Vergil Ortiz Jr has done all he can to earn a title fight after defeating Egidijus Kavaliauskas, Barak Bess believes.
Ortiz was impressive as he stopped the 33-year-old Lithuanian, who in turn was one of Terence Crawford’s toughest opponents so far.
Speaking on the DAZN Boxing Show, Barak believed that given Kavaliauskas’ own experience, the 23-year-old American contender proved his worth.
“Not just that he was he was fighting a guy that hit Terence Crawford one of the best fighters in the world,” Barak began.
“Remember in the second round, he clipped Terence Crawford from sitting in the left handed position. And he gave him a straight right. It was a kind of looping right, but it was a lead right. And he caught him.
“You know, so he was fighting a very, very credible dude. Now, I say, how does somebody become qualified for a job or task, by their resume? Their experience? He's ready. Right now. Virgil Ortiz is ready. He's stopping everybody. He doesn't need to prove anymore.”
However, he stated that while he was ready for a title shot, he did not know if he would emerge victorious.
“I always say ready... just means he's qualified to get into the ring with him.”
Akin Reyes pointed out that Ortiz’s record of stopping each of his opponents so far is building excitement about his career.
“I mean, the kid has power and obviously, it's one of the components about boxing that people get so excited about when you watch this guy fight again, people are going to be looking for a stoppage, a knockout, a knockdown, something,” he explained.
“The kid brings a lot of excitement to the sport. So congrats. I can't wait to see you in the ring again.”