Lightweight contender Jamaine Ortiz (16-1), ranked seventh in the world among 135-pounders by the WBC, has patiently waited for the much-anticipated payoff all prizefighters dream of since launching his professional career in 2017.
But at 26 and on the cusp of entering his prime, "The Technician" can’t – and won’t – wait much longer. Five months ago, Ortiz starred on one of the sport’s biggest stages: New York City, Madison Square Garden, headlining a worldwide televised event against one of boxing’s current greats, Vasiliy Lomachenko.
Ortiz lost a close decision, but the moments of success sprinkled across 12, hard-fought rounds vaulted the Worcester native from commonly-searched social media keyword to legitimate lightweight contender.
This past weekend, Ortiz tweeted his frustrations at those who continue to cherry-pick opponents while ducking real fights along with the powers that be who are willfully protecting their high-priced investments from the wrath of "The Technician."
"To me, it’s very upsetting," Ortiz said. "I came off a great performance against Lomachenko. Most of the world thought I won. The rankings have me amongst the top 10 in the world. But there’s no fight for me? No good opponent for me? It’s kind of wild.
"There are so many great fights that can be made right now. Me versus George Kambosos. Me versus Isaac Cruz. Joseph Diaz. Javier Fortuna. There are so many guys with big names who are willing to fight. Why can’t we put these fights together?"
And if the buzz from the Lomachenko fight happens to be wearing off five months later, Ortiz added, "then it’s my job is to put myself back in [the conversation].
"One of the things I’ve learned over the years is to keep myself relevant. That’s why I tweeted what I did. I let my feelings out. I understand the business. I have to start poking these guys. The fans and boxing journalists are who make things happen. If the fans are demanding a certain fight and the promoter knows it’s guaranteed to make money, then the promoter will make it happen. If the writers talk about it enough, it begins to make sense. Fighters need to be vocal. Someone has to talk about it."
Ortiz noted a recent interview with former two-time super featherweight Shakur Stevenson, whose wish list for 2023 included a potential showdown with Ortiz, whom he described as a "tough fight for whoever." And after visiting the Top Rank Boxing Gym in Las Vegas, Ortiz is even more convinced his performance against Lomachenko has forced other 135-pounders to shy away from a potential matchup.
"Shakur Stevenson, he puts respect on my name," Ortiz said. "They know me. They know the type of fighter I am. No one is calling me an easy opponent or a pushover. If I’m an easier fight, then why aren’t they calling me name? I want to know who in the world has ever called me out to fight. Nahir Albright might be the only one who’s ever said something. We originally had that fight on Triller [on November 28, 2020], then he pulled out, but we got it back [on Showtime in 2022] and I beat him up. When have I ever said no to fight? At the same time, who’s calling me out? With me being at this level now, who dares call my name?
"I’ve waited a long time. I’m going on seven years as a pro. I’ve been very patient and I’ve been taking everything that comes my way. I’ve been quiet a long time. Now I want to take a little bit more control of my career. Am I wrong for that? Am I wrong for trying to make fights happen or asking for the best?
"I won’t talk trash to a fighter for no reason. But how am I going to sell a fight? In this business, social media, twitter is the place to be. Journalists and boxing writers take what you post on social media and blow it up and circulate it through other media outlets. I have to put my voice out there. If no one wants to fight, then I have to poke at people. I don’t want to just wait, wait, wait and then regret it later."