Lomachenko: I take Ortiz very seriously

Former world champion in three divisions Vasily Lomachenko wants to shake off the rust and put on a show when he returns to the ring on Saturday, October 29th. Lomachenko will face the undefeated Jamaine Ortiz at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden. Lomachenko was originally scheduled to return to the ring in the first quarter of 2022 against then unified world lightweight champion George Kambosos.

The two-time Olympic champion was forced to postpone his return following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and decided to stay at home. Instead, Kambosos met and lost to Devin Haney. Both will take part in a contractual rematch next month.

Lomachenko (16-2, 11 KOs) is hoping a win over Ortiz will push him to fight the winner of Haney's rematch against Kambosos, currently scheduled for early 2023. Despite being a big favorite to win, Lomachenko has no intention of underestimating Ortiz.

“I love my sport and I am very happy to be back. My goal is to win the undisputed lightweight title, but I don't take Jamain Ortiz lightly. Madison Square Garden and Hulu Theater are special places in my career and I look forward to October 29th to make even more wonderful memories. I want to dedicate this fight to the entire Ukrainian people," Lomachenko said.