By: Sean Crose
WBO junior welterweight titlist Teofimo Lopez will likely be defending his belt in opposition to Jamaine Ortiz on February 8th in Las Vegas. Rising light-weight Keyshawn Davis may also be on the ESPN broadcast card this Super Bowl weekend, squaring off in opposition to Jose Pedraza in a scheduled 10 rounder. “Teofimo Lopez is among the best fighters in the world and always wants to fight the best available opponent. Jamaine Ortiz is a supreme talent who fits the bill,” Top Rank honcho Bob Arum says. “I believe Keyshawn Davis is a future world champion, but you can never count out a skilled two-weight world champion like Jose Pedraza. What a fantastic doubleheader for the fans watching on ESPN and at Michelob ULTRA Arena.”
Lopez, who was final noticed besting Josh Taylor final spring, will likely be defending his title for the primary time. “February 8 at Mandalay Bay, ‘The Takeover’ will entertain inside that squared circle as only I can!,” Lopez says. “To the boxing followers world wide, I look to not solely dominate and break down Jamaine Ortiz, however to do it in such a trend that my division will likely be placed on alert.“ The 19-1 Lopez is clearly seeking to get again within the highlight after having solely 5 fights since his huge win over Vasyl Lomachenko in 2020.
“Jamaine is tough,” Lopez admits. “I would know, because I faced him back in the amateur days in 2015 for the National Golden Gloves Championship. I’ll show the world that champions don’t flinch when faced with challenges. They rise and shine the brightest when the stakes are highest. This one is for all my people on the Takeover Express! Let’s show the world once again what real boxing looks like.” The 7-1-1 Ortiz , after all, is equally wanting to show himself within the scheduled 12 rounder. “This is the most important fight of my career,” he says. “It’s my first world title bout. I believe this fight will bring out the very best in me, and I’m looking forward to coming home as the new champion!”
Davis and Pedraza are additionally clearly keen to impress on the co-main February 8th. “I have all the respect in the world for Jose Pedraza and what he’s accomplished in the pro game,” Davis claims. “This is type of step up I need to get to the next level, and I know Pedraza will bring his A-game.” Former world titlist Pedraza however, is seeking to regain ring glory. “Keyshawn Davis,” he says, “is going to experience what it’s like to face a two-division world champion.”
