Ortiz Targets Lara, Adames For Middleweight Move

Vergil Ortiz Jr. is targeting a jump to middleweight for his next fight in November after resolving his legal issues with Golden Boy Promotions.

The Ring's Mike Coppinger reported on DAZN's "Inside The Ring" that the WBC interim 154-pound champion is eyeing four potential opponents at 160 pounds: WBA titleholder Erislandy Lara, WBC champion Carlos Adames, former undisputed junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo, and ex-WBO junior middleweight titlist Tim Tszyu. Ortiz's manager Rick Mirigian had previously told The Ring that the fighter was considering the weight jump while keeping options open at 154.

Ortiz's Path After Golden Boy Settlement

Ortiz last fought in November when he stopped Erickson Lubin in two rounds, a performance expected to lead to a showdown with Jaron Ennis. Instead, the 28-year-old sued Golden Boy for breach of contract in January and attempted to fight Ennis independently in April before Golden Boy secured a restraining order blocking the bout. The parties settled in July, clearing Ortiz to return.

Ennis moved on to capture WBA and WBO gold by stopping Xander Zayas in seven rounds at Barclays Center in June. The Philadelphia fighter is expected to face IBF champion Josh Kelly in a unification later this year.

Any of Ortiz's middleweight targets would mark the biggest fight of his 24-0 career. Adames sits at No. 1 in The Ring's 160-pound rankings, while Lara is fourth. Charlo has not fought since losing a lopsided decision to Canelo Alvarez in September 2023. Tszyu rebounded from back-to-back losses with a decision over Errol Spence Jr. in Sydney last month. Ortiz and Tszyu were scheduled to meet in August 2024 before the Australian withdrew due to a cut suffered against Sebastian Fundora.

Ortiz holds a record of 24-0 with 22 knockouts and is ranked No. 2 at junior middleweight by The Ring.

Source: ringmagazine.com