Luiz Ortiz and his team are advocating for a fight with Andy Ruiz
After witnessing the performance of former unified heavyweight champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr (34-2, 24ko) in his return fight against former title contender Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (38-7-1, 33ko) on May 1, should he face a top tier heavyweight? Former two-time title challenger Luiz “King Kong” Ortiz (32-2, 27ko) and his team are pushing for the Cuban heavyweight to be the next challenger.
Ruiz, during the early portion of the fight, found himself fighting from behind. He was knocked down in the second round and badly hurt again in the third. However, as the match would continue, Ruiz made the necessary adjustment and took control of the fight in the second half.
During the post-fight interview in the ring, both Ruiz and Arreola were open to a possibility of a rematch. However, if a rematch is not in the cards then who should the former champion face next?
KING KONG KNOCKS
Premier Boxing Champions, the flagship boxing brand on FOX Sports, took to Instagram asking that very same question to fans.: “What opponent should be next for Andy Ruiz?” Immediately, Jay Jimenez, manager of the Cuban heavyweight, tossed his fighter’s name in the mix.
Equally important, Ortiz was in attendance at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, where Ruiz and Arreola did battle. Fighthype was able to catch up to the former two-time title challenger and he wasted little time calling out the former unified champion.
“I’ll wait for the decision (meaning the fight results) and King Kong is right here. I came to watch him, wished him good luck in his fight, and he knows I want to fight.”
Ortiz would end the interview making it clear he is ready.
“I am ready for whatever may come, I am ready for this.”
Ortiz was once viewed as a boogieman of the division. Although, that was before suffering two defeats by former WBC champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder. Still, the 42-year old heavyweight is considered a top 10 heavyweight, despite his age.
The elephant in the room is the invisible man known as Al Haymon. The PBC head honcho may not be as eager to make such a dangerous match-up given how Arreola was able to land hard punches early with ease. Luis Ortiz is a much harder puncher with a better skillset and higher ring IQ. He could upset the momentum of the Destroyer.
Nonetheless, while we wait to see what is next for Ruiz, an Ortiz fight is easy to make. Both men are under the same umbrella and it would provide a lot of action for the fans.
By: Garrisson Bland
