By G Bell: While I think that WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is an adequate heavyweight, there is a dark horse hovering around the heavyweight division that more than a few fighters and managers seem to be quietly steering their fighters around.
I believe he is the next heavyweight with the skill and power to beat Wilder, Tyson Fury, and Wladimir Klitschko. His name is Luis Ortiz (24-0, 21 KOs). He is a two-time and current WBA interim heavyweight champion and his nickname is appropriately “The Real King Kong.”
The 36-year-old Ortiz recently destroyed American heavyweight Bryant Jennings in devastating fashion in stopping him in the 7th round on December 19th last year in the main event of a “Boxing After Dark” card at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, New York).
I Believe the 6’4”, 245lb Ortiz is the real deal. Before turning pro, Ortiz had an amateur record of 343-19 while fighting in Cuba.
Ortiz is currently the highest ranked WBA fighter at #1. His ring accomplishments read as follows: Cuban Championships medals:
2002 – Silver medal 95 kg
2003 – Bronze medal 91+ kg
2005 – Silver medal 91 kg
2006 – Gold medal 91 kg
2008 – Bronze medal 91+ kg
International results:
2005 – Panamerican Championships, Brazil – Gold medal 91 kg
2005 – World Cup (Team Competition), Russia – Silver medal 91 kg
2005 – World Championships, China – Quarter-finalist
I have to give much kudos to Bryant Jennings for having the courage to get inside the ring with “The Real King Kong” Ortiz. If you saw the fight, Jennings never had a real chance. Ortiz is that good. He’s not only huge with big punching power, he actually has exceptional ring talent. Unfortunately, he will probably face the same hurdles as “Triple G” Gennady Golovkin, with a lack of fighters willing to get in the ring with him.
Ortiz is in my opinion, the next heavyweight fighter that will ultimately hold all of the major heavyweight belts and for a very long time. I would have a much respect for the 6’7” Wilder or any other ranked heavyweight, who would do what Jennings did, and climb in the ring with Ortiz. Ortiz’s 36 years does not seem to be a factor, and doesn’t hinder his boxing ability in no way. A replay of the Jennings/Ortiz fight is being replayed on some TSN channels tonight.
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