The rise of Vergi Ortiz Jr. in the super welterweight division is no shock. The 5’10 boxer returned earlier this year after a year-long break and has captured the WBC Interim Super Welterweight title after defeating Serhii Bohachuk via a controversial majority decision with the scores reading 114-112, 114-112, and 113-113. This was the first time that the explosive KO artist with a KO ratio of 100% had to go the full distance in the fight. Nevertheless, it was a solid performance and even got the ‘Fight of the Year’ shouts.

With the Interim title around his waist, Ortiz is looking for challengers and has stated that he would love to fight Terence Crawford. Things got intense when His Excellency Turki Alalshikh publicly expressed his desire to make the fight happen. Fans were hopeful for the clash. But in the latest podcast episode of ‘3 Knockdown Rule,’ Golden Boy Promotions president Eric Gomez poured water on all those hopes and revealed why the fight might not happen.

Is Terence Crawford dodging Ortiz?

According to Gomez, His Excellency delivered on his promise as he approached both boxers for the fight. “You know we just want the biggest fight. We were approached about doing the Crawford fight and we accepted,” said Gomez.

According to him, Golden Boy accepted the fight as it was one of the biggest fights for Vergil Ortiz Jr. at this point. The Los Angeles native then proceeded to state the biggest roadblock in the fight. He stated, “Crawford hasn’t decided what he wants to do,” stating how the former undisputed welterweight champion still hasn’t made up his mind. He further added, “But he (Ortiz) wants to fight Crawford. We are willing to do that fight. “

Vergi Ortiz Jr. had previously called out Bud during an interview with ESPN. The Dallas native explained that “Bud is probably No. 1 pound for pound in the world and I want to show that I have what it takes to beat him.” Ortiz is ready for a challenge and now that he has grown more accustomed at 154, there might be no better challenge than Terence Crawford, who also holds the WBA and Interim WBO super welterweight championship.

However, the GBP president made sure to mention that Crawford was not the only probable opponent for his fighter. “Couple of other names out there. You know he just wants the biggest, best fights possible.” While there is no clarity regarding Ortiz’s next challenge, there are a few potentials that fans would love to watch.

Vergil Ortiz Jr.’s Potential fights

The first name that comes to mind is Tim Tszyu. In fact, this fight was scheduled in August on the undercard of Crawford-Madrimov, but the fight had to be scrapped because of the injuries Tszyu suffered against Sebastian Fundora. Oscar De La Hoya had also talked highly about the bout and this might be one of the fights to look forward to.

Another prospect for Ortiz can be Errol Spence Jr. The Dallas native has already shown interest in a fight against the former unified welterweight champion. But with The Truth nearing his retirement, he might want to go on a high note rather than face a hungry power-punching opponent who can harm his legacy.

Another fighter that Ortiz has in his sight is Jermell Charlo, but the former undisputed light middleweight champion has yet to make his comeback since losing against Canelo Alvarez in September 2023. But that clash is also more of a dream as Charlo would like to return with an easier fight rather than Ortiz.

The options for the Grand Prairie-born fighter are as the fighter has already stated, “I just want to fight the best. I want to prove that I’m the best,” finding a fight won’t be that hard. We will get more clarity in the coming weeks as Golden Boy Promotions zeroes in on a fighter for Vergil Ortiz Jr.

What do you think about the potential clash between Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Terence Crawford? Why do you think Bud is ignoring the challenge? Let us know your thoughts down below.