By: Sean Crose
Although he has only fought twice since his shock loss to Teofimo Lopez in 2020, Vasyl Lomachenko remains one of the best players in the lightweight division. In fact, the man wants to face undisputed division champion Devin Haney sooner rather than later. For now, however, the fighter known as “Hi-Tech” will face Robeisy Ortiz on October 29. The fight will take place at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden and will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
This will be the first time Lomachenko (16-2) has stepped into the ring since his homeland of Ukraine was invaded by Russian forces last winter. After the invasion began, Lomachenko returned to Ukraine to participate in the civil defenses. The battle in New York, thankfully, won’t reach the kind of intensity found in Europe’s bloody combat zones, but it will nonetheless be extremely important to Lomachenko’s career.
“Vasyl Lomachenko,” said Lomachenko’s promoter and Top Rank boss Bob Arum, “is a credit to his country and the sport of boxing.” According to Arum: “When his country needed him, Vasiliy didn’t hesitate. We are thrilled that he is safe and fighting once again at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, his home away from home. Jamaine Ortiz is a young, hungry, undefeated fighter who understands that a victory over a living legend like Loma would change her life.”
Ortiz (16-0) just earned a victory over popular former champion Jamel Herring last spring. A surprise win over Lomachenko will instantly elevate the Massachusetts native to the top echelon of the lightweight division. Known as “The Technician”, the 26-year-old is clearly eager to shock the world. Former champion Lomachenko, on the other hand, is looking to re-accelerate his career. After all, it wasn’t that long ago that Lomachenko found himself at or near the top of the pound-for-pound charts.
