Promoter Oscar De La Hoya has outlined an ambitious plan for rising star Vergil Ortiz Jr., targeting a major showdown with Terence Crawford in 2025.
If Ortiz Jr. secures a victory against Bohachuk, he is slated to face Tim Tszyu later this year. Should Ortiz Jr. prevail in that bout, De La Hoya envisions a unification match against WBA 154-lb champion Crawford. However, Tszyu, who is expected to challenge IBF champion Bakhram Murtazaliev, may have other plans, as fighting Ortiz Jr. carries significant risk.
"Crawford, I love. He’s probably the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. His style is fan-friendly. He’s a tremendous boxer and undefeated," De La Hoya told Fight Hype, praising Crawford’s prowess in the ring.
Crawford recently moved up to 154 lbs, dethroning WBA champion Israil Madrimov with a twelve-round unanimous decision at a Riyadh Season event in Los Angeles. Despite the victory, Crawford encountered challenges against Madrimov’s style, having been out of action for 13 months.
De La Hoya believes a bout between Crawford and Ortiz Jr. in early 2025 would be a "super fight." He emphasized the importance of Ortiz Jr.'s upcoming battles, noting that a win against Bohachuk would set the stage for a clash with Tszyu. The winner of that bout would then be poised to take on Crawford.
"We’re hoping if Vergil wins this Saturday, he can go up against Tim Tszyu later on this year. Then the winner of Tim Tszyu and Vergil Ortiz can face Crawford."
Don’t miss Bohachuk vs. Ortiz Jr.
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