Ortega began his professional career on January 24, 1970 in Colon City, Panama against Roberto Javier. The fight went the four round distance and Ortega was announced as the winner by unanimous decision. Ortega would fight for the first time outside of Panama on February 16, 1972 as he travelled to New York City, United States to face Fernando Jimenez. Ortega arrived in New York with an unbeaten record after 9 fights (including 4 draws) and further added to his wins with an eight round decision victory. He went on to win two more bouts in New York and would also fight in El Salvador during his early career.\n', '

On December 15, 1973 Ortega challenged for his first title. The champion was Rigoberto Riasco, who held the Panamanian featherweight title. Riasco retained his title with a twelve round unanimous decision and would later go on to win the WBC super bantamweight title. Over his next 7 fights Ortega compiled a record of 5 wins, 1 loss and 1 draw while fighting in Mexico, Venezuela and South Africa as well as Panama.\n', '

On January 15, 1977 Ortega fought Francisco Coronado for the vacant WBA featherweight title. After fifteen rounds the scorecards were revealed as: 146-143, 146-143 and 144-143—all in favour of Ortega who took the title by unanimous decision. For his first title defence Ortega travelled to Okinawa, Japan to face Flipper Uehara in his hometown. Ortega retained his title with another unanimous decision and in the process knocked Uehara down in the first and fourth rounds with left uppercuts.\n', '

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