“Crawford Doesn’t Have Your Jab or Power”: Egidijus Kavaliauskas Extremely Impressed With Vergil Ortiz Jr’s Performance

Vergil Ortiz Jr. trumped Egidijus Kavaliauskas and retained the WBO International title, which takes him a step closer to facing Terence Crawford for the world championship. Following the fight, Kavaliauskas, who has faced both Crawford and Ortiz Jr, claimed that the latter was the superior boxer.

The 12-round headliner ended in the eighth round as Ortiz Jr unleashed a barrage of shots to stop his rival and retain his 100% KO ratio. Crawford also stopped Egidijus Kavaliauskas back in 2019, but in the 9 round.

After tonight’s main event, the Lithuanian boxer met Vergil Ortiz Jr. in the green room and applauded the surging star’s performance. Little Giant Boxing caught a glimpse of that interaction.

Egidijus Kavaliauskas said, “[Terence] Crawford doesn’t have your jab or power.”

A potential clash between Crawford and Ortiz Jr. has already made the headlines. Following his victory over Kavaliauskas, Vergil Ortiz Jr. called out ‘Bud’. In return, he also received a response, but a bleak one, as the WBO welterweight champion, Terence Crawford, mocked the call-out and reflected on his prowess in the division.

He also hailed Vergil Ortiz Jr for a successful win.

The current welterweight division has several big names and Ortiz Jr. might have a few tests left before he leaps towards the gold. As Crawford will defend his belt against former champion Shawn Porter next, Ortiz. Jr needs to wait and see how the scenario plays out.

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Who can Vergil Ortiz Jr. face next?

Mikey Garcia and Keith Thurman, the former champions, are eyeing a return to action. After Errol Spence Jr’s retinal injury, the WBC and IBF titles will remain free of challenges for a long time. Meanwhile, Manny Pacquiao has bagged his shot at the WBA belt and will challenge Yordenis Ugas on August 21.

Given what’s available, Ortiz Jr. can challenge either Garcia or Thurman. Also, a showdown against the winner of Crawford vs Porter is viable. The 147 lbs division also has mandatory contenders, constantly popping out from various promotions. That said, Ortiz Jr. can choose to remain active ahead.

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