Vasiliy Lomachenko’s intention is to reclaim the top 135-pounder’s spot, first by beating Jamaine Ortiz on Saturday (ESPN+) in New York City and then by doing the same in front of the champions. Undisputed rival Devin Haney.
However, the fight with Ortiz was more than an opportunity to take it a step further. Lomachenko always thought of Ukraine as he prepared for his first battle in more than 10 months.
The country of the once-pound king has been at war with invading Russian armies since February, which is why he passed up the chance to face then-champion George Kambosos Jr., who instead lost to Haney in June.
“For me, it was an easy decision because there was a war in my country,” Lomachenko said, referring to the decision not to face the Kambosos. “There is a war in my hometown. I need to stay with my family and with our people and protect our country. You don’t think about boxing, you don’t think about your future. You only think about saving your life and saving your family. That’s it. …
“I just wanted to bring a little bit of sports attention to our country. And Saturday, which is Sunday morning in Ukraine, I want people to change their minds towards good feelings.”
Lomachenko (16-2, 11 KOs) regained some of the momentum he lost when he was upset by Teofimo Lopez in October 2020, a defeat that cost him his title and reputation as one of two or three boxers. the best. Southpaw had to undergo surgery to repair an injured right shoulder a few days after the battle.
On his return, he stopped Masayoshi Nakatani for nine rounds last June and overtook Richard Commey in December.
A win over Ortiz (16-0-1, 8 KOs) could lead directly to a shot at Haney, who has expressed interest in defending his four main belts against the two-time Olympic champion. 34 years old now.
Lomachenko says he is ready.
“I focus on my work,” he said. “I focus on my boxing. You can’t stop thinking about your country. It is always on your mind. But now I’m focusing, and I need to focus because I’m an athlete.
“After the battle, I will return to Ukraine and support my country.”
