Steven Ortiz outboxes Jeremy Hill to pick up a unanimous decision victory!
Two unbeaten lightweight prospects Steven “The Hitman” Ortiz (11-0, 3KOs) and Jeremy “Zereaux” Hill (14-0, 9KOs) will lock horns under the bright lights on Showtime’s Shobox boxing series on March 10.
Ortiz who’s from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, amassed a record of 45-5 in the amateurs. One of his losses includes a points loss to three-time U.S Olympian Rau’shee Warren. Meanwhile one of his win is against current WBA lightweight and junior lightweight champion Gervonta Davis. He was also a five-time Pennsylvania Golden Gloves champion and a National Silver Gloves champion.
At one point he was to be signed to Real Deal Boxing, the company of cruiserweight and heavyweight great Evander Holyfield. Now he’s being promoted by Lou Dibella of Dibella Entertainment. He hasn’t fought since September of 2019, where he would defeat Alejandro Salinas by majority decision.
Hill, who’s taking this fight on three weeks notice is considered the puncher heading into this fight. This supported by his nine knockouts in fourteen fights. He hails from New Orleans, Louisiana and is backed by former WBA junior welterweight champion Regis Prograis. The 6ft tall prospect didn’t turn pro until he was 25 years old.
He had a solid amateur career, that saw him rise to number four in the nation in the 141 pound weight division. Furthermore, he would win the Male Elite Championship at the Ringside World Championships in 2017. He’s also fought on DAZN twice as well as once on ESPN. In his last fight was against Travis Castellon who he stopped in three rounds.
This is important fight for both men as they look to take the next step towards world level in a stacked lightweight division.
A JAB FEST!
The fight started with Ortiz shooting a sharp jab that immediately set the tone! Hill seemingly shocked by the speed of it spent the majority of the opening round attempting to mirror Ortiz with a jab of his own. As the round came to a close the Philly native would fire off a quick jab, left hook combination that got the attention of his opponent.
As the fight progressed, round three saw Ortiz continue to utilize his jab, now following up with fast left hook and right hand combinations that would snap the head of Hill back. Instead of slipping and rolling the shots, the New Orleans native would stay on the center-line. As a result, the jab would get reacquainted with his face. To his credit he did attempt to let his hands go, throwing a jab to the body that would be followed by a right hand. Showing desperation, Hill would start to get wild throwing left and right hooks to the body of Ortiz which had minimal effect.
The first half of this fight seemed to be all Ortiz as his opponent struggled to solve the puzzle.
HILL COMES TO LIFE IN THE FIFTH ROUND!
After being urged to step it up by his trainer Hill received the message and came out determined. Throwing caution out of the window, Hill would start to pressure his fellow unbeaten counterpart. He would throw hard left hooks, followed by overhand rights with the occasional body shot. The shots definitely got the attention of Ortiz as he did a lot of holding to mitigate the damage taken.
He continued this pace for the duration of the bout and it worked! He took some rounds late in a fight he started extremely slow in. However, fatigue would take a toll and his offensive attack grew sloppier. By the ninth round, Ortiz gained control of the fight again behind his jab. As Hill continued to desperately lunge at his opponent with his mouth wide open, the Philly prospect was able to make his opponent look amateurish.
In the end, the last few rounds where Ortiz took back control became the difference. Two judges had it 77-75 while the third didn’t think Ortiz was in danger of losing at all. He had it 79-73!
It was clear who was the more polished fighter was. Ortiz’ jab, punch placement and overall experience was simply too much for the late bloomer and inexperienced Hill.
By: Jerrell Fletcher
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