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Lomachenko Returns With Victory Over Jamaine Ortiz

Written by Kerr Ferguson on 30th October 2022.

Lomachenko Deafeats Jamaine Ortiz

The former Lightweight World Champion, Vasiliy Lomachenko, took a hard fought but deserved decision victory over Jamaine Ortiz in New York on Saturday night.

Fans are used to seeing Lomachenko give away a few rounds at the beginning of a fight, and his return to the ring after time out since December 2021 was no different. Ortiz likely took the first two rounds on action alone as ‘The Matrix’ gauged distance, timing, and openings. He was, as they say, downloading data.

It began to pay off for the 36-year-old Ukrainian toward the end of the third. Despite being the smaller man, his punches looked like the ones that were most likely to cause damage. They began to land more frequently from then on, although Ortiz showed a great account of himself throughout. He switched stances on a couple of occasions in an attempt to solve the puzzle many have failed at, but ‘Loma’s lightning quick hands became the star of the show.

The Ukrainian, who has been at home helping his country fight back against a Russian invasion, showed his levels in the championship rounds, reminding us how he held four belts not so long ago. Ortiz put in a good showing that would give most lightweights a hard night. The cards at the final bell read 115-113, 116-112 and 117-111 all in favour of Lomachenko.

It’s well known what he wants next – a shot at undisputed courtesy of Devin Haney. The young champion was in attendance and entered the ring after the bout to speak to ESPN.

“I think it wasn’t the best performance but I know that if me and Loma were to fight a better version would be on [show] that night. Hopefully we could get it on.”

With one fight left in his ESPN deal, it seems that Haney’s next defence of the belts will indeed be against the Ukrainian, who has a country on his shoulders and, much like his friend Oleksandr Usyk, seems more motivated than ever because of that. In response to Haney, Lomachenko first feigned surprise at the size difference between them before simply saying “I will be ready” – and anybody who doubts that would be a fool.