Lopez vs. Ortiz Preview
The Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada will host a powerful title fight on Thursday, February 8th. WBO junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez will defend his belt against Jamaine Ortiz.
Lopez has won three straight fights since falling victim to one of the biggest upset losses in 2021 for the unified lightweight titles to George Kambosos Jr. He became the unified lightweight champion in 2020 where he shocked many by dominating then pound for pound great Vasiliy Lomachenko.
The 26-year-old won the WBO title in his last fight by dominating former champion Josh Taylor from start to finish in June. He is now focused on his first title defense against Ortiz, but not looking into the future.
“Jamaine Ortiz, I’m not going to overlook him at all,” Lopez said. “Regardless of what the other side is doing, I got to stay focused on what I’m doing. It’s me versus me every time I go out there and fight; every time I go out there and train, I’m focusing on how do I beat myself.”
While Lopez remains focused on defeating Ortiz, his name has come up in high profile fights with the likes of Devin Haney and Terence Crawford. What does he think about those fights. “There are lots of people mentioning my name, but it's all strategic moves. I've had this before with George Kambosos, but now I have the experience. That's why it's great to have those L's on my record, it's great because it's not a loss, it's a learned lesson, because now I know why focus is important from a mentality point of view. My focus has only been on Ortiz, just last night I was film studying him," Lopez said.
He continued and provided the name that really intrigues him, "The talk about the other names is just nonsense for me right now. I'm blocking the noise. Do I want to face Haney and Crawford? Absolutely! But my first task is Ortiz. Crawford says he's just travelling this year and I wish him the best, but may we meet eventually. I don't want to name the names of who I want to fight because honestly, I'm bigger than all of them and they know it. But I'm going to avenge that loss to Kambosos, I'm telling you that. If that presents itself in the ring. That man better have bodyguards."
Pundits have Lopez on upset alert, but with a convincing win he can set himself up nicely for a high-profile fight. But which of the marquee fights makes the most sense? With Haney being the WBC junior welterweight champion, a fight between he and Lopez is ideal. However, with Lopez being vocal about wanting to avenge his loss to Kambosos, it could make for a more intriguing matchup to fight fans.
Ortiz (17-1, 8 KO) is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Antonio Moran in September, to rebound from his loss to Lomachenko. His biggest win to date was over former champion Jamel Herring in 2022, but he will be fighting for his first major title on Thursday.
The 27-year-old is confident in challenging Lopez. “It’s a great fight, I’m excited for it,” Ortiz said. “It’s one of the best fights that can be made at 140-pounds and I’m ready to show the world I’m the best.
“He’s a good fighter, but like everybody, he’s got two hands. He’s a current world champion and I’m ready to take the reign off him.”
Ortiz respects the champion, but knows what he is capable of as the challenger. “I’m expecting the best version of Teofimo to enter the ring, but I’m going to beat him and make him look bad,” said Ortiz.
The Massachusetts native concluded, “I’m destined for greatness,” he said. “I’m destined to make history and it’s a big opportunity and I can’t let it down, I’m going to make the most out of it.
“I’m going to win. Everybody tune in, there’s going be fireworks, it’s going to be the Upset of The Year.”
The main card starts at 8:30 ET and can be seen on ESPN+
