Russell, the WBA junior welterweight titleholder, is awaiting a primary defense against mandatory challenger Andy Hiraoka. The bout has not yet been finalized. Russell and Hiraoka were previously scheduled to fulfill last November before the fight was canceled, leaving Russell and not using a confirmed date for his first defense.
“I beat him. This was a tournament out in Georgia. I got a hold of him, but I would love to see him professionally,” Russell said of Ortiz. “But first, he’s got to get through Keyshawn. I’ve got to get through this guy, Andy Hiraoka.”
Russell pushed back on the concept that a win over Ortiz would carry limited weight for Davis, describing Ortiz as a fighter who’s usually underestimated.
“For y’all to say that Keyshawn doesn’t really don’t have any weight if he was to beat this guy, that’s a lie,” Russell said. “He’s a sleeper. This dude is a sleeper. He could fight.”
An Ortiz win would immediately change how he’s positioned at 140 kilos, placing him closer to the title picture and directly into conversations with established belt holders.
Russell’s comments come days after he was placed fifth in The Ring’s updated junior welterweight rankings released on January 15. Dalton Smith moved to the highest spot following his knockout win over Subriel Matias, a choice that drew criticism from fans who questioned Russell’s placement given his recent body of labor.
Russell still needs a date for his mandatory defense. Ortiz still has Keyshawn Davis in front of him. Until those fights are settled, any talk beyond that continues to be conditional.