Lopez-Ortiz and Keyshawn Davis-Jose Pedraza will be broadcast THURSDAY live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT
Teofimo Lopez is set to guard his WBO and Ring Magazine crowns against Jamaine Ortiz on Thursday, Feb. 8, at Michelob ULTRA Arena, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas. The Lopez-Ortiz headline tops a dynamic, televised two-fight showcase, ushering in Big Game Weekend.
In the 10-round lightweight secondary feature, U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis confronts Puerto Rican ex-two-division world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza.
Under the banner of Top Rank, in partnership with Takeover Promotions and CES Boxing, ticket sales open Friday, Jan. 5 at 10 a.m. PT, available at AXS.com.
Both the Lopez-Ortiz and Davis-Pedraza duels will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.
“Teofimo Lopez ranks among the world’s elite fighters, always eager to confront the most skilled adversaries. Jamaine Ortiz, a formidable talent, meets this criterion,” stated Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “I see a world champion in Keyshawn Davis, yet Jose Pedraza, a skilled dual-weight world champion, cannot be overlooked. Fans are in for a treat with this exciting doubleheader on ESPN and at Michelob ULTRA Arena.”
Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs) seized the IBF lightweight world title, overthrowing Richard Commey via a second-round knockout in December 2019. The following October, he overcame pound-for-pound ruler Vasiliy Lomachenko, acquiring the WBA, WBO, and WBC Franchise titles. Thirteen months later, he lost his titles in a startling split decision to George Kambosos Jr. The 26-year-old ascended to junior welterweight in August 2022, securing a seventh-round TKO against Pedro Campa and a split decision victory over Spanish southpaw Sandor Martin in December. In his most recent ring triumph, Lopez dethroned ex-undisputed champion Josh Taylor, capturing the WBO and Ring Magazine titles.
Lopez stated, “On February 8 at Mandalay Bay, ‘The Takeover’ will showcase unmatched prowess in the ring! To boxing aficionados globally, I aim not just to overpower and dismantle Jamaine Ortiz, but to do so in a manner that alerts my division.”
“Jamaine is a tough adversary. Our paths crossed in the amateur ranks in 2015 at the National Golden Gloves Championship. I’ll demonstrate that true champions don’t waver under pressure. They rise and shine the brightest in crucial moments. This one is dedicated to everyone on the Takeover Express! Let’s display once more the essence of true boxing.”
Ortiz (17-1-1, 8 KOs), a seven-year professional, clinched the NABF lightweight title by outmaneuvering Nahir Albright in February 2022. The Worcester, Massachusetts native followed up with a victory over ex-world champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring in May, and concluded the year with a sterling performance against Lomachenko. Although Ortiz lost to “Loma” by unanimous decision, he rebounded with a dominant decision over Antonio Moran in September.
Ortiz expressed, “This is the pinnacle fight of my career. My debut world title fight. I anticipate this fight will extract my very best, and I’m geared up to return as the new champion!”
Davis (9-0, 6 KOs), hailing from Norfolk, Virginia, has evolved from a promising talent to a genuine contender, edging closer to a world title shot. After turning pro and going 3-0, he bagged a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. In November 2021, he inked a long-term deal with Top Rank, accumulating six wins since. His active 2023 included a ninth-round TKO of Anthony Yigit in April and a unanimous 10-round decision over Francesco Patera in July. In October, he triumphed over Nahir Albright by majority decision, later revised to a no contest by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation due to a marijuana test.
Davis remarked, “I hold immense respect for Jose Pedraza and his professional achievements. This is the exact challenge I need to ascend to the next tier, and I’m certain Pedraza will be at his best. He eyes a return to title contention, but I’m set to derail his plans. I will dazzle the fans in Las Vegas and all tuning in on ESPN.”
Pedraza (29-5-1, 14 KOs), from Cidra, Puerto Rico, captured the IBF junior lightweight world title against Andrey Klimov in June 2015, successfully defending it against Edner Cherry and Stephen Smith. He secured the WBO lightweight world title against Rey Beltran in August 2018. Post his unification loss to Lomachenko, he advanced to 140 pounds, facing notables like Jose Zepeda, Jose Ramirez, Richard Commey, Lindolfo Delgado, and Arnold Barboza Jr. Pedraza now returns to the lightweight division, eyeing another world title pursuit.
Pedraza stated, “Keyshawn Davis will experience the intensity of clashing with a two-division world champion. He’s yet to encounter a fighter of my caliber or face anyone near the level of my toughest opponents. He aspires to climb the ranks, but on February 8, he’ll find himself tumbling down the hierarchy.”
The ESPN+-streamed undercard boasts a variety of rising stars.
19-year-old lightweight prodigy, Emiliano Fernando Vargas (8-0, 7 KOs), son of ex-junior middleweight world champion Fernando Vargas, is slated for a six-round bout against Tomas Ornelas (7-3, 5 KOs). Vargas, after a six-win, five-knockout year, is coming off a second-round obliteration of Brandon Mendoza in November at T-Mobile Arena.
Lightweight sensation Abdullah Mason (11-0, 9 KOs) prepares for his inaugural eight-rounder against Benjamin Gurment (8-0-3, 5 KOs). Mason, capitalizing on his 5-0 streak in 2023, recently halted Jose Cardenas in the second round in November.
Undefeated middleweight Javier “Milwaukee Made” Martinez (9-0-1, 3 KOs) faces Raul Salomon (12-2, 10 KOs) in an eight-round clash. Martinez recently floored Isaiah Wise thrice, culminating in a first-round knockout in November.
Former Team USA amateur standout Charlie Sheehy (8-0, 5 KOs) prepares for his first eight-round test. Sheehy previously overcame Jesus Vasquez Jr. by unanimous decision in November.
Unbeaten lightweight hopeful Alan “Kid Kansas” Garcia (10-0, 8 KOs), a power-hitter from Ulysses, Kansas, is scheduled for a six-round match.
Ex-national amateur champion Art Barrera Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs) is set to engage in a four-round junior welterweight bout.
Here’s what our gladiators had to say before stepping into the ring:
Teofimo Lopez:
“Glad to be back in the mix, fighting not just for the glory but for the next wave of warriors. Can’t wait to show what I’m made of. This place is about to witness something special.”
“Big talk’s cheaper than a dime store novel. He can yap all he wants, but words turn to whispers when my fists start talking. Love it when they think they’re bulletproof until ‘The Takeover’ hits town.”
“Calling me one-track is like saying a Swiss Army knife’s just for cutting. I’m a jack-of-all-trades with a plan for every letter of the alphabet. Been in the grind since last summer, so buckle up, I’m more than ready.”
Jamaine Ortiz:
“Feeling top-notch, ready to light up the stage and maybe crack a smile or two along the way. Here to do more than just dance; I’m snagging that world champ belt at 140 this Thursday. My moment’s knocking, and I’m about to swing the door wide open.”
“I’m all in, heart and soul, ready to lay it all on the line. He’s got one up on me from before, but that’s just fuel for the fire. Time for a little payback.”
Keyshawn Davis:
“Thrilled’s an understatement. Thursday can’t come soon enough. Eyeing a knockout to remember, aiming to put Pedraza on the sidelines. Another Davis did it, now it’s my turn to keep it in the family. This fight’s my golden ticket to the big leagues.”
“Sure, he’s got a few rounds on me, but I’ve tangoed with the best of them. Just another step on my path, another hurdle to clear. This bout’s shaping up to be a real test, and I’m all about acing it.”
Jose Pedraza:
“I’m itching to get back in there. Davis is up and coming, but I’ve been around the block a few more times. He’s got the amateur creds, sure, but I’m looking to school him in the pro league.”
“Lightweight’s where I shine. Moved up a class not because I had to, but because I’m chasing that triple crown. This fight’s more than just a comeback; it’s a statement.”