Unbeaten welterweight star Vergil Ortiz Jr will face Egidijus Kavaliauskas over 12 rounds on August 14 at Ford Centre at The Star in Frisco, Texas.
Ortiz Jr will be having his second fight of 2021 after dispatching of former 140lb champion Maurice Hooker in 7 rounds back in March.
The 23-year-old Texan, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, is the WBO number one contender for Terence Crawford’s title. Kavaliauskas gave Crawford a test 19 months ago at Madison Square Garden before being halted in the 9th round by the pound-for-pound star.
Speaking on DAZN’s Ak & Barak show in March Crawford said of Ortiz, “I just think they’re trying to move him too fast. I would like to see Vergil against like a ‘Mean Machine’ [Kavaliauskas], somebody that can punch.”
Kavaliauskas, 33, hasn’t fought since September 2020 when the Lithuanian beat Mikael Zewski via 8th round stoppage in Las Vegas. Ranked number 5 with the WBO a career high win against Ortiz Jr would put him in line for another opportunity against Crawford.
“Vergil Ortiz Jr. is developing the most impressive resume for any boxer his age,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy.
“On August 14, Ortiz Jr. will look better than ever and remind everyone why he is the biggest threat at 147 pounds.”
“I always said I’m here to take on the toughest challenges to prove myself,” said Ortiz Jr.
“Egis is a very game, strong opponent, and a win over him would leave no doubts that I’m ready for a world title fight immediately. It won’t be easy, but that’s the point. The fans are going to enjoy this one.”
“Fans been asking for this fight, and we’re going to give it to them,” said Kavaliauskas. “So, mark your calendar and have your popcorn ready. A war is coming.”
Ortiz Jr v Kavaliauskas will be shown live on DAZN.