Former unified Lightweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko (17-2, 11 KO’s) defeated American prospect Jamaine Ortiz (16-1-1, 8 KO’s) by unanimous decision after a tough twelve-round bout that saw the two fighters evenly-matched for much of the fight. This victory marked the Ukrainian’s 17th career win.
Jamaine Ortiz started off energetic and confident, pressuring Lomachenko early while letting his youth and stamina dictate the pace. Lomachenko initially defended the American’s onslaughts well, though seemed slightly too tentative with his offense which seeped into his defense at some point, allowing Ortiz to land some crucial clean shots.
Around the ninth round, Lomachenko seemed to sense the urgency that he was losing and, after gaining a second win, he relentlessly pressured his younger opponent, determinedly winning most – if not all – the remaining rounds.
After approximately 10 months out of the ring, Lomachenko staved off the effects of ring rust to claim a crucial victory for his career. Facing an eager rising prospect in Ortiz, Lomachenko’s victory now sets him closer to the chance of earning another world title opportunity. With Devin Haney (29-0, 15 KO’s) now possessing all the belts in the division, Lomachenko’s only chance to win any silverware is by beating the undisputed American champion.
Haney and Lomachenko met each other in the ring following the fight. When asked on Lomachenko’s performance, Haney was genuine and honest in his analysis of the Ukrainian’s victorious bout.
“I think it wasn’t the best performance, but, you know, if me and him Loma was supposed to fight, a better version would be on that night.” Haney remarked.
Vasyl Lomachenko was confident when he was questioned on the concessions he would make to make a Haney fight possible, and how badly he wanted to be in the ring with Haney. “Look I’m ready, I told before, I am ready for any option.”
Devin Haney seemed satisfied with Lomachenko’s answers, reminiscing on the concessions he made himself when trying to get an undisputed fight with George Kambosos Jr (20-2, 10 KO’s). “That’s what I like to hear. I took the risk, I went over to Australia twice. Everything that George Kambosos mandated to me, I signed up for, so we’ll see when we go (to) the negotiating.”
Lomachenko acknowledged Haney’s skills when asked on what the thought of Haney’s ability performances againt Kambosos Jr.
“Look, he’s an undisputed world champion. You can (keep) talking about world champion, he… that fighter, that’s why he’s world champion.” Loma expressed.
“I will need more time for preparation and then I will be ready.” He continued.
While negotiations for the potential bout between Haney and Lomachenko has yet to be started, fight fans can look already look forward to the prospect of a fight in 2023 given the two Lightweights seemed to have no aversion in fighting each other, and Lomachenko is ranked high enough to warrant such a bout taking place. Devin Haney is coming off of two fights with George Kambosos Jr. managing to soundly beat the latter twice in a row by unanimous decision. Vasyl Lomachenko, being a former world champion in multiple weight classes, would be a very credible opponent to take on while he looks to defend his titles for the second time of his career. Lomachenko’s previous match before Ortiz was a unanimous decision win against highly-rated former world title challenger Richard Commey (30-4-1, 27 KO’s).
