Lomachenko: My Goal is The Undisputed Title, But I Won’t Take Ortiz Lightly

Former three-division world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko looks to shake off the rust and put on a show when he returns to the ring on Saturday, October 29.

Lomachenko will clash with undefeated contender Jamaine Ortiz at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Lomachenko was initially scheduled to return to the ring in the first quarter of 2022, in a clash against then-unified lightweight champion George Kambosos.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist was forced to delay his comeback after Russia invaded Ukraine. Lomachenko traveled home to help his compatriots.

Instead, Kambosos would fight and lose to Devin Haney. Next month, the pair will engage in a contracted rematch.

Lomachenko (16-2, 11 KOs) hopes a win will catapult him into a matchup with the winner of the Haney vs. Kambosos, which is currently the plan for early 2023.

Although he is a heavy favorite to win, Lomachenko is not overlooking Ortiz’s skills.

“I love my sport and I am very happy to be back. My goal is to win the undisputed lightweight title, but I will not take Jamaine Ortiz lightly. Madison Square Garden and the Hulu Theater at MSG have been special places in my career, and I look forward to more good memories on October 29. I want to dedicate this fight to all my Ukrainian people. I carry the flag with pride every time I step into the ring,” Lomachenko said.

Ortiz (16-0-1, 8 KOs) was in action in May, when he retired former world champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring with a ten-round unanimous decision. Last year, he overcame two knockdowns to tie with Joseph Adorno.

The fight with Lomachenko is a tremendous step forward in the class.

“I am excited for this fight. Vasiliy Lomachenko is a great fighter, but I am here to win. Once I win this fight, I will look for a world title shot. This is a dream come true,” Ortiz said.