
via Getty
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 11: Vasyl Lomachenko holds the championship belt after defeating Roman Martinez by knock out during the fifth round of their Junior Lightweight WBO World Championship bout on June 11, 2016 at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

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NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 11: Vasyl Lomachenko holds the championship belt after defeating Roman Martinez by knock out during the fifth round of their Junior Lightweight WBO World Championship bout on June 11, 2016 at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Vasyl Lomachenko, the former three division champion, has begun his quest for the world title. He defeated the likes of the underdog Jamaine Ortiz to set himself up for a potential match with the undisputed lightweight division champ Devin Haney.
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The 17-2, amateur boxing legend faced Ortiz’s challenge at New York’s Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, but his eyes were set on a potential Haney fight.
Before stepping inside the Arena this weekend, ‘Loma’ expressed his eagerness for a fight that would square him off with the young Haney for the undisputed title clash.
Michael Benson of talk sports reported it on Twitter. He wrote, ” Vasyl Lomachenko on a potential Devin Haney fight: “I don’t care about the place. Absolutely [I’d accept a rematch clause]. I will be ready for any of his conditions. Let me explain. He’s the undisputed champion. He is the A-side. I need this moment more than he does.”
Vasyl Lomachenko on a potential Devin Haney fight: "I don't care about the place. Absolutely [I'd accept a rematch clause]. I will be ready for any of his conditions. Let me explain. He's undisputed champion. He is the A-side. I need this moment more than he does." [@ESPN]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) October 29, 2022
Loma is ready. Now it depends on Haney, and the promoters to make this happen in the coming year.
Highlights of Vasyl Lomachenko vs Jamaine Ortiz
The 135-pound but turned out to be bigger than expected. The Ukrainian was not expecting the class his opponent showcased in the ring. However, his in-ring command ultimately paid off on the judge’s scorecard. They scored 115-113, 116-112, and 117-111 in the favor of Loma.

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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 9: MANDATORY CREDIT Bill Tompkins/Getty Images Vasyl Lomachenko ( aqua blue and yellow trunks ) defeats Guillermo Rigondeaux ( purple and gold trunks ) by RTD in the 6th round. Madison Square Garden on December 9, 2017 in New York City. Lomachenko in victory. (Photo by Bill Tompkins/Getty Images)
The contest was close. Ortiz took advantage of his size and reach. From the opening bell, his jab succeeded in keeping Lomachenko at bay. Known as slow starter, Lomachenko gained pace in the third round when he caught Ortiz with a left-right combo.
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Later, Ortiz began backing his jab with a strong right hand. He troubled Loma quite a few times. But the second half of the fight saw Ortiz draining out. Loma emerged superior, his continuous head-hunting swelled Ortiz’s face.
But finally, Loma won the competitive fight by decision.
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Do you think after this fight is over, Loma will get a shot at the likes of Haney? Let us know in the comments below.
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