It took Vergil Ortiz Jr. just under one round upon his return from a lengthy, injury-enforced absence to grab a win over Fredrick Lawson, with the Texas product scoring a controversial stoppage victory in his debut at junior middleweight.
The 25-year-old, who is now undefeated in 20 fights, then wasted no time in calling out reigning WBO junior middleweight champion, Tim Tszyu.
Tim Tszyu responds to Vergil Ortiz Jr’s call out after his TKO win over Frederick Lawson
"There's a lot of fighters that I want to fight, and I know people would love to see this fight so Tim Tszyu - with all respect - I would love to fight you," Ortiz Jr. said after referee, Tony Weeks, had stopped the bout at 2 minutes, 33 seconds of the very first round against Lawson.
MORE: Vergil Ortiz's perfect KO streak continues with controversial 1st round stoppage
"I think you're a hell of a fighter and let's make it happen. It's all business. I'm a competitive person. I want to fight the best."
The Aussie, who scored a unanimous decision win over Brian Mendoza late last year to cap his continued ascent, welcomed his potential opponent to the 154-pound division on social media. He also declared his interest in the bout.
Yo @VergilOrtiz Welcome to the “54 club. I’m always keen for a modern day classic 🔥
— Tim Tszyu (@Tim_Tszyu) January 7, 2024
I knew you would be man! Let’s do it 🤝🏼 https://t.co/Lp9Rpi3fKG
— Vergil Ortiz Jr. (@VergilOrtiz) January 7, 2024
No Limit Boxing then followed up on this by revealing promotor George Rose would be willing to negotiate with Golden Boy Promotions' Oscar De La Hoya about the potential fight.
When the 👑 @Tim_Tszyu speaks, you listen. @gorgeousgrose is expecting your call @OscarDeLaHoya @GoldenBoyBoxing 📞#OrtizLawson https://t.co/3kQoOkfZRp
— No Limit Boxing (@NoLimit_Boxing) January 7, 2024
In the lead up to Ortiz Jr’s clash with Lawson, the undefeated 25-year-old spoke of his intention of putting the tough past 18 months behind him as he eyed future bouts against the kings of the division.
MORE: Vergil Ortiz Jr. talks overcoming health scares, targets fights with Tszyu & Crawford
"I'm ready for anyone out there," Ortiz Jr. said after stopping Lawson without breaking a sweat.
"It feels like I'm back to doing what I usually do. This is my calling; this is what I live for."
Tim Tszyu next fight: Could Aussie champion face Vergil Ortiz Jr?
Following Ortiz Jr's victory over Lawson, De La Hoya stated the knockout artist would be happy to venture into enemy territory to get his title shot.
I love it when top fighters want to travel to Australia, it’s the best country in the world @OscarDeLaHoya. You and @VergilOrtiz are always welcome down under, @Tim_Tszyu stays ready, I’ll add this one to the list https://t.co/RVmxLCv8cq
— George Rose (@gorgeousgrose) January 7, 2024
"Let’s go tomorrow," Ortiz Jr. said post-fight.
"This is a sport where we want to prove we’re the best, the strongest...I don’t fear anyone.
"I’ll fight anyone, anywhere, anytime. So, if we have to go to Australia, I’m down."
However, following Tszyu’s emphatic win over Mendoza on the Gold Coast last October, the champion was adamant the bright lights of Las Vegas lay in wait for him next.
"Right now? No," he said when asked if he’d fight in Australia again soon.
"Right now, I’m thinking solely of going there [the U.S.], that’s my next goal.
"And then after that, once that’s achieved, then my next goal happens and it just keeps climbing up."