Vergil Ortiz Jr has broken his silence after Jaron Ennis called him out following his win over the weekend.
Ennis demanded a showdown with Ortiz Jr after blowing away Uisma Lima in the first round in his super welterweight debut in Philadelphia on Saturday.
‘Boots’ secured the vacant WBA interim title with victory and according to his promoter, Eddie Hearn he has already signed to face Ortiz Jr, who first defends his WBC interim crown against Erickson Lubin on November 8 in Dallas.
“I sent a big message,” the 28-year-old told DAZN.
“Y’all know who I want next.
“It’s going to happen next.
“If he don’t win, I’ll fight Lubin, but I want Vergil Ortiz next.”
The undefeated American pair have been linked with a clash since both men competed at welterweight.
Ennis was a heavy favourite going into his bout with Lima and Ortiz Jr has played down the significance of the victory, but believes the fight will happen.
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“There’s really nothing to talk about,” the 27-year-old told ES News.
“We all knew how it was going to go down.
“I feel the same. Words aren’t going to change the outcome.
“I’m pretty sure it’s going to happen.”
Should a meeting with Ortiz Jr elude Ennis, the Philadelphia native said he would target super welterweight world champions, Sebastian Fundora [WBC], Xander Zayas [WBO] and Bakhram Murtazaliev [IBF].
WBA titlist, Abass Baraou revealed he would welcome a bout with Ennis and the German was mentioned as a potential opponent by Hearn.
“I would be down for a fight like this,” the 30-year-old told Pro Boxing Fans.
“I’m willing to fight ‘Boots’.
“I’m looking forward to making a great fight.
“I bring a lot of pressure.
“I would love to see how he deals with a fighter like me.
“Styles make fights.
“He would be a great opponent to prove to the world that I’m a world class fighter and I can be in the ring with the best.”
