VERGIL ORTIZ JR has expressed his desire to face IBF world super-welterweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev after producing a relentless performance against Israil Madrimov.
The 26-year-old has now firmly cemented himself as a world level contender at 154lbs following his comprehensive unanimous decision victory over Madrimov, 10-2-1 (7 KOs), last month.
While the former WBA titlist got off to a strong start in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, it was not long before Ortiz, 23-0 (21 KOs), utilised his remarkable engine to pile on the pressure.
In doing so, he not only elevated the intensity of their thrilling clash but also found a series of openings to land his vicious body shots.
Before his polished display, however, arrived a far less convincing majority decision victory over Serhii Bohachuk last August.
Despite claiming his WBC interim strap, Ortiz was forced to suffer two knockdowns en route to a highly contentious win.
But now, it must be said that he has removed any doubt over his credentials at the elite level, with the fearsome operator seemingly edging closer towards his first world title shot.
While his next opponent is yet to be confirmed, Ortiz gave an encouraging response to a social media post from Murtazaliev, 23-0 (17 KOs), earlier this week.
On X, the IBF titlist teased a possible showdown – highlighting the fact that they have matching records – to which Ortiz replied with an ‘eyes’ emoji.
Murtazaliev has not fought since his destructive third-round stoppage victory over Tim Tszyu last October, though it would appear that he has now begun his search for a potential dance partner.
