By: Sean Crose
Despite having only played twice since a surprise loss to Teofimo Lopez in 2020, Vasyl Lomachenko remains one of the top players in the lightweight division. Indeed, the man is looking forward to taking on divisional champion Devin Haney sooner or later. For now, however, the so-called “Hi-Tech” fighter will face Jamaine Ortiz on October 29. The fight will draw the curtain at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater and will air live on ESPN. +
This will be the first time 16-2 boxer Lomachenko has entered the ring since his homeland Ukraine was invaded by Russian troops last winter. After the invasion began, Lomachenko returned to Ukraine to join the civilian defense. The battle in New York will fortunately not reach the same intensity as in the bloody battle zones of Europe, but it is nonetheless vitally important to Lomachenko’s career.
“Vasyl Lomachenko,” said Lomachenko promoter and First Division head Bob Arum, “is a tribute to his country and the sport of boxing.” According to Arum: “When his country needed him, Vasiliy did not hesitate. We’re glad he’s safe and fighting again at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden, far from his home. Jamaine Ortiz is a young, aspiring, undefeated boxer who understands that winning against a living legend like Loma will change his life.”
Ortiz 16-0 just won against former famous player Jamel Herring last spring. A surprise win over Lomachenko would immediately elevate the Massachusetts-born player to the upper hand of the lightweight division. Known as the “Technician,” the 26-year-old is clearly eager to shock the world. On the other hand, former player Lomachenko is looking to put his career back on track. After all, it wasn’t long ago that Lomachenko found himself at or near the top of the pound list.
