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[Previous entry: "Don King TV Premiers Pride of St. Louis"] [Main Index] [Next entry: "Brian Vera Shocks Andy Lee at the Mohegan Sun Casino"] 03/22/2008 Archived Entry: "Oregon’s Rafael Ortiz Has Passed Away" Oregon’s Rafael Ortiz Has Passed Away By Ricardo Ibarra Rafael Ortiz (left) doing what he loved Pacific Northwest boxing has suffered a huge loss. Early Wednesday morning former three time regional champion Rafael Ortiz passed away in a Portland hospital due to heart problems. He was only thirty years old. Ortiz had been a long time fan favorite in the area. His unrelenting style, huge heart and willingness to take on anyone had endeared him to local fight fans over the years. Throughout a seven year career Ortiz amassed thirty professional fights, winning the Washington state lightweight and Jr. Welterweight titles and the North West Boxing Association Jr. Welterweight title. Ortiz gets ready for his televised ESPN2 bout versus Tyrone Harris Outside the ring he was one of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. He will always be remembered as a brave fighter with a huge heart and a great friend. He will be truly missed. Our deepest condolences go out to his friends and family. Ortiz (left) with head trainer Jesse Ramos