At the age of 34, Egidijus Kavaliauskas is desperate for one final crack on the world stage. Having sat sequestered on the sidelines for well over a year, the former Olympian returned to the ring earlier this month against Mykal Fox. Though he found himself at an incredible physical disadvantage, including a 10-inch reach deficit, Kavaliauskas mauled his man, dropping him twice in the third round before cruising to a lopsided unanimous decision victory.

While his performance was memorable, Kavaliauskas (23-2-1, 18 KOs) has established his name following two incredibly competitive bouts against Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Terence Crawford. On both occasions, the Lithuanian native, regardless of his strong start, faltered down the stretch, losing via stoppage in both the eighth and ninth rounds respectively.

With both men sporting an undefeated record, Ortiz (19-0, 19 KOs) has repeatedly called for a showdown against Crawford. Although Kavaliauskas believes that their proposed showdown would be a razor-thin one, he’s come to the conclusion that Ortiz would be simply too much for the pound-for-pound star.

“I will back Vergil Ortiz,” said Kavaliauskas to Fight Hub TV. “I think he’s the winner in that fight. He would beat Crawford.”

Despite Ortiz being on the verge of becoming Crawford’s mandatory, the Omaha, Nebraska, native has more pressing matters at hand. Crawford (38-0, 29 KOs) attempted to negotiate an undisputed showdown against unified champion, Errol Spence Jr. However, both sides were unable to reach a deal. Crawford will instead return in December against EBU champion David Avanesya.

In any event, should Ortiz find himself thrust into the spotlight, Kavaliauskas maintains that he’s more than ready to seize the mantle for himself. When last seen, the 24-year-old slugger registered his 19th consecutive knockout victory, stopping Michael McKinson in the ninth round.

Considering his ability to render his opponents motionless on the canvas, Kavaliauskas has a hunch that Crawford, in spite of his all-around skills, would suffer the same fate.

“Maybe with a stoppage,” said Kavaliauskas when asked how Ortiz would score the victory. “He’s an aggressive and powerful guy. I think Vergil Ortiz has more power. He’s a more powerful, more stronger guy and more aggressive guy.”