Luis Ortiz faces must-win against Charles Martin to remain a legitimate contender!
Two-time world title challenger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz (32-2, 27KOs) steps in the ring with former IBF heavyweight champion Charles “Prince Charles” Martin (28-2-1, 25KOs) on January 1. When these two contenders lock horns, they will do so with a lot on the line. For Ortiz, the Cuban southpaw will look to add Martin to his list of knockout victims.
It’s been three years since King Kong’s first world title opportunity against former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (42-2-1, 41KOs) in March of 2018, and two years since his second attempt against Wilder in November of 2019. In both fights, Ortiz would be dominating until the power of the Alabama native closed the show. Now on the road to a third opportunity, he must defeat Martin in impressive fashion.
For a long while, Ortiz was an avoided fighter. Truth be told, who could blame some fighters for maneuvering around the skilled, power-punching southpaw. Considering his skill and lack of a title, he was high-risk/low-reward. However, since his losses to Wilder, he’s now viewed in a different light. He is older and appears more vulnerable and less explosive.
Currently ranked #15 in the WBO, #10 in the IBF and #6 in the WBC, he’s not in position for an immediate world title shot. However, a win over Martin will keep those dreams alive. Simply put, this is his last stand if he wants to remain a legitimate title contender amid a growing division. At 42 years old, it’s now or never, again.
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By: Jerrell Fletcher
