CES Boxing and Top Rank are kicking off the new year with a sizzling junior welterweight clash, rolling out the red carpet for a showdown between WBO and Ring magazine champ Teofimo Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs) and the hard-hitting Jamaine Ortiz (17-1-1, 8 KOs).
“Teofimo Lopez is not just any fighter; he’s a boxing wizard who craves challenges,” declared Top Rank’s head honcho, Bob Arum. “And in walks Jamaine Ortiz, a boxer who’s not just good, but ridiculously good.”
Billed as “The Showman Returns,” this electrifying brawl is set to erupt on Thursday, February 8, broadcast live on ESPN during Super Bowl week at the glitzy Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.
CES Boxing’s bigwig Jimmy Burchfield, Sr. can barely contain his excitement. “Jamaine’s got this in the bag. He’s up against Teofimo Lopez, sure, but he’s been itching for this fight. Watch him swipe that champion title right under Teofimo’s nose,” he quipped.
Ortiz, brimming with anticipation, remarked, “I’ve been dreaming of this world title fight, and I’m all set to haul that title back to Massachusetts.”
For Lopez, it’s his first rodeo defending the titles he snatched at Madison Square Garden’s Theater last June.
“Come February 8 at Mandalay Bay, I’ll be the king of the ring, dazzling everyone with my moves,” Lopez boasted. “I know Jamaine’s tough – we’ve danced before. But this time, I’m not just looking to win; I’m looking to send a thunderbolt through my division.”
The two are no strangers to each other, having locked horns as amateurs back in 2015 for the National Golden Gloves title, with Lopez emerging victorious. Since then, they’ve both tangled with the legendary Vasyl Lomachenko, with varying results.
Their paths now converge in the junior welterweight division. Lopez is riding high with three wins, including a stunning triumph over Josh Taylor for the WBO and Ring titles. Ortiz, stepping up to 140 lbs, claimed victory over Antonio Moran, setting the stage for this epic confrontation.
“This is boxing at its finest,” Burchfield Sr. exclaimed. “Two prime gladiators, battling for glory and hometown pride.”
Post-workout at Top Rank Gym in Vegas, Lopez dropped some real talk:
“After my bout with Josh Taylor, my whole routine flipped. I used to chill a bit too much, not hitting the gym like I should’ve. But once I grabbed those two-division world champ titles, I made the gym my second home. My old man, doubling as my coach, had been on my case about it. So, last August, I buckled down. Since then, I’ve leveled up in speed, strength, and smarts. Haven’t taken a day off since last August, and I’m not about to start. After I wipe the floor with Jamaine Ortiz, you’ll find me right back in the gym.”
Lopez added a bit of flair, “The Showman’s making a comeback, and trust me, it’s gonna end with a bang. I’m not letting this one drag out for the judges to decide. So, grab your snacks and stay glued to your screens.”
He reflected, “It’s been one heck of a ride. I’m not just here to climb to the top; I’m here to stay. Tune in and witness my passion for boxing firsthand.”
Ortiz, hailing from Worcester, MA and proudly representing his Puerto Rican and Dominican roots, has an impressive track record, including victories over Jamel Herring and Nahir Albright.
Lopez, the Brooklyn native with Honduran blood, aims to silence any doubts following his loss to George Kambosos, Jr., having already conquered three world champs.
“This fight is for everyone on the Takeover Express,” Lopez declared. “Time to showcase what real boxing is all about.”
Ortiz, eager for the challenge, admitted, “This is my moment, my chance to shine. I’m ready to return as the new champion.”
February 8th promises to be more than just a fight; it’s going to be a spectacle, a clash of titans in the boxing world.
Davis vs Pedraza
Keyshawn Davis, with an Olympic silver in his back pocket, is eyeballing a world title belt. But first, he’s gotta duke it out with a champ who’s seen victory in two weight divisions.
This clash is the warm-up act to the junior welterweight scrap featuring WBO and Ring Magazine champ Teofimo Lopez trading punches with Jamaine Ortiz.
Don’t miss the broadcast on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ if you’re keen to catch the action live at 10:30 p.m. ET.
Davis, Norfolk’s own, is moving up from hot prospect to serious contender, packing a 9-0 record with 6 KOs. The 24-year-old had a busy 2023, knocking out Anthony Yigit and cruising past Francesco Patera. His latest bout with Nahir Albright ended in a no contest, but that’s just a blip on his radar. Pedraza, hailing from Puerto Rico, is no stranger to the championship, boasting a 29-5-1 record. After some heavy lifting in the junior welterweight division, he’s back to lightweight, ready for more.
Post-punching session at Top Rank Gym, Vegas, Davis spilled his thoughts:
“I’m locked in, zero distractions. Hitting the gym not once, not twice, but thrice a day. You name it – running, sparring, lifting – I’m on it. And it’s starting to pay off.”
“I’m not just ticking days off till the fight; I’m stacking them in my favor. This is just the tip of the iceberg for me.”
“This fight’s got my full attention. Pedraza’s no walk in the park, with his stash of world titles. It’s got me even more pumped.”
“Props to Pedraza for stepping into the ring with me. He’s mixed it up with the best of them, headlined shows, and now it’s my turn to shine. Taking him down is my ticket to the big leagues.”
Weights:
Teofimo Lopez 139.6 vs. Jamaine Ortiz 139.6
Keyshawn Davis 134.7 vs. Jose Pedraza 134.5
George Acosta 131.3 vs. Rene Tellez Giron 132
Javier Martinez 161.6 vs. Raul Salomon 164.4
Abdullah Mason 135.3 vs. Benjamin Gurment 136.8