Can Luis Ortiz turn back the clock and fend off the younger and hungry Andy Ruiz Jr.?
Former unified heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz Jr. makes his return to the ring against former interim WBA heavyweight champion and WBC title challenger Luis Ortiz. Both heavyweight boxers are looking to turn back the clock and reclaim their former glory. But each stands in the others way as they prepare to climb back into title contention.
Andy Ruiz Jr. was once on top of the world after defeating former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. It was a star making performance as he knocked out Joshua after facing adversity himself. However, in the rematch, Ruiz Jr. came up short against Joshua having to relinquish his titles. Having climbed to the top of the mountain and tasted ultimate glory, Ruiz Jr. isn’t content to sit back. and ride off into the sunset just yet. On the contrary, “The Destroyer” is looking to reclaim his status as heavyweight champion.
Former WBA interim heavyweight champion Luis Ortiz is looking to claim a signature win of his own. Having come up short against Deontay Wilder twice as he challenged for the WBC heavyweight title, Ortiz wishes to write some wrongs and become an outright champion.
Preview
Andy Ruiz Jr.
Known for his fast and explosive hand combinations, Andy Ruiz junior should be sure to put pressure on Luis Ortiz from the opening bell. Ortiz has an adept jab and coming from the. World renowned Cuban boxing system. Will likely be the more technical of the two fighters. With that said, Ruiz Jr. certainly packs a punch and has a relentless style that will allow him to consistently land offense, as long as he’s able to be first.
Andy Ruiz Jr. will be at a height and reach disadvantage against Ortiz which means he should choose to operate inside the pocket. Ruiz Jr. should look to get to the inside against the southpaw Ortiz with a cross to lead hook/jab combination, then work the body and finish up top to the head. A slapping lead hook into the cross should also prove effective in closing the distance on Ortiz.
Luis Ortiz
Having trained in the world renowned amateur Cuban boxing system, Luis Ortiz has utilized slick technical boxing to outduel all but one of his opponents. Deontay Wilder is the only man to have defeated Ortiz and it was no simple task either. Ortiz is adept at utilizing slick jabs, feints, and well-placed counter punches which has given all his opponents fits. He’ll need to use those technical skills against Andy Ruiz Jr. in order to claim victory come September 4.
Being the taller, rangier southpaw fighter, Luis Ortiz should look to counter punch in this match. But that doesn’t mean he should sit back and wait for Ruiz Jr. Ortiz should opt to be busy with the jab from long range, pull back when Ruiz Jr. overcommits and crack him with straight left hands. If he’s able to stay busy with his jabs and feints, Ortiz could confuse Ruiz Jr. and walk him right into some heavy leather.
X-Factors
There are a number of X factors to be considered for this matchup. Andy Ruiz Jr. and Luis Ortiz both took some considerable damage in their last bouts respectively. Each man touched the canvas due to being out of position against their opponents. Ruiz Junior spent too much time in range trying to slug it out with Chris Arreola. Ortiz either ran into shots or remained in the pocket too long against without throwing meaningful offense against Charles Martin.
The X Factor for Andy Ruiz Jr. is that he’s too content to get into a brawl in the center of the ring. Luis Ortiz possesses big power and if Ruiz Jr isn’t careful, could find himself eating a big left hand. On the other hand, Ortiz is no spring chicken. At 43 years of age, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Ortiz has lost a step along the way. If Ortiz does get into a brawl in the center of the ring with the younger Ruiz Jr. it’s possible that he can eat a big overhand right that can shut out the lights.
This is one fight you won’t want to miss. Be sure to tune in to Andy Ruiz junior versus Luis Ortiz on September 4th. You can order the pay-per-view of vent through Fite TV. Click here for more details on how to purchase the event.
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News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
