WORCESTER, Mass. (June 10, 2021) – Unbeaten lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (14-0-1, 8 KOs) is a visionary, clearly seeing the day he becomes the first Worcester (MA) native to become a World boxing champion, as well as headlining a show at home in front of thousands of his growing legend of fans, and much more.
The 25-year-old Ortiz, former World Boxing Council (WBC) World Youth lightweight, has his sights set on greatness and the boxing world got a glimpse of his vast talent in his last two fights, both showcased on high-profile cards.
His seventh-round stoppage of Sulaiman Segawa (13-3-1, 4 KOs), who had never been previously stopped, last November on the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones, Jr. pay-per-event was the first time for most boxing fans outside of New England to watch him in action.
He followed that performance with an even better one last month on ESPN+, despite settling for a questionable 8-round draw against undefeated Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno (14-0-2, 12 KOs), in which most observers felt Ortiz deserved a victory.
“I’ve seen a statue of myself in the City of Worcester…..like Rocky in Philadelphia,” Ortiz said, “but not only for what I do in the ring. I am part of this city. I’m the People’s Champ! I’m willing to do whatever it takes to become world champion. I’ve headlined a show in Worcester, but I want to do it on a big card with thousands of fans there supporting me.”
“I joke around a lot when he talks, but I support any kid who has a dream like Jamaine,” Ortiz’ trainer Rocky Gonzalez remarked. “That’s the way all of us were taught at the Worcester Boys & Girls Club by Carlos Garcia. We believe in ourselves and I’m totally with it. Anything positive, just keep it positive.
“I think Jamaine feels the way he does about Worcester is because it’s personal with him. He was born in there. He’s always so positive at the gym with the kids. When you’re the best in the gym, everybody looks up to you, and that’s the way it is here with Jamaine. It’s important that the you ang kids are positive, and it is that way in our gym. A lot of that is because of Jamaine.”
DCU Center and the new Polar Park are the only venues in Worcester (located 40 miles west of Boston) capable of holding 5,000 fans or more for boxing.
“Jamaine Ortiz to Worcester,” added promoter Jimmy Burchfield (CES president), “is like Micky Ward to Lowell (MA), Vinny Paz to Providence (RI), and John Ruiz to Chelsea (MA). We’re working every day for Jamaine, as we do for all of our fighters, and get ready for some big news!”
“I’ve headlined before, at the Palladium, but fighting at home in front of 5,000 or more fans on television would be great,” reigning WBC United States Silver lightweight
champion Ortiz concluded. “That’s something I expect as the People’s Champion. I’ve put in the work and built a growing fanbase, which will translate into future ticket sales. I think it may take me fighting on TV in Las Vegas or Madison Square Garden for casual fight fans in Worcester to get onboard.”
“Very progressive and brilliant Worcester city officials recognize the importance of bringing high end sporting events to the area and have great plans for the sporting community in the near future,” Ortiz’ manager Dick Shappy noted. “The recent purchase of the Pawtucket Red Sox, the Boston Red Sox AAA minor league affiliate, is a testament to that. The timing is perfect right now for Jamaine as he positions himself to become Worcester’s favorite son and world champion. Boxing fans, stay tuned!
Worcester is ready to celebrate its favorite son. The Day of “The Technician” is coming!