Author: Sean Close
WBO junior welterweight titlist Teofimo Lopez is set to defend his belt against Jamaine Ortiz on February 8th in Las Vegas. Rising lightweight Keyshawn Davis will also be featured on ESPN’s broadcast card during the Super Bowl weekend, taking on Jose Pedraza in a 10-round bout. “Teofimo Lopez is one of the best fighters in the world, and he always wants to fight the best. Jamaine Ortiz is the perfect talent to fit that bill,” said Bob Aram, head of Top Rank. “I believe Keyshawn Davis will be a future world champion, but you can’t count out an accomplished two-division world champion like Jose Pedraza. It’s a great doubleheader for us for ESPN and fans watching at Michelob Ultra Arena.”
Lopez’s last fight was against Josh Taylor last spring, and this will be his first title defense. “The Takeover at Mandalay Bay on February 8th will entertain inside the squared circle like only I can!” Lopez says. “To all the boxing fans around the world, I aim to not only dominate and destroy Jamaine Ortiz, but to do it in a way that puts my division on alert.” Lopez has been making headlines in just five fights since his win over Vasyl Lomachenko in 2020.
“Jamaine is tough,” Lopez admits. “I knew because I played against him in the National Golden Gloves Championship in 2015 as an amateur. I’m going to show the world that champions don’t flinch in the face of hardship. When the stakes are the highest, they… will rise and shine brightest. This is for everyone aboard the TakeOver Express! Let’s show the world once again what real boxing is like.” Ortiz is equally eager to prove himself in the scheduled 12-round fight. “This is the most important match of my career,” he says. “This is my first world title fight. I believe this fight will bring out the best in me, so I’m looking forward to returning as the new champion!”
Davis and Pedraza also intend to make a good impression in the Feb. 8 co-main event. “I have all the respect in the world for Jose Pedraza and what he accomplished in the professional game,” Davis insists. “This is the kind of step up I need to get to the next level, and I know Pedraza will bring his best match.” Pedraza is also looking forward to his return to the spotlight. “I’m looking to get it back. Keyshawn Davis is going to experience what it’s like to compete against a two-division world champion,” he says.
