TITO ORTIZ is open to a fight against Jake Paul – but the UFC legend admitted he is an “AMATEUR” when it comes to boxing.
Ortiz held the UFC light-heavyweight title from 2000-2003 and most recently fought in MMA against ex-WWE star Alberto Del Rio in 2019.
But the American, 47, made a shock switch to the ring last September, losing to MMA great Anderson Silva, also 47.
It leaves Ortiz winless in the ring but still refusing to rule out a bout with YouTuber-turned prizefighter Paul, 25.
He said on Chris Van Villet’s podcast: “I would love to. That’d be amazing.
“That would be fun. Once again, I have an 0-1 record, he has a [5-0] record. I still feel like I’m an amateur in boxing.
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“I do a lot in mixed martial arts, but I still feel myself as an amateur but I’m competitive. I’m very competitive.”
Ortiz is yet to return since his first-round knockout loss to Silva.
Whereas Paul most recently knocked out Tyron Woodley, 40, last December, four months after beating the ex-UFC champ on points.
He also has KOs over online rival “AnEsonGib”, ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, 38, and retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren, 38.
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Paul was set to face Hasim Rahman Jr, 31, in his comeback fight on August 6 at New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden.
But a weight disagreement between the two forced the entire MSG event to be cancelled only a week out.
As revealed by SunSport, Paul is now eyeing a return in October for his sixth professional bout.
Rahman was due to be his first opponent with a recognised boxing record after Tommy Fury, 23, twice pulled out, with injury and a visa issue.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
