“That’s What a Fighter Is Supposed to Do”: Vergil Ortiz Jr. Subtly Calls Out Tim Tszyu While Reflecting on His TKO Win Against Frederick Lawson

Seventeen months outside the ring has made Vergil Ortiz Jr. even more dangerous! In his big return fight at 147lbs, the Dallas area native destroyed Frederick Lawson. Now, he wants to go toe to toe with Tim Tszyu for his WBO super welterweight title. Ortiz wanted to get some more time in with his first fight in a while, but things did not go as planned.

His triumphant performance ensured the fight concluded two minutes and thirty-three seconds into the first round. While talking to Fight Hub TV after the end of his fight, Ortiz, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, dissected the fight from his unique perspective. What’s more, the undefeated knockout artist called out ‘The Soul Taker’ in the most subtle way possible. 

Vergil Ortiz Jr claims fans like to see the ugly stuff

During the interview, Ortiz Jr. claimed, “This is a sport where we want to prove that we are the best; that we are the strongest, we are the best fighters. That’s what a fighter is supposed to do.” He then proceeded to hint towards wanting a fight against Tszyu who is the current WBO Light middleweight champion from Australia. “I will fight anyone, anywhere, anytime. So, if we got to go to Australia, I am down,” said Ortiz. Later in the interview, the Texas resident dug deep into his fight against Lawson. 

“I [will] be honest, when I was in the ring, I was like it’s over…fans watch boxing to see the knockouts – to see the ugly stuff. As a fighter who knew that it was literally coming in the next few punches, I was [going to] find a way,” said Ortiz. He suggested the referee saved Lawson from a brutal knockout. It’s worth mentioning that the referee told DAZN’s Beto Duran that he stopped the fight because he saw Lawson’s eyes roll back. On a separate but connected note, Tszyu has since reacted to Ortiz’s win by conveying his readiness.

Tim Tszyu welcomes Ortiz to “54 club

While Ortiz failed to appear in the ring in 2023, Tszyu has been the exact opposite, having fought in three different fights in 2023. However, Ortiz’s absence came with a vital reason, as he was suffering from rhabdomyolysis. It forced the American boxer to withdraw from three fights in 2023, but when he did come back, he came back with a bang, eliciting a response from the Australian.

“Yo@VergilOrtizWelcome to the “54 club. I’m always keen for a modern day classic,” Tszyu wrote in his tweet. While Tszyu invited Ortiz Jr, to come up to light middleweight, Ortiz’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, has expressed interest in getting the fight made. “Will even go to Australia to fight Tim Tszyu,” said De La Hoya. 

Also Read: “Ultra-Quick Stoppage by Tony Weeks”: Pros Reacts to ‘Worst’ Referee Decision in Vergil Ortiz Jr Vs Fredrick Lawson Fight

With a sensational comeback, Vergil Ortiz Jr. has cemented his intention to take over the weight division. Moreover, whether the Tszyu fight would happen or not is yet to be seen! Until then, we would like to get your thoughts!

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