Jamaine Ortiz fed up with lack of opportunities after Lomachenko loss

Jamaine Ortiz is itching to get back into the ring.

The 26-year-old, however, is growing impatient. Ortiz is coming off a 12-round unanimous decision loss to Vasiliy Lomachenko at New York City's Madison Square Garden in a bout some thought he deserved to have his hand raised.

This past weekend, Ortiz vented on Twitter about fighters who cherry-pick opponents while ducking challenging fights, along with the promoters who choose to protect their investments rather than pit them against tough opposition.

"To me, it’s very upsetting," "The Technician" Ortiz said. "I came off a great performance against Lomachenko. Most of the world thought I won. The rankings have me amongst the top 10 in the world. But there’s no fight for me? No good opponent for me? It’s kind of wild.

"There are so many great fights that can be made right now. Me versus George Kambosos. Me versus Isaac Cruz. Joseph Diaz. Javier Fortuna. There are so many guys with big names who are willing to fight. Why can’t we put these fights together?"

And if the buzz from the Lomachenko fight is irrelevant in 2023, Ortiz added, "then it’s my job is to put myself back in [the conversation].

"One of the things I’ve learned over the years is to keep myself relevant. That’s why I tweeted what I did. I let my feelings out. I understand the business. I have to start poking these guys. The fans and boxing journalists are who make things happen. If the fans are demanding a certain fight and the promoter knows it’s guaranteed to make money, then the promoter will make it happen. If the writers talk about it enough, it begins to make sense. Fighters need to be vocal. Someone has to talk about it."

Ortiz noted that former two-division world champion Shakur Stevenson described him as a "tough fight for whoever." Therefore, the Worcester, Massachusetts native is now convinced other 135-pounders are avoiding him because he's a high-risk opponent.

"Shakur Stevenson, he puts respect on my name," Ortiz said. "They know me. They know the type of fighter I am. No one is calling me an easy opponent or a pushover. If I’m an easier fight, then why aren’t they calling me name? I want to know who in the world has ever called me out to fight. Nahir Albright might be the only one who’s ever said something. We originally had that fight on Triller [on November 28, 2020], then he pulled out, but we got it back [on Showtime in 2022] and I beat him up. When have I ever said no to fight? At the same time, who’s calling me out? With me being at this level now, who dares call my name?

"I’ve waited a long time. I’m going on seven years as a pro. I’ve been very patient and I’ve been taking everything that comes my way. I’ve been quiet a long time. Now I want to take a little bit more control of my career. Am I wrong for that? Am I wrong for trying to make fights happen or asking for the best?

"I won’t talk trash to a fighter for no reason. But how am I going to sell a fight? In this business, social media, twitter is the place to be. Journalists and boxing writers take what you post on social media and blow it up and circulate it through other media outlets. I have to put my voice out there. If no one wants to fight, then I have to poke at people. I don’t want to just wait, wait, wait and then regret it later."

Prior to the Lomachenko fight, Ortiz outclassed former junior lightweight titleholder Jamel Herring over 10 rounds last May 21 in Las Vegas.