Austin Williams won a 12-round unanimous decision over Patrice Volny at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Williams, 160 lbs of Houston won by scores of 118-110, 116-112 and 115-113 and is now 18-1. Volny of Montreal is 19-2.

Edgar Berlanga stopped Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz in the opening round of their 10-round super middleweight bout.

In round one, Berlanga dropped Ortiz with a left hook on the chin. Seconds later, it was a crushing right that slumped Ortiz down again. Ortiz continued, all be it for just a few seconds as Berlanga landed a hard right that buckled Ortiz to the ropes and the fight was stopped at 2:31.

Berlanga, 169 1/2 lbs of Brooklyn, NY was a pound and a half over the mandated weight, was making his first appearance since his spirited loss to Canelo Alvarez and is now 23-1 with 18 knockouts. Gonzalez-Ortiz, 167 1/2 lbs of Puerto Rico is 20-1-1.

2024 Olympic Bronze Medal winner Amari Jones made a successful pro debut with a second round stoppage of Alessio Mastronunzio in a six-round junior middleweight bout.

In round one, Jones battered Mastrnunzio to the point that he opened up a cut over the right eye. Jones came up and landed five fights to the face and the fight was stopped at 22 seconds.

Jones, 149 1/2 lbs of Orlando is 1-0 with one knockout. Mastronunio, 152 1/4 lbs of Ardea Lassio, ITA is 13-7.

Former world title challenger Jamaine Ortiz won a 10-round unanimous decision over Yomar Alamo in a junior welterweight bout.

Ortiz had swelling on the right side of his face in the opening round.

Ortiz, 140 lbs of Worcester, MA won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92 and is now 19-2-1. Alamo, 139 1/2 lbs of Aguas Buenas, PR is 22-4-1.

ORLANDO, FL – Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (18-2-1, 9 KOs) is poised to defend his WBA Continental Americas Jr. Welterweight title on Saturday, when he takes on Yomar “The Magic” Alamo (22-3-1, 13 KOs) at the Caribe Royale in Orlando and televised live worldwide on DAZN.

The bout, promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with CES Boxing and Boxlab Promotions, is part of a triple header also featuring middleweight prospect Austin “Ammo” Williams against Patrice Volny and the return of Edgar Berlanga against unbeaten Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz. 

“Yomar Alamo is a tough, experienced fighter,” said a confident Ortiz on fight week.  “I’ve put in the work, and I’m ready to make a statement. Every fight is a step toward my ultimate goal of winning a world title, and this one is no different—I’m coming to dominate.”

Ortiz, a Worcester, MA native of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent, will be fighting for the second time since losing a highly disputed decision to Teofimo Lopez in February 2024 for the WBO World Super Lightweight title. 

The 28-year-old bounced back in November to impressively stop Cristian Mino for the Continental Americas title, dropping the Argentine four times in the process.  Now ranked #15 in the WBA, Ortiz is poised for a second world title shot.

“This fight is about proving that I belong at the top,” said Ortiz. “I’m here to show the world what I’m capable of. I’m ready for bigger opportunities. After this, I want a world title.”

The WBA title is currently in the hands of Gary Antuanne Russell, who bounced back from a split decision loss to Alberto Puello last June to dominate Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela for the WBA title at the Barclays Center on March 1st. 

Before The Technician can focus on Russell, he has to get by Alamo, a 30-year-old from Puerto Rico who has shared the ring with the likes of current IBF world champion Richardson Hitchens, former champion Liam Paro and veteran contender Antonio Moran, who Ortiz beat in 2023.

“I’m not looking past Alamo,” ensures Ortiz, “but I know what’s next for me—bigger names, bigger fights, and championship opportunities. After this win, I want the best in my division. I’m ready to take over.”

For more information on CES Boxing events, visit cesfights.com.

INFORMATION
About CES Boxing

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast.  Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.

ORLANDO, FL – A CES Boxing fighter will headline on DAZN for the second week in a row tonight, as Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (17-2-1, 8 KOs) battles tough Argentine Cristian “Piedrita” Mino (24-9-2, 17 KOs) in a 10-round bout for the vacant WBA Continental USA jr. welterweight title.  Both fighters made weight yesterday, with Ortiz coming in at 140 lbs and Mino at 139.8 lbs.

The main event is co-promoted by CES Boxing and Boxlab Promotions on a card featuring 10 additional bouts taking place at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida.  Doors open at 5pm EST with the first bout beginning at 6pm EST.  Tickets begin at $40 and are on sale at Ticketmaster.

Ortiz, who lost a hotly disputed decision to WBO jr. welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez in February, has changed his mindset following the loss and is focused on making an emphatic statement tonight that does not require the judge’s scorecards.

“I should have learned after the Lomachenko fight, but I definitely learned after the Teofimo fight not to leave it in the judge’s hands,” admitted the Worcester native on fight week. “I’ve already shown that I’m a great boxer.  The world knows that I can switch from right to left, I can bang, I can box, I can fight off the back foot.  Now I’m coming to finish my opponents and give the fans a great show.”

If his words are any indication, Cristian Mino is in for a short night tonight.

“My goal is to win a world title, and I’m not going to stop until I get it,” stated the 28-year-old Ortiz.  “It all starts on November 1st against Cristian Mino.  I’m ready to put on a show for the fans and make a statement on my way back to a title shot.”

For more information on this card and all other CES Boxing events, visit cesfights.com.

INFORMATION

ABOUT CES BOXING
CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast.  Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.

LAS VEGAS, NV (October 29, 2024) — Boxlab Promotions undefeated super bantamweight prospect Chavez Barrientes (9-0, 6 KOs) is set to put his unblemished record on the line this Friday when he faces Noah Contreras (9-1, 4 KOs) of Fort Mohave, AZ, at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL. The highly anticipated 8-round bout will be part of an action-packed card headlined by Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (17-2-1, 8 KOs) versus Christian Rubio Mino (24-9-2, 17 KOs) in a 10-round bout for the WBA Continental USA Jr. Welterweight title. All the action will be broadcast live globally on DAZN.

Barrientes, a Las Vegas native, recognizes the challenge that Contreras presents but is confident in his preparation and skills. For Barrientes, this bout is about more than just keeping his perfect record intact, it’s a chance to compete at his preferred weight class.

“I’m expecting a challenging fight against Contreras. He’s a tough competitor, and I know he’s coming to win,” said Barrientes. “That’s the kind of fight I want to show everyone that I can handle pressure and rise to the occasion. I’m excited to finally be back fighting at my preferred weight of 122 pounds. In my last couple of fights, I was fighting above my weight class, and while I was still successful, I feel fighting at in my natural weight class will be a big difference. This fight is different—I’m at the weight where I’m strongest.”

“We’re looking forward to seeing Chavez perform on this big stage,” said Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions. “He’s been working hard and improving with each fight, and a win on Friday could set the stage for an opportunity to fight for a regional title soon. We believe he has all the tools to become a major player in the super bantamweight division.”

A win on Friday could be a pivotal moment in Barrientes’ young career as he aims to take the next step towards a championship opportunity. Looking impressive in the ring has always been a key focus for Barrientes, who believes every performance is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

“A win here will definitely help push my career forward,” concluded Barrientes. “It’s all about making statements, and I believe a victory against a tough guy like Contreras can show people that I’m ready for bigger fights. Looking impressive is very important, especially in fights like this. People want to see that I’m more than just a young, undefeated fighter—they want to see a future world champion in the making. My goal is to give them that kind of performance.”

This event is brought to you by Boxlab Promotions in association with CES Boxing and Undisputed Promotions. Doors open at 5:00 pm ET with the first bout beginning at 6:00 pm ET. Tickets priced $40 (General Admission), $60 (Standard Admission-4A), $75 (Standard Admission-3A), $100 (Ringside), and VIP Tables for 10 are priced at $1,500 including a bottle of champagne, appetizer tray for the table, prime viewing and dedicated servers, are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.

ORLANDO, FL (October 28, 2024) – Undefeated lightweight Kaipo Gallegos (6-0-1, 5 KOs) from Las Vegas, NV, is set to take a major step in his career as he battles Tampa’s Iron Alvarez (15-2, 11 KOs) for the WBO Youth title this Friday, November 1, 2024, at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL. The 8-round bout will serve as the co-main event on a DAZN-televised card headlined by Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (17-2-1, 8 KOs) versus Christian Rubio Mino (24-9-2, 17 KOs) for the WBA Continental USA Jr. Welterweight title.

Gallegos, who is co-promoted by Boxlab Promotions and Shuan Boxing, has generated excitement in the lightweight division with his aggressive style and high KO ratio. The 18-year-old is focused on capturing the WBO Youth title in what he acknowledges will be the toughest test of his career to date. Gallegos knows the stakes are high against the battle-tested Alvarez, a dangerous puncher with extensive experience in the ring.

“Training camp has been tremendous,” said Gallegos. “I’ve put in the work with my team, fine-tuning my skills and making sure I’m peaking at the right time. I feel strong, sharp, and confident heading into this fight. This is definitely the toughest fight of my career. Alvarez is a talented fighter with a lot of power, but I’m ready for this moment. I’m prepared to dig deep and leave everything in the ring to win this title.”

Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions, sees immense potential in Gallegos and believes a win on Friday will solidify his status as one of the sport’s top young talents. “Kaipo has all the tools to be one of the best lightweight prospects in boxing,” said Piedra. “A victory over a tough and experienced opponent like Alvarez would be a huge boost for his career. We’re excited about his future and confident that he’s ready to take this next step.”

A victory on November 1 would be a career-defining moment for the rising star. “Winning the WBO Youth title is a huge step forward for me,” Gallegos concluded. “It’ll show that I belong with the best young fighters in my weight class and lead to even bigger fights. I want to prove to the world that I’m the next great fighter to come out of Las Vegas.”

This event is brought to you by Boxlab Promotions in association with CES Boxing and Undisputed Promotions. Doors open at 5:00 pm ET with the first bout beginning at 6:00 pm ET. Tickets priced $40 (General Admission), $60 (Standard Admission-4A), $75 (Standard Admission-3A), $100 (Ringside), and VIP Tables for 10 are priced at $1,500 including a bottle of champagne, appetizer tray for the table, prime viewing and dedicated servers, are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.

ORLANDO, FL – CES Boxing and Boxlab Promotions are excited to announce a co-promotional partnership with top jr. welterweight contender Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (17-2-1, 8 KOs).

Ortiz’s first fight under the new agreement will take place on Boxlab Promotions’ popular “Night of Champions” card, scheduled for November 1, 2024, at the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, Florida. The event will be televised live worldwide on DAZN.

Ortiz will face battle tested Mexican warrior, Gilberto Espinoza (13-2, 8 KOs), from Tijuana, MX, in a 10-round main event for the WBA Continental USA Jr. Welterweight title, setting the stage for a classic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico showdown. This fight represents a pivotal moment in Ortiz’s career, as he looks to reestablish his standing in the jr. welterweight division.

This event is brought to you by Boxlab Promotions in association with CES Sports and Undisputed Promotions. Doors open at 5:00 pm ET with the first bout beginning at 6:00 pm ET. Tickets priced $40 (General Admission), $60 (Standard Admission-4A), $75 (Standard Admission-3A), and $100 (Ringside), are on sale now at Ticketmaster.

“I’m really excited to be co-promoted by two great promoters like CES Boxing and Boxlab,” stated Ortiz, who fights out of Worcester, Massachusetts. “This is the right move for me at this juncture of my career, and I’m confident that together, they will get me where I need to be in the sport. I’ve always had big goals, and this partnership will help me reach them. My fight with Espinoza is going to showcase what I’ve been working on, and I’m going to shine on the international stage.”

“Jamaine Ortiz is an excellent fighter, and we are excited to start this co-promotional agreement with CES Boxing,” said Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions. “Jamaine is a top-tier talent, and we believe this partnership will bring him even closer to realizing his full potential. We’re committed to working together to secure the best opportunities for his career, and November 1st will be the start of an incredible journey with him.”

“This co-promotional partnership is a game-changer for Jamaine Ortiz and a great step forward for CES Boxing and Boxlab Promotions,” stated Jimmy Burchfield, Sr., Founder of CES Boxing. “Jamaine has shown he’s one of the best fighters in the world at 140, and by joining forces with Boxlab, we’re positioning him for even bigger opportunities on the world stage. This is a win for all of us, and we look forward to seeing him shine on November 1st.”

Ortiz, who gave WBO jr. welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez all he could handle in February, is eager to get back into world title contention. He believes that this co-promotional agreement is the perfect move for him at this stage of his career.

“My goal is to get back into a world title fight, and I know that with the support of CES and Boxlab, I can get there,” concluded Ortiz. “It all starts on November 1st against a tough opponent in Espinoza, and I’m ready to put on a show for the fans and make my mark again.”

For more information on these cards and all other CES Boxing events, visit cesfights.com.

INFORMATION

ABOUT CES BOXING

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast. Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.

Follow all the action as Teofimo Lopez defends the WBO Junior Welterweight world title against Jamaine Ortiz.  The action begins at 10:30 PM ET /7:30 PM with Keyshawn Davis fighting former world champion Jose Pedraza.

The Page will update automatically.  No Browser refresh needed.

ROUND 1 Good jab from Ortiz..

ROUND 2 Right from Lopez..Right

ROUND 3 Good right to body from Lopez..Good uppercut…Uppercut from Ortiz..Left..Right from Lopez..Good counter

ROUND 4 Good Right to body and sweeping left hook from Lopez…Digs to body and short right hand for Ortiz..Counter right hook

ROUND 5 

ROUND 6 Counter right from Lopez…Left from Ortiz..Counter right from Lopez..

ROUND 7 Blood from left eye of Ortiz (Accidental headutt)..Right from Lopez..Right uppercut…Blood coming from mouth of Ortiz

ROUND 8  Right hook from Ortiz..

ROUND 9 Combination from Ortiz

ROUND 10 Short uppercut on inside from Lopez..Hook..

ROUND 11 Double Right from Lopez..Straight left from Ortiz..

ROUND 12  Short Right from Lopez…Right..

117-111, 115-113 twice FOR LOPEZ

Round 1 Right from Pedraza…
Round 2 Good right from Davis…Left Hook..3 Punch combination..Right to the body..Right
Round 3 3 punch combination from Davis..Good combination..right hand and a left hook to the head…Double right to the body..Right and landing head shots.
Round 4  Doctor looking at right eye of Pedraza…
Round 5 Jab to the body from Davis…Right
Round 6 Good body shot from Davis..Right and is teeing off on Pedraza…Big right on the ROPES AND PEDRAZA IS BLOODY AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

Round 1:

It wasn’t pretty, but Teofimo Lopez won a 12-round unanimous decision over Jamaine Ortiz to retain his WBO Junior Welterweight title at the Michelob Ultra Arena inside Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

The fight took it’s shape early as Ortiz wanted to circle the ring and not do much on offense. Lopez was following Ortiz around, but he was at least trying to make the fight. The fight was a frustrating watch, as the movement of Ortiz did not give Lopez any opportunities for sustained offense.

In round seven, Ortiz was cut above the left eye from an accidental headbutt In the same round, Lopez began to bleed from his mouth. The fight continued it’s defensive struggle theme as Lopez would land glancing blows, but it was more then what Ortiz was able amount.

Lopez landed 78 of 364 punches. Ortiz was 80 of 409.

Lopez, 139.6 lbs of Brooklyn won by scores of 117-111 and 115-113 twice to raise his record to 20-1. Ortiz, 139.6 lbs of Worcester, MA is 17-2-1.

Keyshawn Davis Stops Jose Pedraza in 6

Jose Pedraza remained undefeated bt stopping former two-division world champion Jose Pedraza in round six of their 10-round lightweight bout.

Davis was dominant from the second round on as he worked the body and that slowed the veteran Pedraza who was fighting at lightweight for the first time in four years.

In round six, Davis landed a body shot that set up a big right over the top that hurt Pedraza. Davis jumped on his prey and unloaded with some hard shots that forced Pedraza back on the ropes and the ref saved a bloody Pedraza as it was stopped at

Davis, 134.7 lbs of Norfolk, CA is 10-0 with seven knockouts. Pedraza, 134.5 lbs of Cidra, PR is 29-6-1.

Rene Tellez Giron won a eight-round unanimous decision over George Acosta in a lightweight bout.

In round five, Giron dropped Acosta with an overhand right. Giron was cut in the back of his head from a headbutt.

Giron landed 146 of 486 punches. Acosta was 125 of 422.

Giron, 132 lbs of Quertarro, MEX won by scores of 79-72, 78-73 and 76-75 and is now 19-3. Acosta, 131.3 lbs of Whittier, CA is 17-2.

Javier Martinez remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Raul Salomon in a middleweight bout.

Martinez, 161.6 lbs of Milwaukee, WI won by scores of 79-73 and 78-74 and is now 10-0-1. Salomon, 164.4 lbs of Long Beach, CA

Hot-Shot prospect Abdullah Mason scored a spectacular second round stoppage over Benjamin Gurment in round two of an eight round lightweight bout.

In round two, Mason landed three booming lefts that drove Gurment into the corner that was ruled a knockdown. The fighters met in the center in the ring and Mason landed a devastating left that put Gurment down on his back and the fight was stopped at 1:29.

Mason, 135.3 lbs is 12-0 with 10 knockouts. Gurment, 136.8 lbs of Fort Worth, TX is 8-1-3.

Charlie Sheehy remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Abdel Sauceda in lightweight bout.

Sheehy, 135.7 lbs of Brisbane, CA won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 9-0. Sauceda, 135.4 lbs of Monterrey, MEX is 12-4.

Alan Garcia made short work of Tomas Ornelas by registering a 51 second knockout in a six-round lightweight bout.

Garcia dropped Ornelas in the opening seconds with a left hook. Garcia ended things with three punch combo that finished off by a left to the body and the fight was stopped at

Garcia, 136.6 lbs of Ulysses, KS is now 11-0 with nine knockouts. Ornelas, 134.6 lbs of Denver is now 7-4.

Lemir Isom-Riley stopped Antonio Zeoeda in round three of their six-round heavyweight bout.

In round three, Isom-Riley dropped Zepeda as Zepeda took a knee. Moments later, Isom-Riley scored a second knockdown after a flurry and the fight was stopped by the corner at 1:28.

Isom-Riley, 257 lbs of Harrisburg, PA is 4-2 with two knockdowns. Zepeda, 299.7 lbs of Las Vegas is 6-2.

Art Barrera Jr. stopped Michael Portales in the opening round of their four-round junior welterweight fight.

In round one, Barrera landed a huge left hook that put Portales on the canvas and the fight was stopped at 1:41.

Barrera, 141 lbs of Linwoood, CA is 3-0 with three knockouts. Portales, 140 lbs of San Jose, CA is 3-3-1.

 •  Teofimo Lopez 139.6 lbs. vs. Jamaine Ortiz 139.6 lbs
(Lopez’s WBO/Ring Magazine Junior Welterweight World Titles – 12 Rounds)

   •  Keyshawn Davis 134.7 lbs vs. Jose Pedraza 134.5 lbs
(Lightweight — 10 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT)

•  George Acosta 131.3 lbs vs. Rene Tellez Giron 132 lbs
 (Lightweight —8 Rounds)

•  Javier Martinez 161.6 lbs vs. Raul Salomon 164.4 lbs
 (Middleweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Abdullah Mason 135.3 lbs vs. Benjamin Gurment 136.8 lbs
 (Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Charlie Sheehy 135.7 lbs vs. Abdel Sauceda 135.4 lbs
 (Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Alan Garcia 136.6 lbs vs. Tomas Ornelas 134.6 lbs
 (Lightweight — 6 Rounds)

•   Antonio Zepeda 299.7 lbs vs. Lemir Isom-Riley 257 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

•   Art Barrera Jr. 141 lbs vs. Michael Portales 140 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 4 Rounds)

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (Feb. 6, 2024) — The “Showman” is ready to kick off Big Game Weekend by settling unfinished business. 

Teofimo Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs) will defend his WBO and Ring Magazine junior welterweight titles against Jamaine Ortiz (17-1-1, 8 KOs) on Thursday, Feb. 8, at Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis (9-0, 6 KOs) faces Puerto Rican former two-division world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (29-5-1, 14 KOs).

Lopez-Ortiz & Davis-Pedraza will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT

The ESPN+-streamed undercard (6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT) will feature a gamut of up-and-coming talents:

Javier “Milwaukee Made” Martinez (9-0-1, 3 KOs) will take on Raul Salomon (12-2, 10 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight clash.

Unbeaten lightweights Abdullah Mason (11-0, 9 KOs) and Charlie Sheehy (8-0, 5 KOs) will return in separate eight-round fights. Mason will square off against Benjamin Gurment (8-0-3, 5 KOs), while Sheehy faces Abdel Sauceda (12-3, 8 KOs).

Lightweight prospect Alan “Kid Kansas” Garcia (10-0, 8 KOs) will risk his unbeaten record in a six-rounder versus Tomas Ornelas (7-3, 5 KOs).

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Takeover Promotions and CES Boxing, tickets are on sale now at AXS.com. 

At Tuesday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Teofimo Lopez

“I’m the big clown of the sport of boxing. I’ve got to make everyone laugh. I’ve got a big nose for a reason.”

“It’s great to be back. I’m glad to see the talents coming through. But this is only the beginning for me. I’m 26 years young. I’m not even in my prime yet.”

“We have a tremendous dance partner. He’s wanted this fight for awhile. And we’ll do our thing.”

“I’ve been to the top before at 135, beating the most decorated fighter at the time. Nobody wanted to face him. Now we’re back again. I beat the guy nobody wanted to fight again. So, I’ve looked it as I’ve gained it, lost it and I’ve gained it back again. I know what it takes to be great, which means to respect the ring and respect what it means to be a champion.”

Jamaine Ortiz

“There hasn’t been respect. It’s a fight. I’m coming here to take his head off. It is what it is.
There is a calm before the storm. you’ve got to know to keep control of your mind and body, especially before you go into battle.”

“I feel like I’m going to be the guy having the clown do whatever I want to do. It’s going to be that kind of show.”

“When I win Thursday night, it’s going to be a great night. I’m going to remember it for the rest of my life. It will be the day I became a world champion. It will be another step in my goal to getting other great fights and to continue building my legacy.”  

Keyshawn Davis

“Pedraza said that he has all the experience. And he did fight a lot of great fighters. But he hasn’t fought me before. I don’t care about all the experience he has because he hasn’t fought me yet. So he’s going to see everything I bring to the table.”

“He’s a great fighter. He’s been in a lot of great fights for the sport of boxing. And I believe he’s good for the sport of boxing. But I feel like he’s got the biggest challenge yet in front of him. A young, hungry, real fighter. When that bell starts, I won’t be here to play. It’s going to be an action-packed fight. I’m definitely coming out victorious, but the fans are going to be the winners that night.”Jose Pedraza

“At this point of my career, it doesn’t matter who is my opponent. Keyshawn Davis is an excellent boxer. He doesn’t have the experience that I do in professional boxing, but he had a great trajectory in amateur boxing. He is an excellent boxer. It doesn’t matter what the record is. You have to face those challenges. It doesn’t matter if he’s a prospect, a veteran or a contender. You have to accept it. Let’s fight.”

“I prepared very well for this fight. I’ve come to do my job. I don’t look the result. But don’t misinterpret me. I do expect a great victory. But I don’t expect a particular result. I simply go to do a good job for the fans, so that they can leave happy.”Javier Martinez

“I represent Milwaukee so much because there aren’t a lot of boxers who come out of there. There’s actually a lot of talent there. But a lot don’t make it out. They don’t get those opportunities. So, I represent for them.”

Abdullah Mason

“It’s amazing. Everybody in my family pushes each other to be better. Not just in boxing. But to be better brothers and family members.”

“I’m going to take advantage of this spotlight. And I’m going to get hungrier and hungrier. We’re on our way to the top.”

Charlie Sheehy

“I love fighting in Las Vegas. I always dreamed of fighting here as a kid, so to be here where great fighters have been is good. I want to come out an execute a great boxing game plan. I want to hit and not get hit. I’ve been working with my trainer, Javiel Centeno, so hopefully you will all see improvements in this fight.”

Alan Garcia

“I always stay in the gym. I like to continue learning. I stay disciplined and do anything to keep my body ready. Staying focused is never a problem for me. I know what I’m here to do.”

Thursday, February 8
 

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT)
 

Teofimo Lopez vs. Jamaine Ortiz, 12 rounds, Lopez’s WBO and Ring Magazine Junior Welterweight World Titles 

Keyshawn Davis vs. Jose Pedraza, 10 rounds, lightweight
 

ESPN+ (6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT)
 

George Acosta vs. Rene Tellez Giron, 8 rounds, lightweight 

Art Barrera Jr. vs. Michael Portales, 4 rounds, junior welterweight

LAS VEGAS (Feb. 5, 2024) — Teofimo Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs) and Jamaine Ortiz (17-1-1, 8 KOs) hosted their public workouts today ahead of their showdown for Lopez’s WBO and Ring Magazine junior welterweight world titles this Thursday, Feb. 8 at Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis (9-0, 6 KOs) faces Puerto Rican former two-division world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (29-5-1, 14 KOs).
 
Lopez-Ortiz and Davis-Pedraza will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

Undercard action, streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT, will include the following fights:

George Acosta vs. Rene Tellez Giron, 8 rounds, lightweight

Javier Martinez vs. Raul Salomon, 8 rounds, middleweight

Abdullah Mason vs. Benjamin Gurment, 8 rounds, lightweight

Charlie Sheehy vs. Abdel Sauceda, 8 rounds, lightweight

Alan Garcia vs. Tomas Ornelas, 6 rounds, lightweight

Antonio Zepeda vs. Lemir Isom-Riley, 6 rounds, heavyweight 

Art Barrera Jr. vs. Michael Portales, 4 rounds, junior welterweight

This is what the fighters had to say:

Teofimo Lopez

“It’s a super fight. It’s great to be back. I’m here to do it for everyone and the next generation. I’m excited. Everybody is here to see greatness.”

“Talk is cheap. He can say what he wants, but it’s a lot different when they feel these punches. I love guys like him who think they can take this. But I’m ‘The Takeover.’”

“I’m not one dimensional. I’m universal. I’ve got plans from A to Z. I’ve been training since last August. So, I’m ready.”

Jamaine Ortiz

“I’m feeling great. I’m ready to put on a show and have some fun. That’s all I’m here to do, to have some fun. I’m excited to be crowned world champion. My time is coming. This Thursday, I will be crowned the new champ at 140.”

“I’m bringing my heart. I’m bringing everything, my soul, my whole body. I’m willing to risk my life in the ring. He beat me before. I still have that in mind. So, I’m going to avenge that loss.”

Keyshawn Davis

“I feel excited. I feel good. I can’t wait for Thursday. I’m looking forward to an amazing performance. I’m trying to stop Pedraza. He’s only been stopped once, by another Davis. Now it’s going to happen with a Davis from a new generation. I feel like this is my breakout fight. It’s going to put me at the top level.“

“He has experience, but I’ve dealt with that before. It doesn’t make a difference. It’s just another fighter and another opponent coming to win. This is going to be a fight. I finally feel like I’m going to be in there with someone who can really fight. Whatever game plan he has, I feel like he’s going to test me. And I’m going to rise to the occasion.”

Jose Pedraza 

“It’s been a year since I fought, so I’m happy to be back. I can’t wait to fight Keyshawn Davis.”

“Keyshawn is an excellent boxer, but I have more  experience. He has a lot of experience, too, but as an amateur. He has a typical North American style, so I expect a good fight from him.”

“I feel stronger at lightweight. This is my division. When I moved up to junior welterweight, it wasn’t because I couldn’t make the weight. I had a goal of becoming a three-weight world champion.”

Alan Garcia

“I’m very excited to be on another great Top Rank card. I’m ready to show what a kid from Kansas can do. In every camp, I work on hurting my opponent, but I’m always prepared to go the distance.”

Charlie Sheehy

“I feel good to be fighting in my first eight-rounder. I’m meant for more rounds as I’ll be able to finally implement a game plan and break people down.”

Abdullah Mason

“I’ve been ready to fight eight rounds for a while now. I’m looking forward to longer fights and more durable opponents so I can work towards breaking them down.”

Javier Martinez

“I’ve watched a lot of film, and I’m prepared to do what I gotta do. I don’t like to predict. But with the way I’ve prepared, I’ll be looking to finish it soon.”

LAS VEGAS (Feb. 2, 2024) —The Showman is ready to deliver a spectacle.

Teofimo Lopez will defend his WBO and Ring Magazine junior welterweight world titles against Jamaine Ortiz on Thursday, Feb. 8 at Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis steps up against former two-division world champion Jose Pedraza.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Takeover Promotions and CES Boxing, tickets are on sale now at AXS.com. 
 
Lopez-Ortiz and Davis-Pedraza will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs) captured the IBF lightweight world title in December 2019 via second-round knockout victory against Richard Commey. In October 2020, he beat Vasiliy Lomachenko to securing the WBA, WBO, and WBC Franchise titles, but lost them to George Kambosos Jr. by a stunning split decision 13 months later. He moved up to junior welterweight with a seventh-round TKO against Pedro Campa in August 2022 and defeated Sandor Martin via split decision that December. In his last fight, Lopez shocked the boxing world by defeating former undisputed champ Josh Taylor to earn the WBO and Ring Magazine titles. 

Ortiz (17-1-1, 8 KOs) dropped a competitive 12-round decision to pound-for-pound great Vasiliy Lomachenko in October 2022 before returning 11 months later to secure a 10-round decision over Antonio Moran in his junior welterweight debut.

Following a recent training session at the Top Rank Gym in Las Vegas, this is what Lopez had to say:

“Before all of this and before I fought Josh Taylor, I used to take a break. I used to not really train so much. I used to not always be in the gym. But after I got everything back and became a two-division world champion, I started staying in the gym. My trainer, who is my father, always wanted me to stay in the gym. So, I started doing that last August. Since then, I’ve gotten faster. I’ve gotten much stronger. My I.Q. is much sharper. And it’s because I haven’t stopped training since August of last year. And I’m not going to stop. After I beat Jamaine Ortiz, then I will keep staying in the gym.”
 
“The end result is that ‘The Showman’ is returning. There will definitely be a knockout. It’s not going the distance. I’m not going to leave it in the judges’ hands at all. So, everyone tune in, and get your popcorn ready.”
 
“It’s been a long journey. And I know what it takes. I don’t want to be known as a fighter who knows how to get to the top but doesn’t know how to keep it. So, I want everyone to tune in so they can see how much I truly love the sport of boxing.”
 

LAS VEGAS (Feb. 1, 2024) — Jamaine Ortiz is ready to settle unfinished business on the biggest stage of his career.

Ortiz will challenge WBO and Ring Magazine junior welterweight world champion Teofimo Lopez on Thursday, Feb. 8 at Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis steps up against former two-division world champion Jose Pedraza.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Takeover Promotions and CES Boxing, tickets are on sale now at AXS.com. 

Lopez-Ortiz and Davis-Pedraza will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

Ortiz (17-1-1, 8 KOs), from Worcester, Massachusetts, enters his first world championship opportunity riding a wave of momentum. At lightweight, he defeated top contender Nahir Albright and former world champion Jamel Herring in consecutive fights before dropping a competitive 12-round decision to pound-for-pound great Vasiliy Lomachenko in October 2022. Almost 11 months after the Lomachenko defeat, he secured a 10-round decision over Antonio Moran.

Following a recent training session at the Top Rank Gym in Las Vegas, this is what Ortiz had to say:

“I can do a lot of things in the ring that people haven’t seen yet. On February 8, people are going to see what I can do in there. When the opposition is better, I fight better, and I believe Teofimo Lopez is going to bring the best out of me. I’m going to show my skills and athleticism on fight night.”

“I think I’m more athletic and have more speed than Teofimo. I have a better jab and movement. I have a lot of advantages that will show when we fight.”

“I’m ready to be world champion. I didn’t want any more tune-up fights. I demanded the big fights, and this is a big fight. I’m here to build a legacy in the sport, and this is a legacy fight.”

“I feel great at 140 pounds. I don’t need to sacrifice as much as I did when I fought at lightweight. I’m going to feel a lot better in the ring, and that is going to show in my performance on February 8.”

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN presented by AutoZone: Lopez vs. Ortiz will be presented live this Thursday, February 8, at 10:30 p.m. ET/ 7:30 p.m. PT, on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ from Michelob ULTRA Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada. This special Thursday night event precedes Super Bowl LVIII, which unfolds Sunday, February 11 at Allegiant Stadium. This marks the first time the championship will be hosted in Las Vegas and features a showdown between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs.

In the main event, lineal junior welterweight champion, Teofimo Lopez, will defend his WBO and Ring Magazine titles against Jamaine Ortiz.

Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs) moved up to junior welterweight in August 2022 with a seventh-round TKO against Pedro Campa and a split decision over Spanish southpaw Sandor Martin that December. In his latest display of exceptional skill, Lopez upset former undisputed champion Josh Taylor to capture the WBO and Ring Magazine titles last June. Competing in his first world title bout, Ortiz (17-1-1, 8 KOs), a seven-year pro from Worcester, Massachusetts, is coming off a one-sided points verdict win over Antonio Moran last September. In 2022, Ortiz won two out of three including a victory over former world champion Jamel “Semper Fi’ Herring before giving former pound-for-pound king Vasilily Lomachenko all he could handle across 12 rounds in a close decision loss.

In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis faces Puerto Rican former two-division world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza.

Davis (9-0, 6 KOs), a silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, has graduated from prospect to contender and is inching closer to a world title opportunity. He had a standout 2023, including a devastating ninth-round TKO over former world title challenger Anthony Yigit.

Pedraza (29-5-1, 14 KOs), captured the WBO lightweight world title in August 2018. After losing the title in a unification showdown against Lomachenko, he moved up to 140 pounds. Pedraza returns to the lightweight division in hopes of another world title run.

Undercard action exclusively on ESPN+ begins at 6:25 p.m. ET/ 3:25 p.m. PT and features a wide range of up-and-coming talent.

Calling the action will be ESPN’s Joe Tessitore, Hall of Famer, Timothy Bradley, Jr., Mark Kriegel, and Bernardo Osuna. 

Ahead of the blockbuster Top Rank event on February 8, ESPN will air three new original programs:

Blood, Sweat & Tears: Lopez vs. Ortiz

Teofimo Lopez: Greatest Hits

Pressure: Keyshawn Davis

• Blood, Sweat & Tears: Lopez vs. Ortiz: a 30-minute all-access preview that will take fight fans inside both training camps ahead of the Jr. Welterweight World Championship main event.  Two-division world titlist and current WBO junior welterweight king Teofimo Lopez (19-1, 13 KO) defends his crown against Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (17-1-1, 8 KO).
• Teofimo Lopez: Greatest Hits: a 30-minute retrospective hosted by Crystina Poncher including the biggest fights and moments so far in Teofimo’s young career. Fight fans will get to re-live the highlight-reel knockouts that set Lopez on a fast track to superstardom, including the night Lopez won his first world championship at Madison Square Garden against Richard Commey, the moment he became a pound-for-pound force and unified world champion over Vasiliy Lomachenko, and his most recent masterclass against former undisputed champion Josh Taylor.
• Pressure: Keyshawn Davis: a 30-minute look back at the most recent outing for one of Top Rank’s brightest blue-chip prospects. The show features a fight-night peek behind the curtain at “The Businessman” from his October 14^th featured bout in the Lone Star State on the Janibek-Gualtieri undercard. Davis returns to action against former two-division world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (29-5-1, 14 KO).

 Original Programming (All Times ET)

ESPN.com: Bradley’s Breakdown ahead of the fight.

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok

Lopez vs. Ortiz (All Times ET)

LAS VEGAS (Jan. 4, 2024) — The lineal junior welterweight king is ready for a super show.

Teofimo Lopez will defend his WBO and Ring Magazine titles against Jamaine Ortiz on Thursday, Feb. 8, at Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Lopez-Ortiz headlines an action-packed televised doubleheader that kicks off Big Game Weekend.

In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis faces Puerto Rican former two-division world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza. 

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Takeover Promotions and CES Boxing, tickets go on sale Friday, Jan. 5 at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased at AXS.com. 

Lopez-Ortiz and Davis-Pedraza will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

“Teofimo Lopez is among the best fighters in the world and always wants to fight the best available opponent. Jamaine Ortiz is a supreme talent who fits the bill,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “I believe Keyshawn Davis is a future world champion, but you can never count out a skilled two-weight world champion like Jose Pedraza. What a fantastic doubleheader for the fans watching on ESPN and at Michelob ULTRA Arena.”

Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs) captured the IBF lightweight world title by defeating Richard Commey via second-round knockout in December 2019. The following October, he bested pound-for-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko to win the WBA, WBO, and WBC Franchise titles. Thirteen months later, he lost the belts via shocking split decision to George Kambosos Jr. The 26-year-old then moved up to junior welterweight in August 2022 with a seventh-round TKO against Pedro Campa and a split decision over Spanish southpaw Sandor Martin that December. In his latest fistic tour de force, Lopez upset former undisputed champion Josh Taylor to capture the WBO and Ring Magazine titles.

Lopez said. “February 8 at Mandalay Bay, ‘The Takeover’ will entertain inside that squared circle as only I can! To the boxing fans around the world, I look to not only dominate and break down Jamaine Ortiz, but to do it in such a fashion that my division will be put on alert.“

“Jamaine is tough. I would know, because I faced him back in the amateur days in 2015 for the National Golden Gloves Championship. I’ll show the world that champions don’t flinch when faced with challenges. They rise and shine the brightest when the stakes are highest. This one is for all my people on the Takeover Express! Let’s show the world once again what real boxing looks like.”

Ortiz (17-1-1, 8 KOs), a seven-year pro, secured the NABF lightweight title by outpointing Nahir Albright in February 2022. The Worcester, Massachusetts, native then notched a decision win against former world champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring that May and rounded off the year with an exceptional showing against Lomachenko. Ortiz dropped the tightly contested battle to “Loma” by unanimous decision but responded with a one-sided points verdict over Antonio Moran in September.

Ortiz said, “This is the most important fight of my career. It’s my first world title bout. I believe this fight will bring out the very best in me, and I’m looking forward to coming home as the new champion!”

Davis (9-0, 6 KOs), from Norfolk, Virginia, has graduated from prospect to contender and is inching closer to a world title opportunity. After going 3-0 as a pro, he captured a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. In November 2021, he signed a long-term promotional contract with Top Rank and has since tallied six victories. He had an active 2023 in which he stopped Anthony Yigit via ninth-round TKO in April and shut out Francesco Patera by 10-round decision in July. In October, he bested Philadelphia-born contender Nahir Albright by majority decision that was later ruled a no contest by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation due to a positive marijuana test.

“I have all the respect in the world for Jose Pedraza and what he’s accomplished in the pro game,” Davis said. “This is type of step up I need to get to the next level, and I know Pedraza will bring his A-game. It’s his last chance to get back to title contention, but I won’t let that happen. I will show out for the fans in Las Vegas and everyone watching on ESPN.”

Pedraza (29-5-1, 14 KOs), from Cidra, Puerto Rico, won the IBF junior lightweight world title against Andrey Klimov in June 2015 and made title defenses against Edner Cherry and Stephen Smith. He captured the WBO lightweight world title against Rey Beltran in August 2018. After losing the title in a unification showdown against Lomachenko, he moved up to 140 pounds, where he a faced the likes of Jose Zepeda, Jose Ramirez, Richard Commey, Lindolfo Delgado and Arnold Barboza Jr. Pedraza returns to the lightweight division in hopes of another world title run.

Pedraza said, “Keyshawn Davis is going to experience what it’s like to face a two-division world champion. He’s never faced a boxer of my caliber, nor has he faced anyone even close to the caliber of my toughest opponents. He wants to continue climbing up the ranks, but on February 8, he’ll be falling off the ladder.”

The ESPN+-streamed undercard features a gamut of up-and-coming talents.

19-year-old lightweight phenom, Emiliano Fernando Vargas (8-0, 7 KOs), son of former junior middleweight world champion Fernando Vargas, will see action in a six-round clash against Tomas Ornelas (7-3, 5 KOs). Vargas went 6-0 with five knockouts in his sophomore year as a pro and is coming off a second-round destruction of Brandon Mendoza in November at T-Mobile Arena.

Lightweight prodigy Abdullah Mason (11-0, 9 KOs) will fight Benjamin Gurment (8-0-3, 5 KOs) in his first scheduled eight-rounder. Mason will look to capitalize on his 5-0 2023 campaign, which included a second-round TKO versus Jose Cardenas in November. 

Unbeaten middleweight Javier “Milwaukee Made” Martinez (9-0-1, 3 KOs) will take on Raul Salomon (12-2, 10 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Martinez dropped Isaiah Wise three times en route to a first-round knockout in November. 

Former Team USA amateur standout Charlie Sheehy (8-0, 5 KOs) will step up to the eight-round distance for the first time. Sheehy vanquished Jesus Vasquez Jr. by unanimous decision in November. 

Unbeaten lightweight prospect Alan “Kid Kansas” Garcia (10-0, 8 KOs), the power-punching dynamo from Ulysses, Kansas, sees action in a six-rounder.

Former national amateur champion Art Barrera Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs) returns to the ring in a four-round junior welterweight fight. 

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Top lightweight contender Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (16-1-1, 8 KOs) returns to the ring this Friday to face battle-tested veteran Antonio Moran (29-5-1, 20 KOs). The bout takes place at the American Bank Center and will be televised live on ESPN+.

“Training has been fabulous,” said Ortiz 10 days before the fight as he wrapped up training camp. “I’m very excited to put on a show and demonstrate how well my training went.”

The 27-year-old makes his first appearance of 2023 after an injury caused him to miss weight in June, forcing the cancellation of a bout that was to take place at Madison Square Garden on the Josh Taylor – Teofimo Lopez undercard.

Now fully healed, the Puerto Rican and Dominican boxer made a few changes to his training camp to ensure that he comfortably makes weight on September 15th.

“I feel confident making weight,” emphasized Ortiz about any doubts that he’ll make the contract limit of 138 lbs. “I hired another nutritionist, but the weight issue in June had more to do with an injury and not being able to work out the same way than it had to do with weight.”

In addition to hiring a nutritionist, Ortiz moved his training camp from his native Worcester to Las Vegas.

“I have less distractions training in Vegas than when I’m training in Worcester,” explained Ortiz of the move. “The intensity of the sparring is a little different too.”

Ortiz also took the step of completing a pre-training camp in Dubai, where he’s been spending more time of late.

“It was random,” says Ortiz about his initial decision to visit Dubai, the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates. “I enjoy traveling and taking advantage of some leisure time between fights to see the world. I just decided to pack my bags and go there. The Eastern part of the world is very different from the Western part. It gave me a whole different perspective. I liked Dubai a lot and decided to train there for a while before coming to Vegas.”

Ortiz believes that these changes will lead to an impressive performance against Antonio Moran, who has faced the likes of undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney and top junior welterweight contender Arnold Barboza, Jr. However, Ortiz feels that he is the one coming into this fight with an edge in experience, especially considering that his last 6 opponents sport a combined record of 102-13-2.

“He’s a good fighter with decent power,” says Ortiz of Moran, who is a 35-fight veteran with 20 knockouts in 29 wins. “He almost has twice as many fights as me, but over the last year I’ve been in the ring with 2 former world champions, one of which is probably a sure shot hall-of-famer.”

Indeed, Ortiz burst on to the scene in 2022, when he won a 10-round unanimous decision over former WBO Super Featherweight champion Jamel Herring and gave future hall-of-famer Vasyl Lomachenko all he could handle in a close 12-round decision loss. Ortiz learned a lot from these experiences, particularly in the fight against “The Matrix”.

“Lomachenko sets things up well and picks up the pace towards the end of each round,” says Ortiz of his first 12-round fight against the former multi-division champion. “I would love to avenge that loss. I definitely learned how to pace myself, how to finish strong, and how important it is to win those championship rounds.”

While Ortiz is disappointed that he dropped a close decision to Lomachenko, it gave him an opportunity to gauge his performance against that of undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney, who won a highly disputed decision over Lomachenko in May.

“I felt like my fight was a lot closer than Devin’s,” says Ortiz. “I felt like I landed a lot cleaner shots in my fight against Loma, and Devin Haney got hit a little too much in their fight. Loma landed a few clean shots on me towards the end of our fight, but he never landed flurries or threw 5 and 6 punch combinations the way he did against Haney. He would only throw one or two punches at a time against me because he was wary of what I was throwing back.”

Antonio Moran will be the second straight opponent that Ortiz faces who has also shared the ring with Haney. When Moran faced Haney in 2019, he was knocked out in spectacular fashion by “The Dream” in round 7. Ortiz, however, is not interested in trying to one-up Devin.

“Styles make fights, so I don’t try to outshine anybody else,” explains Ortiz. “I just compete with myself. I’m going to put on a great show, come out victorious, and be the best version of myself on Friday.”

And while Ortiz is solely focused on Antonio Moran on Friday, he knows that an impressive victory will lead him to high profile bouts for one of the lightweight belts expected to be vacated by Haney once Devin officially moves up to the junior welterweight division.

“After September 15th, the only guys I have my eyes on are ‘Tank’ Davis, Shakur Stevenson and Lomachenko,” says ‘The Technician’. “Me and Kambosos would also be a great fight. Regardless of who you put in front of me, I see me winning. I really don’t care as long as I get a world title shot ASAP. I’m ready for anyone.”

For more information, follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @CESBOXING.

INFORMATION

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast. Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.

Jamaine Ortiz (16-1-1, 8 KOs) was looking to put the lightweight division on notice tomorrow night at Madison Square Garden’s Theater on the undercard of the highly anticipated bout between Josh Taylor and Teofimo Lopez.

Unfortunately for fight fans, “The Technician” was forced to withdraw from his lightweight bout against Humberto Galindo due to an injury suffered during training camp that impacted his ability to make weight.

“I injured my back a few weeks ago and it interrupted my training,” explained the disappointed Worcester native. “For 3 weeks, I had severe back spasms and couldn’t train properly. I tried to push my body to the limit as soon as I felt better, but I hit a wall and the last few pounds just wouldn’t come off. I work with a dietician and follow a strict systematic plan to make weight, but I couldn’t follow it properly this time because of the amount of weight I had to lose after the injury.”

The 27-year-old hopes to return to the ring as soon as possible and has a message for the fans who traveled to New York to see him perform on Saturday.

“My team is working on a date in August,” stated Ortiz, who is co-promoted by CES Boxing and Top Rank. “My sincerest apologies to my opponent, my promoters CES and Top Rank, Jimmy Burchfield and everyone who made their way to New York City to see me fight. I tried my best to make weight despite the interruption, but I couldn’t make it safely.”

Ortiz emphasized that he will remain at lightweight as he is confident that he can make the limit given a normal training camp. Stay tuned for a new date over the next few weeks.

For more information, follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @CESBOXING.

INFORMATION

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast. Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.

Moments after lightweight king Devin Haney successfully defended his undisputed title against Vasyl Lomachenko, the Ukrainian phenom was asked how Haney stacks up with the other fighters he’s faced.

Rather than answering the question directly, ‘Loma’ seemed to suggest that lightweight contender Jamaine Ortiz was a tougher foe.  

“You know what?  I want to see Haney fight Ortiz,” answered Lomachenko.  “It would be very interesting.”

Lomachenko would know.  ‘The Technician’ gave Loma all he could handle last October, losing a close decision by the slimmest of margins.  

Ortiz, who returns to the ring on June 10th on the Josh Taylor vs. Teofimo Lopez undercard at Madison Square Garden, is up for the task, posting on Instagram that he thought Lomachenko won on Saturday and challenging Haney to face him next.  

“I think it’s a great fight,” stated Ortiz of a fight between him and Haney.  “I would give [Haney] a run for his money.  Let’s make it happen!”

When asked to elaborate, the 27-year-old doubled down on his chances of dethroning Haney.

“You can go back to when I fought in 2020 – I was saying that I wanted to fight Haney,” explains Ortiz.  “Styles make fights, and I always knew based on our styles that I would beat him.  Lomachenko knows that I would whoop Haney’s @ss too.”

In addition to the contrast in styles, the Worcester, MA native gained confidence from how Haney fared against Lomachenko compared to his performance against the Ukrainian.

“Lomachenko controlled the fight and landed way more clean shots against Haney than he did against me,” states Ortiz.  “Lomachenko never got behind me, spun me or controlled the pace with me like he did with Haney.  I was dictating most of our fight.  Loma landed a few clean shots on me towards the end of our fight, but he never landed flurries or threw 5 and 6 punch combinations the way he did against Haney.  He would only throw one or two punches at a time against me because he was wary of what I was throwing back.”      

Ortiz, who is now co-promoted by Top Rank and CES Boxing, is more than ready to face “The Dream” for the undisputed lightweight title.  The question remains: Is Haney going to accept the challenge?  

For more information, follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @CESBOXING.

INFORMATION

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast.  Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.

NEW YORK (May 4, 2023) — Lightweight contender Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz is set to take his career to new heights ahead of an action-packed fight night in New York City.

Ortiz has signed a multi-fight co-promotional contract with Top Rank, who will work in conjunction with Jimmy Burchfield’s CES Boxing. Ortiz will return in a 10-round clash against an opponent to be named Saturday, June 10 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. His fight will top the ESPN+-streamed undercard of the junior welterweight showdown between WBO and Ring Magazine world champion Josh Taylor and former unified and lineal lightweight king Teofimo Lopez.

In the 10-round co-feature, Puerto Rican junior middleweight phenom Xander Zayas will take on Ronald “Diablo” Cruz.

Taylor-Lopez and Zayas-Cruz will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. 

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

Ortiz (16-1-1, 8 KOs) is a native of Worcester, Massachusetts, who is of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent. A seven-year veteran, he experienced his most significant year as a pro in 2022. Ortiz secured the NABF lightweight title in February after outpointing Nahir Albright, then followed up with a 10-round unanimous decision victory against former world champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring in May. In October, the 27-year-old used his size and strength to take an early lead against former lightweight champion Vasiliy “Loma” Lomachenko before losing the tightly contested battle via unanimous decision.

Ortiz said, “It feels great to join a stable that has created so many Hall of Fame champions. I’m looking forward to becoming their next one. It’s been a long journey fighting my way up to get the respect I deserve. With Top Rank working with CES, I’m now hoping for bigger and better fights.

“It feels good to be back in New York to get some redemption after the loss to Lomachenko. I gained many new fans that night, and a lot of people thought I won. People know I’m the real deal now. I’m motivated to improve and take over the lightweight division. I only took 10 days off after that fight and went straight to the gym. I’m coming to make a statement on June 10 that I’m not to be played with.”

Ortiz joins a previously-announced ESPN+-streamed undercard featuring two all-Puerto Rico battles.

Henry “Moncho” Lebron (17-0, 10 KOs) will lock horns against Christian Tapia (15-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round junior lightweight tilt. Lebron is coming off wide decision wins over Andy Vences and Luis Lebron, while Tapia looks to rebound from a competitive decision defeat to Cleveland standout Thomas Mattice.

Rising prospect Omar Rosario (10-0, 3 KOs) squares off against Jan Carlos Rivera (8-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round junior welterweight bout. Rivera has won four straight fights after suffering a decision loss inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble.

The loaded undercard also features a pair of rising stars in eight-rounders, both of whom fought on the Shakur Stevenson-Shuichiro Yoshino bill in April. 

Brooklyn featherweight prodigy Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (7-0, 4 KOs), who knocked out Brandon Chambers in the second round, will face an opponent to be named.

Polish heavyweight dynamo DamianKnyba (11-0, 7 KOs), who stopped Curtis Harper in the eighth round, will fight Helaman Olguin (9-5-1, 4 KOs). Olguin was last seen dropping a unanimous decision to former Tyson Fury foe Otto Wallin in January. 

Worcester, MA, lightweight Jamaine Ortiz (@JaimaineOrtizR) has built his career – which now has him ranked seventh in the world among 135-pounders by the WBC – on substance over style, strategy in lieu of extravagance.

Often referred to as one of the more soft-spoken fighters in today’s game, Ortiz (16-1-1) has patiently waited for the much-anticipated payoff all prizefighters dream of while tactically and efficiently picking apart nearly every challenger who’s crossed his path since launching his professional career in 2017.

But at 26 and on the cusp of entering his prime, “The Technician” can’t – and won’t – wait much longer. Five months ago, Ortiz starred on one of the sport’s biggest stages: New York City, Madison Square Garden, headlining a worldwide televised event against one of boxing’s all-time greats, Vasyl Lomachenko. Ortiz lost a close decision, but the moments of brilliance sprinkled across 12, hard-fought rounds vaulted the Worcester native from commonly-searched social media keyword to legitimate lightweight contender.

As such, Ortiz is now anxiously – and, quite frankly, impatiently – waiting for the next big opportunity. With the scheduled April 22 lightweight super fight between undefeated titans Ryan Garcia and Gervonta Davis hogging most of the headlines in the 135-pound division, Ortiz has deviated from the usual path of biding his time and is instead aggressively pursuing his rightful place among boxing’s elite lightweights. This past weekend, Ortiz tweeted his frustrations at those who continue to cherry-pick opponents while ducking real fights along with the powers that be who are willfully protecting their high-priced investments from the wrath of “The Technician.”

“To me, it’s very upsetting,” Ortiz said. “I came off a great performance against Lomachenko. Most of the world thought I won. The rankings have me amongst the top 10 in the world. But there’s no fight for me? No good opponent for me? It’s kind of wild.
“There are so many great fights that can be made right now. Me versus George Kambosos. Me versus Isaac Cruz. Joseph Diaz. Javier Fortuna. There are so many guys with big names who are willing to fight. Why can’t we put these fights together?”

And if the buzz from the Lomachenko fight happens to be wearing off five months later, Ortiz added, “then it’s my job is to put myself back in [the conversation].
“One of the things I’ve learned over the years is to keep myself relevant. That’s why I tweeted what I did. I let my feelings out. I understand the business. I have to start poking these guys. The fans and boxing journalists are who make things happen. If the fans are demanding a certain fight and the promoter knows it’s guaranteed to make money, then the promoter will make it happen. If the writers talk about it enough, it begins to make sense. Fighters need to be vocal. Someone has to talk about it.”

Ortiz’s promoter, CES Boxing president Jimmy Burchfield Sr., is eager to join the conversation. Said Burchfield: “From Day 1, Jamaine Ortiz has answered the bell and willingly stepped inside the ring no matter the challenge. He doesn’t duck opportunities. He isn’t afraid to take on anyone. All he’s asking for is the opportunity to showcase his ability against the best in the world and be given the same opportunity as his peers. Jamaine is no longer boxing’s best-kept secret. After what he did against Lomachenko, the secret’s out, and it’s time he gets the opportunities he deserves.”

Social media can be influential in determining which fighters get pushed to the top of the conversation, and Ortiz is cognizant of what is being said and who is doing the talking, even if he isn’t as active online as other fighters. “The Technician” noted a recent interview with former two-time super featherweight Shakur Stevenson, whose wish list for 2023 included a potential showdown with Ortiz, whom he described as a “tough fight for whoever.” And after visiting the Top Rank Boxing Gym in Las Vegas, Ortiz is even more convinced his performance against Lomachenko has forced other 135-pounders to shy away from a potential matchup.

“Shakur Stevenson, he puts respect on my name,” Ortiz said. “They know me. They know the type of fighter I am. No one is calling me an easy opponent or a pushover. If I’m an easier fight, then why aren’t they calling me name? I want to know who in the world has ever called me out to fight. Nahir Albright might be the only one who’s ever said something. We originally had that fight on Triller [on November 28, 2020], then he pulled out, but we got it back [on Showtime in 2022] and I beat him up.

“When have I ever said no to fight? At the same time, who’s calling me out? With me being at this level now, who dares call my name?”

Of late, Ortiz has fought the best of the best; his last five opponents boast a combined record of 80-8-2, including the dynamic Lomachenko, whom many felt Ortiz was on the verge of beating until the final three rounds. Ortiz still thinks he did enough from rounds 1 through 8 to earn the decision, but admits he lost the last three as Lomachenko found his second wind. Even in a losing effort, Ortiz’s stock rose that night, and “The Technician” is certain other prospects are going to be more selective in 2023 knowing his ability to push opponents to the limit. While being feared is certainly a compliment, it can also be detrimental to a young fighter’s progress.

“Why would promoters take a guy who they’ve invested time and money in and put him in there against something they know will beat him?” Ortiz said. “They won’t give me the opportunity to look good against a good opponent and build me up. Why not get me a world title?

“I’m not in a position to be used as an opponent. Every single time I’ve fought, from a performance level and an entertainment level, people always talk about me. Whether it’s Triller, Showtime, ESPN, I’m always going to be a trending topic. I don’t see why they wouldn’t want to continue to bring me up and have me fight when they know I put on a show. I’m not a boring fighter.”

Having expressed his thoughts publicly on one of the world’s largest platforms, Ortiz once again plays the waiting game as he seeks a career-changing opportunity in 2023. The difference now is Ortiz is more than willing to stir the pot if others aren’t willing to put their records – and reputations – on the line.

“I’ve waited a long time. I’m going on seven years as a pro. I’ve been very patient and I’ve been taking everything that comes my way,” Ortiz said. “I’ve been quiet a long time. Now I want to take a little bit more control of my career. Am I wrong for that? Am I wrong for trying to make fights happen or asking for the best?

“I won’t talk trash to a fighter for no reason. But how am I going to sell a fight? In this business, social media, twitter is the place to be. Journalists and boxing writers take what you post on social media and blow it up and circulate it through other media outlets. I have to put my voice out there. If no one wants to fight, then I have to poke at people. I don’t want to just wait, wait, wait and then regret it later.”

For more information, follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @CESBOXING.

INFORMATION

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions in the northeast and one of the few to successfully promote both mixed martial arts and professional boxing. Launched in 1992 by longtime boxing judge Jimmy Burchfield Sr., the promotion is the only in professional boxing to boast two reigning WBC Youth world champions in lightweight Jamaine Ortiz and featherweight Irvin Gonzalez. CES Boxing recently teamed with UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s No. 1 streaming platform for combat sports, to showcase its events to a worldwide audience, and worked as a promotional consultant for the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. pay-per-view event in November of 2020.

Vasiliy Lomachenko won a 12-round unanimous decision over Jamaine Ortiz in a lightweight bout that headlined a Top Rank show at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

In round six, Lomanchenko had swelling under his right eye. Ortiz had swelling over his left eye.

Lomachenko landed 125 of 571 punches. Ortiz landed 122.

Lomachenko, 134.6 lbs of Akkerman, UKR won by scores of 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113 and is now 17-2. Ortiz, 134 lbs of Worcester, MA is 16-1-1.

Robeisy Ramirez stopped Jose Matias Romero in round five of a 10-round featherweight bout.

In round one, Ramirez dropped Romero with a straight left, In round nine, Ramirez turned up that pressure and landed a vicious flurry of punches that was capped off by a hard straight left and the fight was stopped at

Ramirez, 125.4 lbs of Cindhegos, CUB is 11-1 with seven knockouts. Romero, 127.4 lbs of Cordoba, ARG is 26-3.

Richard Torrez Jr. remained undefeated with a third round stoppage over Ahmed Hefny in a scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Torrez landed a chopping left that sent Hefny to the canvas. In round two, Torrez dropped Hefny with a right hook to the body. In round three, Torrez continued to land power shots, and then landed a another right to the body that put Hefny down again, and the fight was stopped at 2:32,

Torrez, 229.4 lbs Tulac, CA is 4-0 with four knockouts. Hefny, 218 lbs of Egypt is 13-3.

Duke Ragan remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Luis Lebron in a featherweight bout.

Ragan, 128 lbs of Cincinnati, OH won by scores of 79-73, 78-74 and 77-75 and is now 8-0. Lebron, 128 lbs of Manuel Aprens, PR is 18-5-1.

Nico Ali Walsh remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Billy Wagner in a middleweight fight.

Walsh, 159 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 59-55 and 58-56 twice and is now 7-0. Wagner, 159 lbs of Browning, MT is 5-3.

Tiger Johnson remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Esteban Garcia in a junior welterweigt bout.

Johnson, 141.4 lbs of Cleveland won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 6-0. Garcia, 139.2 lbs of El Comino, CA is 15-2.

Troy Isley pounded out an eight-round unanimous decision over Quincy Levallais in a middleweight bout.

Isley, 159 lbs of from Alexandra, VA won by scores of 80-72 and 79-73 twice and is now 8-0. Levallais, 157,4 lbs of Panama City, FL is 14-4-1.

Good-looking prospect Abdullah Mason scored a fourth round stoppage over Angel Barrera in a scheduled six-round lightweight bout.

In round three, Mason dropped Barrera with a straight left. Seconds later, Mason landed a short left on the inside that put Barrera down again. The onslaught bloodied the left side of Barrera’s face.

In round four, Mason landed shots that had Barrera bouncing all over the ring and the out was stopped at 21 seonds.

Mason, 135.6 lbs of Cleveland is 5-0 with four knockouts. Barrera, 135 lbs of Chicago, IL is 4-1.

Haven Brady Jr. remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Eric Mondragon in a junior lightweight bout.

Brady, 131 lbs of Albany, GA won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 and is now 8-0. Mondragon, 130.6 lbs of Maywood, CA is 7-1-1.

•  Vasiliy Lomachenko 134.6 lbs  vs. Jamaine Ortiz 134 lbs

(Ortiz’s NABF Lightweight Title — 12 Rounds)

•   Robeisy Ramirez 125.6 lbs vs. Jose Matias Romero 127.4 lbs 
(Featherweight — 10 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 6:15 p.m. ET / 3:15 p.m. PT)

   •   Richard Torrez Jr. 229.4 lbs vs. Ahmed Hefny 218 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

   •   Duke Ragan 128  lbs vs. Luis Lebron 128 lbs
 (Featherweight — 8 Rounds)

•    Nico Ali Walsh 159 lbs vs. Billy Wagner 159 lbs 
(Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

   •   Tiger Johnson 141.4 lbs vs. Esteban Garcia 139.2 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

   •    Troy Isley 159 lbs vs. Quincy Lavallais 157.4 lbs
 (Middleweight — 8 Rounds)

   •    Abdullah Mason 135.6 lbs vs. Angel Barrera 135 lbs
 (Lightweight — 6 Rounds)

   •    Haven Brady Jr. 131 lbs vs. Eric Mondragon 130.6 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

###

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 22.8 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).  

NEW YORK (Oct. 27, 2022) — Former three-weight world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko and undefeated upstart Jamaine Ortiz renewed acquaintances Thursday in New York City. The one-time sparring partners will clash in the 12-round lightweight main event Saturday evening at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. This fight could propel the winner to a shot at undisputed champion Devin “The Dream” Haney.

Lomachenko (16-2, 11 KOs) returns after serving a stint in a territorial defense battalion in his native Ukraine, a decision that delayed his quest for undisputed glory. Ortiz (16-0-1, 8 KOs) authored a career-best victory over former world champion Jamel Herring in May.

The 10-round featherweight co-features sees Cuban two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez (10-1, 6 KOs) attempt to move closer to a title shot against late substitute Jose Matias Romero (26-2, 9 KOs).

Undercard action includes middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh (6-0, 5 KOs) and a quartet of U.S. Olympians from the Tokyo Games: silver medalists Duke Ragan (7-0, 1 KO) and Richard Torrez Jr. (3-0, 3 KOs), Tiger Johnson (5-0, 4 KOs), and Troy Isley (7-0, 4 KOs).

At the press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.Vasiliy Lomachenko

“I feel great. I feel good. I can’t wait to come back Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. I think it’s a special place for me. I’ve had a lot of fights there. So, it’s a lucky place for me.”

“For me, it was an easy decision [to not take the George Kambosos Jr. fight] because there was a war in my country. There was a war in my hometown. I needed to stay with my family and with our people and defend our country. You don’t think about boxing. You don’t think about your future. You just think about saving your life and saving your family. That’s it.”

“I just wanted to bring a bit of sports attention to our country. And Saturday, which is Sunday morning in Ukraine, I want the people to change their mind towards good emotions.”

“Sparring [against Ortiz] is different from competition because our conditioning is not at 100 percent, so Saturday night will be a very interesting fight. I’m focused on my job. I’m focused on my boxing. You can’t stop thinking about your country. It’s always on your mind. But now I’m focused, and I need to be focused because I’m an athlete. After the fight, I’ll go back to Ukraine and support my country.”

Jamaine Ortiz

“This fight means everything to me. This is something I’ve manifested into my life, eventually fighting Lomachenko. And the time has come here at the ‘Mecca of Boxing,’ Madison Square Garden. God has delivered everything I’ve asked for.”

“I learned a lot of things about myself in the Jamel Herring fight, as I do in every fight. I try to make improvements. I go back to the basics and fundamentals and try to master those skills. Saturday night you’re going to see the best Jamaine Ortiz.”

“I think the opponent in front of you brings out the type of fighter you are. I think Lomachenko is going to bring out the best Jamaine Ortiz. The fighter that everybody around me knows. You’re going to see the real ‘Technician’ on Saturday night.”

Robeisy Ramirez

“Well, it’s not a secret that Madison Square Garden is a mythical arena for boxing. But what actually brings out the best of me is the ring, not the arena.”

“I said that ‘the train is coming and it won’t be derailed’ because I want to fight for a world title. That’s what we hope for. After this fight, we’re expecting to fight for a world title.”

Jose Matias Romero

“This was an opportunity that was given to me. I plan on taking advantage of it. It’s a pleasure to be on this stage. And I look forward to this fight. I like to do my talking in the ring, but I’ve come very well prepared, thanks to my team. We had a great camp. But I think they are underestimating me.”

“Thank God, I have a great training team. I stay training. I never stop training. I have also had experience fighting in the United States before, so this is nothing new. The opportunity was there, and thank God it happened. And on top of that, it’s happening at Madison Square Garden, so I’m very happy.”

Richard Torrez Jr.

“Being a pro has been amazing. I come from a town where there are more cows than people. So, to be at a place like Madison Square Garden is incredible. It’s incredible to be able to have my team here as well. All these guys are Olympians. There’s nothing like it.”

Nico Ali Walsh

“From the very start, I knew who I was. I think people are starting to give me my own name. So, it’s not about me finding my own name. It’s about people accepting the fact that I knew who I was from the start. I got into boxing, and I know why I got into boxing. It’s just important to pay homage to my grandfather, but I’m doing my own thing with this.”

Tiger Johnson

“Life as a pro has been good. I’m just really excited to be on a card with my Olympic teammates. I had a real good camp with Nico. We’re going to put on a really good performance. I don’t really look for the knockout. I just can’t control my power sometimes, so it is what it is.”

Duke Ragan

“It’s an honor to be able to fight on a card with my fellow Olympians. The only time we ever fought together was on the USA team. It is a great feeling to do it professionally and go up the ranks together.”

Troy Isley

“I’ve always wanted to be with Top Rank. They’ve produced a lot of legends. I’m blessed to say that I can be one of the legends in the making. My goal is to focus on boxing. I’m not really too worried about the trolls and all that. If you’ve got trolls and haters, you’re obviously doing something right.”

Saturday, October 29

 ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. Jamaine Ortiz, 12 rounds, NABF Lightweight Title

Robeisy Ramirez vs. Jose Matias Romero, 10 rounds, featherweight

ESPN+ (6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT)

Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Ahmed Hefny, 6 rounds, heavyweight

Haven Brady Jr. vs. Eric Mondragon, 8 rounds, junior lightweight