It isn't every day that Shakur Stevenson finds his name on the tip of someone's tongue. The reason is a simple one, he’s really, really good.

No matter who’s stood across the ring from him, the former Olympic silver medalist has effortlessly carved up his competition. But while he’s dominated from 126 to now 135 pounds, Jamaine Ortiz isn’t unnerved over the possibility of facing him. In fact, if the decision were solely up to the 26-year-old, he would gladly take on Stevenson next.

Far from loquacious, Stevenson (20-0, 10 KOs) has mostly kept his thoughts to himself. However, while he has refrained from engaging Ortiz in a war of words, Stevenson did admit that he would love the opportunity to shut his mouth for good.  

“Jamaine Ortiz talk real crazy,” Stevenson told FightHype.com recently. “I would want to put him in his place.”

Ortiz, in all likelihood, will push for a Stevenson showdown sooner rather than later. When last seen, the Puerto Rican native may have witnessed his undefeated record fall but he took pride in watching his stock rise.

On October 29th, 2022, the 26-year-old fought a close and tactical bout with Vasiliy Lomachenko. Although he believed that he did just enough to eke out the victory, Ortiz was forced to deal with the sting of his first defeat. Contentious scorecards aside, Ortiz’s intellect and overall skills were on full display, forcing the rest of the lightweight division to take notice.

Stevenson, however, isn't overly impressed with what Ortiz (16-1-1, 8 KOs) brings to the table. While he’s had just one bout to get comfortable in his new weight class, Stevenson proved that competing at the highest level at 135 pounds won’t be much of an issue.

Just a few short months ago, the former unified champion at 130 pounds easily took care of business against Shuichiro Yoshino, stopping the fringe contender in the sixth round. On paper, Ortiz would ostensibly be a much more difficult test. Nevertheless, Stevenson wholeheartedly believes that a matchup between himself and Ortiz would be one-way traffic.

“I would definitely be willing to smoke Jamaine Ortiz. I would beat the f--- out of him. I’m gonna beat him so bad. He don’t understand what he talking himself into.” 

Both Stevenson and Ortiz are promoted by Top Rank. Ortiz will make his Top Rank debut this Saturday night in New York City, as part of the undercard to the Josh Taylor vs. Teofimo Lopez showdown at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden.