Tag Archives: Jamaine Ortiz

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JAMAINE ORTIZ DAZZLES IN STANDOUT PERFORMANCE AGAINST TOUGH NAHIR ALBRIGHT IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

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Paul Kroll and Marquis Taylor Battle to a Spirited Split Draw in Telecast Opener on SHOWTIME®

Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

ORLANDO, Fla. – February 18, 2022 – Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz used his superior hand and foot speed to dance and dish out punishment against game Nahir Albright to win the vacant NABF title in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation as part of an action-packed doubleheader on SHOWTIME Friday night at the Caribe Royale Resort.

Ortiz (15-0-1, 8 KOs) sailed to a unanimous decision win by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 97-93 to remain undefeated and stamp his name as a player in a loaded lightweight division. Click HERE to watch video of the decision.

Whether he was walking Albright (14-2, 7 KOs) down or punching on the move, Ortiz produced a dominant and flashy performance over 10 rounds, wowing a crowd that included former light heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver and San Francisco 49ers All-Pro offensive lineman Trent Williams. Click HERE to watch highlights of the ninth round.

After he was dropped twice in his last fight against Joseph Adorno in a majority draw in April, Ortiz looked more poised and patient in the early going, picking his punches carefully and hitting and moving while avoiding Albright’s big right hand.

As the difference in speed became apparent, Ortiz began to open up in the second after he scored with a big left that caught Albright clean. From that point on, Ortiz maintained control of the distance and pace, leaping at Albright with lefts and rights or peppering him with jabs. 

“I think I showed maturity in this fight,” Ortiz said. “I was cautious in the beginning. I didn’t want to get caught like I did in my last fight. After I took the first couple rounds to feel him out, I saw that I could do whatever I wanted in there and I started to get into a groove and let my punches go.”

Ortiz, of Worcester, Mass., landed 48% (103 of 216) of his power punches, compared to 41% for Albright (88 of 216), but it was his body punching that produced the biggest numerical disparity. Ortiz out-landed Albright 42 to 4 to the body, showcasing that aspect of his game in the fifth round when he found a home for several thudding body shots. Afterward, Ortiz called out the power-puncher Rolly Romero (14-0, 12 KOs) as the opponent he wants to face next.

“He’s got a big name,” Ortiz said. “He’s a big puncher, but he can’t box. That would be an easy fight. My goal is to have a title eliminator and to win a title. After that, my goal is to be one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.”

Ortiz’s signature round was the sixth, when he showcased his footwork and speed, darting around the ring and landing rights and lefts. He connected with an overhand right on the run while New Jersey’s Albright was on the ropes and then landed several unanswered right uppercuts to punctuate the round.

Albright, an aspiring R&B singer, showed his toughness and resilience by trying to match Ortiz’s output each round. He had success in spurts, but it was fleeting. In the ninth, he landed a pair of overhand rights, only for Ortiz to use his footwork to avoid taking further punishment.

“He was the better man in there tonight,” an emotional Albright said. “It was a great experience and I saw a different look. I know that I have all the talent and ability, and this will not deter me at all from being a world champion.”

In the telecast opener, Paul Kroll and Marquis Taylor fought to a spirited split draw in their eight-round super welterweight bout by scores of 77-75 for Kroll, 80-72 for Taylor and 76-76 in a verdict that frustrated both fighters. Click HERE to watch video of the decision.

Before the bout, Philly’s Kroll spoke of the little respect he had for Taylor’s power, since Taylor only had one knockout on his ledger, but it was Taylor who was the harder and busier puncher in the contest, relying on a check left hook that continually found its mark. 

Houston’s Taylor connected on 34% of his power punches compared to 29% for Kroll, outscoring him 98 to 71 and out-landing him 109 to 84 in total punches.

Taylor (12-1-2, 1 KO) staggered Kroll (9-0-1, 6 KOs) in the sixth with the biggest punch of the fight, a left that caused Kroll to fall against the ropes as Taylor followed up with digging shots to the body.

“I thought I had it for sure,” Taylor said. “I thought I had the fight in the bag. I don’t know what the judges saw. I was being the aggressor and I landed the clearer shots. I thought I really had that fight with no questions. I don’t know what else I could’ve done.” 

The busier and fresher fighter, Taylor didn’t sit in between rounds and at times had to be restrained by his trainer from running to the middle of the ring before his minute of rest was up.

Normally a patient and technically sound fighter, Kroll, a former amateur star who won the 2016 U.S. Olympic Boxing Trials, went after Taylor in the first, throwing a wild right hand that continually missed its mark.

Kroll fought well in spurts and with urgency in the eighth and final round, but Taylor was ready for him.

“I thought I won the fight 5-3,” Kroll said. “I took the beginning and the end. He won a couple rounds in the middle. We can run it back on the next ShoBox. I am ready to fight him again. He was awkward, but I outworked him on the inside. I won that fight.”

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside alongside former world champion Raul Marquez and renowned combat sports authority Brian Campbell serving as expert analysts. Hall of Famer Steve Farhood was the unofficial scorer. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

The event was promoted by King’s Promotions. The ShoBox doubleheader will re-air on Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME®.

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports  

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Unbeaten Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz A visionary in trunks and gloves People’s champ of Worcester

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WORCESTER, Mass. (June 10, 2021) – Unbeaten lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (14-0-1, 8 KOs) is a visionary, clearly seeing the day he becomes the first Worcester (MA) native to become a World boxing champion, as well as headlining a show at home in front of thousands of his growing legend of fans, and much more.
The 25-year-old Ortiz, former World Boxing Council (WBC) World Youth lightweight, has his sights set on greatness and the boxing world got a glimpse of his vast talent in his last two fights, both showcased on high-profile cards. 


His seventh-round stoppage of Sulaiman Segawa (13-3-1, 4 KOs), who had never been previously stopped, last November on the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones, Jr. pay-per-event was the first time for most boxing fans outside of New England to watch him in action.

 
He followed that performance with an even better one last month on ESPN+, despite settling for a questionable 8-round draw against undefeated Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno (14-0-2, 12 KOs), in which most observers felt Ortiz deserved a victory.

“I’ve seen a statue of myself in the City of Worcester…..like Rocky in Philadelphia,” Ortiz said, “but not only for what I do in the ring. I am part of this city. I’m the People’s Champ! I’m willing to do whatever it takes to become world champion. I’ve headlined a show in Worcester, but I want to do it on a big card with thousands of fans there supporting me.”

“I joke around a lot when he talks, but I support any kid who has a dream like Jamaine,” Ortiz’ trainer Rocky Gonzalez remarked. “That’s the way all of us were taught at the Worcester Boys & Girls Club by Carlos Garcia. We believe in ourselves and I’m totally with it. Anything positive, just keep it positive.

“I think Jamaine feels the way he does about Worcester is because it’s personal with him. He was born in there. He’s always so positive at the gym with the kids. When you’re the best in the gym, everybody looks up to you, and that’s the way it is here with Jamaine. It’s important that the young kids are positive, and it is that way in our gym. A lot of that is because of Jamaine.”DCU Center and the new Polar Park are the only venues in Worcester (located 40 miles west of Boston) capable of holding 5,000 fans or more for boxing.

“Jamaine Ortiz to Worcester,” added promoter Jimmy Burchfield (CES president), “is like Micky Ward to Lowell (MA), Vinny Paz to Providence (RI), and John Ruiz to Chelsea (MA). We’re working every day for Jamaine, as we do for all of our fighters, and get ready for some big news!”

“I’ve headlined before, at the Palladium, but fighting at home in front of 5,000 or more fans on television would be great,” reigning WBC United States Silver lightweight champion Ortiz concluded. “That’s something I expect as the People’s Champion. I’ve put in the work and built a growing fanbase, which will translate into future ticket sales. I think it may take me fighting on TV in Las Vegas or Madison Square Garden for casual fight fans in Worcester to get onboard.”

“Very progressive and brilliant Worcester city officials recognize the importance of bringing high end sporting events to the area and have great plans for the sporting community in the near future,” Ortiz’ manager Dick Shappy noted. “The recent purchase of the Pawtucket Red Sox, the Boston Red Sox AAA minor league affiliate, is a testament to that. The timing is perfect right now for Jamaine as he positions himself to become Worcester’s favorite son and world champion. Boxing fans, stay tuned!

Worcester is ready to celebrate its favorite son. The Day of “The Technician” is coming! 

boxing, ESPN Boxing

Team Ortiz moves on from disputed draw Feeling Confident Undefeated Lightweight Jamaine Ortiz Made Loud Statement

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WORCESTER, Mass. (April 29, 2021) – Despite a disputed draw with unbeaten Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno (14-0-2, 12 KOs) last Saturday night in Kissimmee, Florida, lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (14-0-1, 8 KOs) displayed his vast skills and courage on ESPN+. 

Recovering from two knockdowns (the first from an illegal punch behind the head) and still taking the fight to the promoter’s fighter, Ortiz won six of the eight rounds but, unfortunately, he had to settled for an 8-round majority draw with (76-74, 75-75-75) Adorno.    

Ortiz, fighting out of Worcester, Massachusetts, is the reigning WBC USNBC (U.S.) Silver lightweight champion, as well as a former WBC World Youth lightweight titlist.   

“I didn’t fight my fight,” Ortiz evaluated his performance.  “I fought too much instead of being ‘The Technician.’   Before the fight, I thought I was the B-side fighter and wanted to please the crowd. I didn’t realize that I was on the A-side (thanks to his promoter, Jimmy Burchfield) and the betting favorite.  I was fighting a Top Rank guy and felt that I had to bring the fight to him.  Muscle memory, I guess, from back in the amateurs.  I was fighting on his stage, so I put pressure on him. If the fight went the distance, I wanted to make sure the scoring was clear and obvious.  I knew I’d break him down because I had better stamina and skills. 

“I fought him too much, but I still thought I won the fight.  The 76-74 score made sense.  I won every round but the second and seventh (rounds of knockdowns).  I didn’t agree with the one judge who had him (Adorno) winning the sixth. He hit me behind the head in the third round and I was off balance.  But the referee does his job and mine is to fight.  Nothing I could do about it.  The plan was to box him, going to the body, but not switch stances because it would expose me.  I had to go to the body, always part of my plan, but I wasn’t ‘The Technician.’ Sometimes I switch stances without realizing it.  I got clipped in the seventh round (uppercut that resulted in a standing 8 count) when I was switching for first time.  I handled it like a pro.  I got up and felt good.  I survived the round by holding a few times and then I came back again.” 

Burchfield, head of Classic Sports and Entertainment (CEO), knows Ortiz showed that he’s somebody lightweights will have to reckon with in the immediate future. 

“Jamaine’s stock went up for the second fight in a row (last November he registered a sensational stoppage of Sulaiman Segawa (13-3-1, 4 KOs), who had never been previously stopped, in seventh-round on the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones, Jr. pay-per-event),” Burchfield added.  “Adorno is an animal when he’s in control of a fight.  Jamaine had to take control of the fight by being the aggressor but, as ‘The Technician, knowing when to fight and when to box.    The punch in the second round was, definitely, behind the head, clearly a foul, and it was more of a slip than a knockdown because he was off balance.  If that punch was disallowed, Jamaine wins the fight, even if he had lost the round.  He (Emil Lombardi) is a quality ref who made a mistake.  Maybe he didn’t catch it because of the angle he had, which is why I’m a firm believer in instant replay, and It would have been ruled a non-knockdown.  

“Going into the seventh, I thought Jamaine led by 2-3 points having taken five of the previous six rounds. Jamaine showed the world his endurance when he came back so strong in the eighth round.  If the fight had been 10-round, or even 30-sconds longer, no disrespect to Adorno, Jamaine would have knocked him out.  Jamaine is the real deal.  He certainly proved he’s TV friendly after his last two fights and he deserves to be mentioned among the top 135-pounders in the world.  Any takers?” 

Ortiz’ manager, Dick Shappy, had mixed emotions after the fight, understanding that Ortiz raised the bar, even though he fought to a draw. 

“I wish he had won,” Shappy remarked, “but a draw wasn’t too bad under the circumstances.   I though Jamaine won the fight outright.  If not for that illegal punch in the second, he won the fight on their scorecards.  It still shouldn’t have been ruled a knockdown, more of a slip, because he was going forward and lost balance.  It never should have been 10-8.  Adorno would have lost if they had to go into the championship rounds.  Jamaine was more skilled, he did a good job.” 

Count no less than former Olympic gold medalist and 2-division World Champion Andre Ward, who served as color commentator for Ortiz-Adorno, among those impressed by Ortiz. 

“Ortiz outworked Adorno, no doubt, and he never backed down,” Ward commented on air.  “I want to see more of Ortiz!’ 

As entertaining as Ortiz-Adorno was – it may have stolen the entire show – it’s unlikely that there will be a rematch. 

“I don’t think he wants to fight me again,” Ortiz reported.  “He said something about maybe when we both have world title belts.” 

Ortiz has taken advantage of the tremendous opportunities for worldwide exposure in his last two fights.  His reward will certainly come, in time, moving up the ratings as people continue jumping on “The Technician” bandwagon.                        

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Undefeated lightweight Jamaine Ortiz Takes on Unbeaten joseph adorno

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“The Technician” vs. “Blessed Hands” 

This Saturday in Florida on ESPN+ 

WORCESTER, Mass. (April 19, 2021) – Rarely do undefeated prospects with double-digit victories fight each other because of the perceived risk like lightweights Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (14-0, 8 KOs) and Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno (14-0-1, 12 KOs) will do this Saturday night, April 24th, at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Florida. 

The 8-round Adorno vs. Ortiz fight, streaming live on ESPN+, will be on the Top Rank card headlined (on ESPN) by WBO World featherweight champion Emanuel Navarette (32-1, 24 KOs) defending his title against challenger Christopher Diaz (26-2, 16 KOs).    

Both young lightweights were decorated USA amateur boxers who are rising stars in arguably boxing’s most loaded division.  

“I’m counting the days,” Ortiz said about his fight with Adorno.  “I’ve trained hard my whole life.  When an opportunity like this comes, I’m ready to prove myself.  I think I’ll have a spectacular performance and impress the crowd like I usually do.  I’m fighting on another big card; I’m going up not down.”   

The reigning WBC USNBC (U.S.) Silver lightweight champion, in addition to being a former WBC World Youth lightweight titlist, the 24-year-old Ortiz recently cracked the top 40 in the WBC ratings at 31, and he’s also ranked No. 5 by the NABF.   

Ortiz is coming off a sensational, high-profile knockout of Sulaiman Segawa (13-3-1, 4 KOs), who had never been stopped, in the seventh round last November on the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones, Jr. pay-per-view event. 

The lone blemish on the 21-year-old Adorno’s pro record came in his last fight, back on January 11, 2020, when he fought an 8-round split draw with Hector Garcia (14-7-3).  Born in New Jersey and raised in Puerto Rico, Adorno lives and trains in Allentown, Pennsylvania. 

Ortiz surprisingly may have what amounts to a “hometown” advantage, at least in terms of vocal support, largely because many of his New England friends and family are flying down to Florida to attend the fight, along with his Florida fans. 

“My father lived in Florida and I visited him during summers, and I went to second grade there,” Ortiz explained.  “I have a big family-base in Orlando.  A lot of family and friends from Worcester are going to the fight.  I’m surprised by how many people will be there for me.” 

Ortiz is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES), which will co-promote Adorno vs. Ortiz with Top Rank, and managed by Dick Shappy. 

“Both teams need to be complimented for taking a fight like this.” Burchfield commented.  “Two undefeated, young boxers like this fighting each other is what real boxing is all about. Bob Arum, Carl Moretti Team Top Rank have been friends of mine for so many years.   

“We turned Jamaine pro and through all these years as a promoter (32nd), maybe, every decade or so you have a special one like Jamaine, who can become the future of boxing. When you find a fighter who can box, punch and set-up his punches very well, he’s special and I feel Jamaine is special like that, not only in the ring but outside as well.  I don’t worry about getting a late-night call about him.  He is a total professional, no distractions with him.  Jamaine works as a carpenter, he’s learning the real estate business, and he’s also looking into the medical field in the future. He reminds me of Sugar Ray Leonard and Oscar De Lay Hoya.  He has that charisma and is a technician in the ring.  A very smart kid in the ring. He has a spectacular team of managers and trainer to work with, too.”  

“For many years,” Shappy added, “our management team (including Eddie Imondi) had been searching for the right boxer to come along that had the potential to be a world champ. We are very confident that we have found that person, Jamaine ‘The Technician’ Ortiz.” 

Rare as it may be in boxing, the reward is ultimately worth the risk for these legitimate fighters, Ortiz and Adormo.  

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Undefeated lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz No longer best kept secret after Tyson-Jones, Jr. PPV show performance

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WORCESTER, Mass. (December 14, 2020) – Prior to his sensational performance on the recent Mike Tyson-Roy Jones, Jr. pay-per-view event, undefeated lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz was boxing’s best kept secret.  No more, though, as Ortiz firmly established himself as a rising star in front of countless fans among the 1.6 million PPV buys. 

Ortiz flew from Boston to Los Angeles on Thanksgiving.  He was driven to his hotel, where he immediately saw Jones, checked his weight, and walked to Staples Center.  “I was comfortable from the start,” said the young fighter who was fighting for the first time as a professional outside of New England.  “I was there to get the job done.  I was on a mission.  I walk to see the Staples Center and that was cool.  I later took my run around the Staples Center and there were a lot of statues.  It was beautiful.  It was cool seeing the Lakers locker-room.” 

The 24-year-old Ortiz (14-0, 8 KOs), the reigning World Boxing Youth World champion, knocked out Sulaiman Segawa (13-3-1, 4 KOs) with a bruising body attack, hurting his opponent in the sixth round, and closing the show in spectacular fashion in the seventh for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) USNBC (U.S) Silver lightweight title.  Segawa had never been stopped before as a professional. 

Ortiz displayed his overall arsenal: stiff jab, lightning quick hands and feet, switching back and forth effortlessly from orthodox to southpaw stances, punishing hooks up and down, and the most lethal body shots seen from a New Englander since “Irish” Micky Ward.   

“I was calm and cool before the fight,” Ortiz added.  “I like to go into a fight, mentally, like it was a sparring session and I always do good.  I started out in an orthodox stance, established my jab and used it a lot.  I think I should have used it more and could have beaten him with it.  I listened to my coach (Rocky Gonzalez) and he told me when to switch.  Body punching is the No. 1 thing with Rocky.  I may not have shown it nearly as much in other fights, but he drills that into me all the time.  In the sixth round, he told me to go more to the body, not looking to catch him, and in the seventh I really hurt him to the body. 

“Segawa was definitely tough.  He had beaten a lot of guys, including a few he upset.  Every fight is a stepping-stone and I’m my worst critic.  I felt that I could have knocked him out in the second round, but I didn’t want to go off the game plan 

Ortiz set-up Segawa from the opening bell, broke him down, and finished the show in grand style as Seqawa was hurt and trapped on the ropes, drawing kudos from highly respected people in the industry such as “Sugar” Ray Leonard, Teddy Atlas, and others.  Ortiz’ fanbase grew exponentially as boxing fans rushed to sign up to follow Jamaine during and after his breakout fight.   

“Once people saw me perform and my style,” Ortiz continued, “they liked me.  I could have shown more and thrown more combinations.  I really needed to fight in front of the world.  I got 5,500 new Instagram flowers that night.  I guess, I’m no longer the best kept secret in boxing.” 

“Our main goal is to win a world title,” Gonzalez commented.  “This was fun and a great opportunity, but the motivation to be world champion is stronger.  He dealt with this fight as just another fight, and he followed our game plan.   

“His body shots set up the ending.  I’m always telling him about Micky Ward’s body shots.  You know, boxing is a dance, a salsa.  Boxers need to dance; I don’t think they should just be orthodox.  They all need to fight the other way and when Jamaine switched stances in the third, he never let up. I’ve trained him hard.  I’m always on him and what better way to shut me up than ending it like he did on pay per view?  It was a drop the microphone moment!” 

Ortiz is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield (Classic Entertainment and Sports) and advised by Richard Shappy and Eddie Imondi. 

Because of the uncertainty in boxing due to the pandemic, Ortiz’ 2021 schedule is unknown, but he isn’t boxing’s best kept secret anymore, “The Technician” is a bonafide rising star. 

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Undefeated lightweight prospect JAMAINE “THE TECHNICIAN” ORTIZ Hopes to Steal Tyson-Jones Junior Show

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WORCESTER, Mass. (November 17, 2020) – Undefeated lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (13-0, 7 KOs), the reigning World Boxing Youth World champion, hopes to steal the show on the November 28th Mike Tyson-Roy Jones, Jr. pay-per-view card, presented by Tyson’s Legends Only League, at Staples Center in Los Angeles. 

The 24-year-old Ortiz, fighting out of Worcester, Massachusetts, will fight on the undercard against Maryland southpaw Sulaiman Segawa (13-2-1, 4 KOs) in an 8-round bout for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) USNBC (U.S) lightweight title.   

“I feel good and I’m ready,” Ortiz said.  “I’m privileged for this opportunity to fight on the Tyson-Jones card and get good exposure.  I hope to steal the show. As a kid, I followed them both, especially Jones.  I tried to imitate him” 

Like all fighters, the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically affected his career, although he has managed to train, albeit in various gyms and mostly by himself. 

“It wasn’t too bad,” added Ortiz, who is an apprentice carpenter.  “Not all of the facilities I use to train were open.  Early on, I trained by myself, and did a lot of running.  We were quarantined until late June, early July, but then I was able to get good sparring.  So, overall, it wasn’t too much of a change.”

Ortiz is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield (Classic Entertainment and Sports) and advised by Richard Shappy and Eddie Imondi. 

“We’re happy our fighter, Jamaine Ortiz, will be getting such great exposure and he will show the world what we already know here in New England,” Shappy commented. “Jamaine ‘The Technician’ Ortiz is a force that will have to be reckoned with.” 

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Unhappy birthday coming up for undefeated lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz

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WORCESTER, Mass. (April 15, 2020) –  Even in his wildest dreams, undefeated World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth World lightweight champion  Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (13-0, 7 KOs) never could have ever imagined that his 24th birthday, later this month, would fall smack in the middle of a worldwide health pandemic

When he turns 24 on April 28th, Ortiz figured he’d be preparing for training camp with a spring fight date set, likely defending his WBC Youth World title of fighting for a regional belt  of some sort.

He certainly didn’t think boxing would be banned around the world, gyms closed by a state mandate, and people wearing facemasks and plastic gloves like they’re in a Sci-Fi movie. And, to boot, his job as a licensed carpenter ended closed shop last Friday.  Like everybody else in the Bay State.

Ortiz is basically self-quarantined at home, although he’s still running, training, eating well and doing everything else to maintain decent shape.  Not elite boxing shape, though, which simply isn’t possible under these restrictive and trying times.

Instead of sparring, he’s shadow boxing, jumping rope has replaced pad-work with his trainers, Rocky Gonzalez and Carlos Garcia, and now his living room serves as his gym.

Times have been dramatically altered, indeed, even celebrating birthdays, which Jamaine fully understands and accepts. 

“I don’t think my birthday will be any different,” Ortiz said.  “I usually spend it alone with my mother and daughter (4-year-old Amira) and this year probably won’t be any different.  I won’t be able to get in a whole bunch of sparring rounds that I usually ask for (laughing) as presents from some of my friends.“ 

Fortunately, though, Ortiz was able to fight this past February 28 in his first action in six months, headlining a CES Boxing-promoted card at home in Worcester, Massachusetts, in which he  registered an impressive second-round stoppage of Mexican knockout specialist “Loco” Luis Ronaldo Castillo (22-6, 17 KOs), a former WBC  FECOMBOX lightweight champion.

Ortiz, presently rated No. 16 by the North American Boxing Federation (NABF), aspires to attend medical school after he hangs up his gloves for good, to become a doctor/researcher.  He reads a lot about medicine, especially holistic treatments, and he believes that he may have already had the coronavirus.

“Five weeks before my last fight,” he explained, “I was in the hospital with a temperature of 104.5.  Just about everybody I knew was sick, my grandmother had pneumonia. I never really get sick.  I had a flu shot for seven years without an issue.  I developed a cough, too.  I felt like I was going to die.  I can’t say with certainty I had coronavirus (there was no test available then), but I feel like I may have had it.” 

Ortiz will be ready for the night the ring bell will finally sound again.  “I hope to be fighting again in July or August, but, no matter when boxing returns, I’ll be ready to go.

“This is a serious, contagious disease.  People should use common sense: wash your hands, stay separated by six feet, and stay at home, especially the elderly and people with respiratory problems. Don’t take any unnecessary risks or panic, either.  This isn’t the end of the world!” 

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Undefeated rising star Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz In developmental process on way to top

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All pictures by Emily Harney / Fightography
 
WORCESTER, Mass. (March 11, 2020) – Fresh off his sensational hometown debut last month, Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (13-0, 7 KOs) is in the middle of a developmental process that is, hopefully, headed to the top of the 135-pound division by 2022.
 
The 23-year-old Ortiz, who will abdicate his World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth World lightweight title next month when he turns 24 because he’ll be overage, headlined a Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES) show February 28th at the famed Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.
 
Despite fighting for the first time in six months, Ortiz showed no signs of rust, forcing Mexican knockout specialist “Loco” Luis Ronaldo Castillo (22-6, 17 KOs), a former WBC FECOMBOX lightweight champion, to take a knee after landing a crisp uppercut and then finishing him off later in the second round with three overhand rights.
 
Ortiz, rated No. 16 by the North American Boxing Federation (NABF), gained invaluable exposure headlining the CES event, which was streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports.

“There was no reason of any rust,” Ortiz explained. “I had been working hard in the gym for several months, where I always do my best. Maybe the bright lights (fighting at home for the first time) affected me a little? It was a little different going through the fans (on his ring walk) to get to the ring (on stage). I picture much bigger things in my future, so I can’t let small stuff like that put me off my game. But I settled in quickly and felt comfortable.
 
“I hit him with a good uppercut to the jaw. I figured he’d get up, because he had a late reaction when he went down, but I knew it was over when I hit him with three overhand rights. I really hurt him with the last punch as he was going down. I didn’t say it publicly, but I told some people that I would knock him out in the second round, and I did what I said I’d do. I knew early that it was only going to be a matter of time.”
 
Ortiz displayed his lightning quick hands and feet, also switching effortlessly from orthodox to southpaw, Jamaine plans to return to work next week as a union carpenter and he’s already started running before he gets back in the gym.
 
A decorated amateur who had an impressive 100-14 record, highlighted by consecutive New England Golden Gloves titles in 2015 & 2016, as well as a silver medal at the 2015 National Golden Gloves Tournament (he lost to current IBF World lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez in the championship final) and reaching the semifinals of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials, Ortiz is a potential star on the rise.
 
Because he’s only 23 there is no legitimate reason to push Ortiz at this stage of his young pro career when his developmental process is in gear. First up is his initially scheduled 10-round fight, possibly for a regional title, likely against an accomplished, experienced opponent who will give Jamaine invaluable rounds (he only has 52 rounds under his belt).
 
In 2021, the dream is for Ortiz to headline a major show at home in Worcester with world-ratings implications, at the new home of the Boston Red Sox’ AAA organization at Polar Park, which is being constructed now for an estimate construction cost of $100-million.  
 
If all goes according to plans, Ortiz will challenge for a world title in 2022, at the latest.
The Ortiz Process has commenced with the goal of eventually developing him into a world titlist. Patience, though, is the key to building a champion!
 
boxing, UFC

Undefeated lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz Set for Friday’s homecoming fight

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WORCESTER, Mass. (February 26, 2020) –  Undefeated World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth World lightweight champion Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (12-0, 6 KOs) plans to make a major statement this Friday when he fights at home in Worcester, Massachusetts, for the first time as a professional boxer.

Ortiz will headline a CES Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS® event, promoted by Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES), at the historic Worcester Palladium. 

In the 8-round main event, Ortiz faces Mexican knockout specialist “Loco” Luis Ronaldo Castillo (22-5, 17 KOs), a former WBC FECOMBOX lightweight champion, in a non-title fight.

“I’m ready,” Ortiz said after a recent open workout.  “It’s good getting so much support.  I have a lot of people coming to the fights.  To me, I only have one job – win!  And I’d like to win in spectacular fashion.  I want to show everybody at the Palladium and those watching on UFC FIGHT PASS that it’s all real, no hype behind my name.  Everybody watching Friday night will know what I bring into the ring.”

Ortiz, 23, is a lightning-quick, gifted lightweight with tremendous upside.  A decorated amateur, Ortiz is a rising star in what many believe will be a breakout year for him.

“Jamaine certainly hasn’t reached his full potential,” Ortiz’ head trainer Rocky Gonzalez commented.  “He’s still young and all he really needs is more experience.  He’s a good listener with great hand speed, and he switches (stances) easily.  And he really believes in himself and it’s hard to beat somebody like that.  I can’t teach heart, but he has that as well.  I don’t know how far he can go, not yet, but he’s talented and nowhere close to being a finished product.” 

The Feb. 28th show showcasing Ortiz worldwide will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

Tickets are on sale and available to purchase at CESBoxing.com and the Palladium box office.  Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m./ ET.

boxing, UFC

No place like home for Undefeated lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz

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WORCESTER, Mass. (February 11, 2020) – A lifelong dream will become finally reality on February 28th, when undefeated World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth World lightweight champion Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (12-0, 6 KOs) fights at home for the first time as a professional in  Worcester, Massachusetts.

Ortiz will headline a CES Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS® event, promoted by Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES), at the historic Worcester Palladium.  His opponent in the 8-round main event will be Mexican knockout artist “Loco” Luis Ronaldo Castillo (22-5, 17 KOs), a former WBC  FECOMBOX lightweight champion.

“I’ve never fought in Worcester as a professional,” Ortiz said at a recent press conference.  “I’ve wanted to do this bad to let people in Worcester see what it has.  It’s going to be extra special because two of my closest friends, Irvin Gonzalez and Kendrick Ball, Jr., are also fighting on this card.  We’ve fought together since we were kids.”

The 23-year-old will not be defending his WBC Youth World title, because he will relinquish his belt in April, when turns 24 and becomes ineligible in terms of the age requirement (23 and younger).

“Jamaine had one of the most prestigious amateur careers ever in New England,” Ortiz’ promoter Jimmy Burchfield (CES Boxing) said.  “He already owns the WBC World Youth title and has World Champion written all over him.”

“The Technician” is fine tuning his game and he’s already looking ahead to the not too distant future.

“I’m very excited to be fighting February 28th for the first time in Worcester,” Ortiz added.  “It’s an exciting card with action-packed fights. I expect it’ll be sold out and hope so, because I want to prove to my city, my promoter, and local businesses that big-time boxing belongs here and will be supported by Worcester.  In 2021, I want to bring world championship boxing to the new baseball stadium (Polar Park, the future home of the Worcester Red Sox, Triple A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox) across the street that will seat 10,000.”

The Feb. 28th show showcasing Ortiz worldwide will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

Tickets are on sale and available to purchase at CESBoxing.com, the Palladium box office or from Team Ortiz.  Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m./ ET.