and succeed at the highest levels internationally, signaling exciting possibilities for his future matchups.
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