Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (17-1-1, 8 KOs) is in the biggest fight of his career as he challenges WBO junior welterweight champion Teofimo “The Takeover” Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs) for his world title tonight at the Michelob Ultra Arena and live on ESPN.
“To be honest, I don’t know how this fight came to be,” admitted Ortiz on The Final Bell podcast only 9 days from fight night. “I saw Teofimo at the Benavidez vs. Andrade fight, and a few weeks later, I got the call…it’s a rivalry in the sense that we fought in the past…it was a very competitive fight, and we gotta get even on that”.
“He’s a great fighter. I think he’s the best at 140 right now. I feel like it’s a harder challenge [than Stevenson and Haney], but I can’t take anything away from the guys at the top. They’re world champions for a reason. It takes a lot to get there, but I feel like once I beat Teofimo, I’ll be the top guy.
“There’s a lot more similarities, but the key difference is gonna be who stays under control, and I feel like I’m always under control.
“I don’t think Teofimo really faced another fighter who’s explosive. A fighter who likes to jump off their feet to punch like he does. He’s gonna have challenges with my speed and my movement. I think it’s gonna be a surprise for him when what he’s used to doing to others is being done to him.
“I’m preparing like he’s focused 100% on me. I don’t care what he says on social media. I know my focus is on him, and my preparation is for the best version of him. My eyes are locked in on him like as if his eyes are locked in on me, even if that’s not the case. That’s how I’m coming.
“All the hard work has been done, and now we’re just putting everything together. I’m excited to fight for my first world title and ready to put on a show. You’re gonna see fireworks. My whole city is behind me and they’re gonna have a nice celebration for me when I come back as champion. You’re not going to want to miss this fight.”
The kid seems locked in and has the style to upset Teofimo. If Kambosos could do it, Ortiz can as well. This is gonna be a competitive fight.
Go Jamaine, go !!!!!!!!!!!
Ortiz looks more motivated
Teofimo looks more cocky which diferent
With the size and boxing I think Ortiz my win by minimum margin
How does a ‘motivated fighter’ look plus you can tell by just looking at him. A rare ability indeed. Please change your name to ‘Carlos the Great’.
Motivated fighter = ocean
Cocky fighter = fountain
I am not aquaman.
Teo is tough as nails and very skillful and talented, but he’s also beatable and if Ortiz can stay focused, he may just be able to pull off an upset tonight…
Teo is a great boxer but he is not the only one
Go Jamaine. Teo cries and talks to much.
Kambossas won without KO power so maybe this kid stands a chance too
Power ko does not matter when you balance this with ability and boxing skills
Fireworks?!…I think I seen more action watching the cows graze on my land than what Ortiz did….That was not boxing! That was running scared……Ronald “Winky” Wright is what, is boxing….
Ortiz should change sports and go to track.