Vergil Ortiz Jr. believes he is a more pragmatic next opponent for Terence Crawford than Canelo Alvarez.
Ortiz Jr. fought recently in an epic fight against Serhii Bohachuk, becoming the WBC interim super welterweight champion.
Crawford, meanwhile, is WBA champion at the same weight after a similarly tough clash against his own, against Israil Madrimov.
The former undisputed welterweight champion is believed to be pushing for a clash with Mexican superstar Canelo, and is willing to make the 14lb jump up to super middleweight to make it happen.
Speaking to BoxingScene, Ortiz said he understood Crawford’s ambition but suggested he might be a suitable alternative.
“I don’t think so. (Crawford) genuinely has that big super-fight in mind and I can’t say I’m bigger than Canelo Alvarez with a straight face, for sure. I see why Crawford wants that fight,” he said. “But a fight with me is more realistic.
“I really don’t know what to think. (Crawford wanting to move to 168 is) a massive jump. He wants to test himself just like I do, but … Crawford just moved up from 147. And he wants to fight Canelo at 168 … I’m not saying Crawford doesn’t have the skills to do it, but as far as me wanting to challenge Crawford, (him) wanting to challenge Canelo is a bit more unrealistic.”
Live on DAZN : Check your region for PFL and PFL Europe on DAZN . Click here for details.