Michel Rivera Thought Ortiz Beat Lomachenko By a Round or Two

Vasiliy Lomachenko and Jamaine Ortiz engaged in an entertaining battle late last month in New York City. 

The 26-year-old American started off fast while the former three-division champion closed the show strong.  The final scores were 115-113, 116-112 and a head scratching 117-111 for Lomachenko. 

Rising lightweight contender Michel Rivera predicted a close fight in an interview with BoxingScene.com and his prognostication was on the money. 

After the fight, Rivera said that he believed Ortiz had done more than enough to earn the victory. 

“I thought it was a really good fight. It was very close but I thought that Ortiz won the fight by a round or two. I don’t have any idea how they could have given Lomachenko the win by unanimous decision,” Rivera told BoxingScene.com. 

Shortly, after Lomachenko’s victory, Top Rank chairman Bob Arum reiterated his desire to match Loamchenko against undisputed lightweight Devin Haney who was ringside for the fight. Both boxers fight under the Top Rank banner. The first quarter of next year is being targeted for the showdown.   

Rivera was last in action in October 15th when he out pointed Jerry Perez in Brooklyn, New York. The 24-year-old won both of his fights in 2022 and looks to close out the year in spectacular fashion.   

It was recently announced that Rivera would return on December 17th against fellow unbeaten lightweight prospect Frank Martin in a Showtime televised main event. The showdown will take place at the Armory in Minneapolis. 

Send questions or comments to ringsidewriter@gmail.com. You can follow Ryan on Twitter @ringsidewriter