Press Conference Notes: Vasiliy Lomachenko Set For Jamaine Ortiz Showdown in Triumphant Ring Return

NEW YORK — Former three-weight world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko and undefeated upstart Jamaine Ortiz renewed acquaintances Thursday in New York Metropolis. The one-time sparring companions will conflict within the 12-round light-weight primary occasion Saturday night at Hulu Theater at Madison Sq. Backyard. This combat may 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 protection battalion in his native Ukraine, a call 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 Could.

The ten-round featherweight co-features sees Cuban two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez (10-1, 6 KOs) try to maneuver nearer to a title shot towards late substitute Jose Matias Romero (26-2, 9 KOs).

Undercard motion consists of middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh (6-0, 5 KOs) and a quartet of U.S. Olympians from the Tokyo Video 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).

On the press convention, that is what the fighters needed to say.Vasiliy Lomachenko

“I really feel nice. I really feel good. I can’t wait to return again Saturday evening at Madison Sq. Backyard. I feel it’s a particular place for me. I’ve had lots of fights there. So, it’s a fortunate place for me.”

“For me, it was a straightforward determination [to not take the George Kambosos Jr. fight] as a result of there was a conflict in my nation. There was a conflict in my hometown. I wanted to stick with my household and with our folks and defend our nation. You don’t take into consideration boxing. You don’t take into consideration your future. You simply take into consideration saving your life and saving your loved ones. That’s it.”

“I simply wished to carry a little bit of sports activities consideration to our nation. And Saturday, which is Sunday morning in Ukraine, I would like the folks to vary their thoughts in direction of good feelings.”

“Sparring [against Ortiz] is totally different from competitors as a result of our conditioning isn’t at 100%, so Saturday evening will likely be a really fascinating combat. I’m centered on my job. I’m centered on my boxing. You’ll be able to’t cease fascinated about your nation. It’s all the time in your thoughts. However now I’m centered, and I must be centered as a result of I’m an athlete. After the combat, I’ll return to Ukraine and assist my nation.”

Jamaine Ortiz

“This combat means all the things to me. That is one thing I’ve manifested into my life, ultimately combating Lomachenko. And the time has come right here on the ‘Mecca of Boxing,’ Madison Sq. Backyard. God has delivered all the things I’ve requested for.”

“I realized lots of issues about myself within the Jamel Herring combat, as I do in each combat. I attempt to make enhancements. I’m going again to the fundamentals and fundamentals and attempt to grasp these abilities. Saturday evening you’re going to see the perfect Jamaine Ortiz.”

“I feel the opponent in entrance of you brings out the kind of fighter you might be. I feel Lomachenko goes to carry out the perfect Jamaine Ortiz. The fighter that everyone round me is aware of. You’re going to see the actual ‘Technician’ on Saturday evening.”

Robeisy Ramirez

“Effectively, it’s not a secret that Madison Sq. Backyard is a legendary area for boxing. However what truly brings out the perfect of me is the ring, not the sector.”

“I mentioned that ‘the practice is coming and it received’t be derailed’ as a result of I need to combat for a world title. That’s what we hope for. After this combat, we’re anticipating to combat for a world title.”

Jose Matias Romero

“This was a chance that was given to me. I plan on making the most of it. It’s a pleasure to be on this stage. And I stay up for this combat. I love to do my speaking within the ring, however I’ve come very nicely ready, because of my staff. We had an excellent camp. However I feel they’re underestimating me.”

“Thank God, I’ve an excellent coaching staff. I keep coaching. I by no means cease coaching. I’ve additionally had expertise combating in america earlier than, so that is nothing new. The chance was there, and thank God it occurred. And on prime of that, it’s taking place at Madison Sq. Backyard, so I’m very comfortable.”

Richard Torrez Jr.

“Being a professional has been wonderful. I come from a city the place there are extra cows than folks. So, to be at a spot like Madison Sq. Backyard is unimaginable. It’s unimaginable to have the ability to have my staff right here as nicely. All these guys are Olympians. There’s nothing prefer it.”

Nico Ali Walsh

“From the very begin, I knew who I used to be. I feel individuals are beginning to give me my very own title. So, it’s not about me discovering my very own title. It’s about folks accepting the truth that I knew who I used to be from the beginning. I received into boxing, and I do know why I received into boxing. It’s simply vital to pay homage to my grandfather, however I’m doing my very own factor with this.”

Tiger Johnson

“Life as a professional has been good. I’m simply actually excited to be on a card with my Olympic teammates. I had an actual good camp with Nico. We’re going to placed on a very good efficiency. I don’t actually search for the knockout. I simply can’t management my energy generally, so it’s what it’s.”

Duke Ragan

“It’s an honor to have the ability to combat on a card with my fellow Olympians. The one time we ever fought collectively was on the USA staff. It’s a nice feeling to do it professionally and go up the ranks collectively.”

Troy Isley

“I’ve all the time wished to be with Prime Rank. They’ve produced lots of legends. I’m blessed to say that I may be one of many legends within the making. My purpose is to concentrate on boxing. I’m not likely too frightened in regards to the trolls and all that. In case you’ve received trolls and haters, you’re clearly doing one thing proper.”

Vasiliy Lomachenko vs Jamaine Ortiz Struggle Card:

 ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

• Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. Jamaine Ortiz, 12 rounds, NABF Light-weight 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
• Duke Ragan vs. Luis Lebron, 8 rounds, featherweight
• Nico Ali Walsh vs. Billy Wagner, 6 rounds, middleweight
• Tiger Johnson vs. Esteban Garcia, 6 rounds, junior welterweight
• Troy Isley vs. Quincy Lavallais, 8 rounds, middleweight
• Abdullah Mason vs. Angel Barrera, 6 rounds, light-weight
• Haven Brady Jr. vs. Eric Mondragon, 8 rounds, junior light-weight

Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Government Author, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a ardour for Fight Sports activities and likewise a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s additionally a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.