From Our Contributors, Sports

Ruiz and Ortiz Get It On Sunday Night

Ruiz First Mexican Heavyweight Champion
Photo: Joshua Garcia NY Beacon
 
By Joshua Garcia
 
Ortiz Looks For 3rd Shot At Wilder
Photo: Joshua Garcia NY Beacon
 
Among the major professional sports in the United States, boxing is often the biggest culprit of leaving its fans yearning for the ultimate matchup of forces. Enduring tedious thoughts of what could be in the ring continue to haunt fanatics of the sweet science at every turn.
 
For years boxing circles have been clamoring for the heavyweight phenom with hands of lightning and the tough Cuban-born southpaw to stand toe-to-toe, and when Andy Ruiz and Luis Ortiz step through the ropes at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday night, we will finally get just that. The Arena formerly known as Staples Center has not seen a power slugfest like this since hosting Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury in 2018, and this PPV event will have no less fireworks inside it’s hallowed walls. 
 
 
 
 
Both fighters enter this highly-anticipated bout with many things to prove. Andy Ruiz looks to reclaim his glory as the first ever Mexican Heavyweight Champion, entering this contest in the best shape of his career. A new trainer and a new camp has done wonders for Ruiz, shedding weight while strengthening and showing that tremendous hand speed. 
 
While Andy Ruiz comes into the fight with a debatable loss to Joseph Parker and unanimous loss to Anthony Joshua, his opponent Luis Ortiz has been defeated by only one man. Ortiz fell short in both attempts to achieve the daunting task of beating Deontay Wilder, and the best way to get a third shot, is to beat Andy Ruiz Sunday night.
 
What to look for: Luis Ortiz was dropped twice in his last fight against Charles Martin, and although Ortiz tastes canvas from time to time, he can take a punch. Andy Ruiz features a nasty left hook akin to that of Mike Tyson, and can damage Ortiz when landed, ask Anthony Joshua. Landing that shot will be the determining factor, which is expected to happen. 
 
Prediction: Before Kawhi Leonard and Lebron James get it on opening night, we will have a fireworks show on the former Staples Center floor, one which will end spectacularly in the 8th round. The New York Beacon predicts Andy Ruiz will be standing on the top rope and demanding his next fight be against Deontay Wilder, following a KO of Luis Ortiz that will leave the boxing world buzzing.