LAS VEGAS: Vergil Ortiz will seek out the "toughest challenges" and "fight anybody" including the unified super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo.
That's according to Golden Boy Promotions boss Oscar de la Hoya, who told ProBox TV and other reporters this week that the fighter is a joy to promote because he's always looking to fight the best, even though he's only gradually returning to the ring following health issues.
Ortiz fights Fredrick Lawson on Saturday at the Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, and hopes to extend his unbeaten knockout winning run to 20 victories (20 KOs).
The 25-year-old had already told ProBox TV that he intends to win, in style, and compete three to four times in total in 2024 — going back to his days coming up as a contender at welterweight.
The welterweight days, though, are behind him.
Saturday's showdown will be contested at a 156-pound catchweight, but Ortiz, he said, will fight any of the top tier guys in the division like Tim Tszyu.
De la Hoya told us that, though it "depends on the landscape" and how the fights play out at the time, who is champion, and so forth, Ortiz is ready for the big leagues.
"He is a fighter who is willing to just put it all out there and and challenge the toughest fighters," de la Hoya said. "So, whether it's Jermell or whoever it is, we're willing and able to fight the very best."
Ortiz has recorded solid wins over Samuel Vargas, Maurice Hooker, and Egidijus Kavaliauskas, however, he has fought just once since August, 2021 — a ninth-round knockout win over Michael McKinson.
He'll take a strong mentality into the ring with him, according to de la Hoya, who said, despite a lengthy layoff and illnesses, which could easily affect one's ability, he and the Golden Boy team are confident "Vergil is going to start right where he left off."
Ortiz vs. Lawson headlines the Golden Boy card which DAZN airs from 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET.
The card also features Arnold Barboza, Raul Curiel, and Ohara Davies in separate fights.
