Fight To Win.

Photographer: Oluwaseye

Stylist: Mickey Freeman represented by The Only Agency

Stylist’s Assistant: Michael Riordan

Grooming: Eve Chen

Videographer: Dante Williams

“I was probably about 14–15 years old, and I started sparring with pros—grown men—and I was beating them up. Everyone was telling me—this is my future,” Jamaine recalls.

It’s a Friday afternoon, and we’re chatting via Zoom. Ortiz, who tells me he loves to travel when he’s not training or fighting, is currently vacationing in Dubai. This is just months after his controversial fight against Teofimo Lopez, where he [Ortiz] lost—not by knockout but by a points system. Most, including myself, felt that he should have won that fight.

Ortiz is not your average boxer because there’s something different about him. There’s an energy, a hunger, and an undeniable vibe that exudes confidence over cockiness. In the current era of boxing, where controversy seems to overshadow the actual talent in the ring, it’s nice to see athleticism being prioritized when he is mentioned while others cannot say the same.

This might be because he’s truly only concerned about himself and his performance in the ring. When I ask him about any boxer role models or people he looked up to, Ortiz gives a definitive “no.”

Hailing from Worcester, Massachusetts, Ortiz started fighting at a very young age. “I first got into [boxing] when I was about 7 years old. That’s when I first got into the Boys & Girls Club. Prior to that, I was fighting a lot in school and outside. The first time I had a pair of gloves on was when my dad put them on me to fight some kids outside. That’s where my journey took off.” Ortiz explains.

To date, Ortiz has 17 wins, 8 knockouts, 2 losses, and 1 draw. An impressive set of stats for someone who made his boxing debut back in 2016. Read more to find out how Ortiz isn’t afraid to fight.

BLEU: What does your training regimen look like leading up to a fight?

Ortiz: The elements of my boxing training take about 2.5 hours for 5 to 6 days a week. My strength and conditioning take about 90 minutes for about 3 days a week. Sometimes I switch it up with swimming, basketball, and cross-training. It’s a full work day when you count the travel time, the rest between, and the actual work time. It’s a full shift.

BLEU: How do you mentally prepare yourself before entering the ring?

Ortiz: To be honest, I don’t really have any rituals. Besides making sure that I pray and just making sure I’m having fun, I’m in a good mood, and I’m happy. The only ritual I have is what I eat after a weigh-in. I love seafood pasta and chocolate chip cookies.

BLEU: Are you a cook?

Ortiz: Nah, I have a chef, and she cooks it all.

BLEU: Can you share a memorable moment from your boxing career so far?

Ortiz: All of my highlights didn’t end in victories—in the sense of world championships. For me, the highlight of my career is the irony of how things come full circle. One of my idols and someone I emulate, Vasilly Lomachencko—I would visualize myself fighting him when I first turned pro, and he was already a world champion. One year later, I ended up facing him, and I put my hands on him. A lot of people thought I beat him across the world, and it was a very controversial decision.

BLEU: It seems that happens to you often, with everything thinking you won except the judges. How have you processed your most recent loss against Teofimo Lopez?

Ortiz: I’ve been kind of getting back to what I used to do when I was an amateur, which was knowing and understanding your judges. Back in the day, my coach used to bring me to judges' meetings, and I would hear them and understand what they liked and looked out for. When I would go into a ring, I would fight according to what the judges liked and how they scored. I think I’m going to be a free agent real soon, and I want to make sure my next play is under my control.

BLEU: Are there any particular fights you are looking to win?

Ortiz: I’m looking to fight any of the world champions right now, which could be the winner between Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia. Subriel Matias. I’d love a rematch against Teofimo. I know the day Shakur Stevenson moves up to 140 [pounds], I’ll be the one to beat the brakes on him. A lot of these top guys I’ve been facing since the amateurs—and even in the pros—nobody can say they’ve ever beat me or beat me up. I know I’m going to keep exposing these guys and showing them I’m a better fighter.

BLEU: They call you the technician. How did you get this name? What’s the origin story?

Ortiz: When I turned pro, I never had a nickname. People were pressuring me, saying, “Every boxer needs to have a nickname." I was working in the carpenter’s union, and people were trying to give me a name like “The Hammer” or something that related to a tool. I kept saying, “It ain't me." I’m the type of person who, if it ain't me, I can’t rock with it. One time I was coming from a strength training session with former world champion Jose Rivera—he’s from my hometown—and through our conversation, the technician came up. I read the definition, which was “a person skilled in or an expert in their craft. I felt that was me not only inside the ring but in my personal life as well.

BLEU: Beyond boxing, what are some things you like to do with your time?

Ortiz: I definitely do a lot of traveling. On my off days, I get into investments. I do a lot of research and see what I can get into. If it’s not real estate, it’s usually in stocks and options. I’m always working on my personal development and seeing how I can be a better human being as well. Definitely fashion as well. I love to fly, and I like to express myself through fashion.

BLEU: How would you describe your style?

Ortiz: A lot of times when I dress, I like to give a Fuck You attitude to the people, but in a classy way. I’m not a person who talks a lot of sh*t on the internet or is arrogant on the internet. My confidence is out of the roof. How can I express my confidence without sounding arrogant? Sometimes I like to do that through fashion. Other people can’t pull this off, but I can. I try to give people that type of feel with what I wear.

BLEU: What advice would you give to aspiring boxers who are just starting out in the sport?

Ortiz: Create the fan base. Sell yourself, but stay authentic to who you are. Your being fake will always come to light. The work will always be shown. Hard work will always prevail. Stay authentic, work hard, and your time will come.