Vasiliy Lomachenko got a harder fight than he might have expected from Jamaine Ortiz on Saturday night.
But his veteran experience over the championship rounds proved to be too much for the younger Ortiz as Lomachenko secured a unanimous decision victory inside Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
When asked about his motivation over the final rounds, Lomachenko didn't hesitate to reveal its source.
"You know what motivated me," Loma told ESPN, "of course, four belts."
That being said, it was only right for undisputed lightweight world champion and the owner of those "four belts," Devin Haney, to join Lomachenko inside the ring. And when he did, Haney laid the groundwork for a future mega bout with Lomachenko.
"I think it wasn't the best performance, but I know that if me and Loma were to fight, a better version would be on (display) that night," Haney told ESPN, inches away from Lomachenko. "Hopefully, we could get it on."
Lomachenko responded, "I'll be ready" and "I'm ready for any option," referring to any stipulations that it takes to make the fight happen."
The latter was music to Haney's ears, considering he had to fight both George Kambosos Jr. bouts in Australia. Nevertheless, the "Dream" seemed pleased that Lomachenko is willing to secure the fight regardless of what it takes.
"We'll see when we go to negotiate," Haney added.
While both boxers want to make the super bout happen, Shakur Stevenson isn't impressed by the prospects.
The former unified super featherweight world champion, who recently announced that he's moving up to lightweight, wasn't enamored with the 34-year-old Lomachenko's first fight since December, adding that Haney would "smoke" Loma if they fight and that the Ukrainian's best days are behind him.
Still, Lomachenko called Haney a "top fighter," adding, "that's why he's world champion," while admitting that he'll need adequate time to prepare for the 23-year-old.
The ability to make a Haney-Lomachenko fight happen could affect the chances of a Haney-Stevenson battle being made, considering both Loma and Stevenson fight under the Top Rank promotional banner.