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Boxing in 2018: Top 5 bouts to ring in the new year

By Jeremy Herriges

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 28: George Groves (L) and Chris Eubank Jnr (R) square up during a George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr. Press Conference at the Savoy Hotel on November 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 28: George Groves (L) and Chris Eubank Jnr (R) square up during a George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr. Press Conference at the Savoy Hotel on November 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 04: Deontay Wilder looks on before his fight against Bermane Stiverne during their rematch for Wilder’s WBC heavyweight title at the Barclays Center on November 4, 2017 in the Brooklyn Borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 04: Deontay Wilder looks on before his fight against Bermane Stiverne during their rematch for Wilder’s WBC heavyweight title at the Barclays Center on November 4, 2017 in the Brooklyn Borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Deontay Wilder vs. Luis Ortiz

Deontay Wilder and Luis Ortiz were supposed to meet in November of 2017, but Ortiz tested positive for a banned substance. Bermane Stiverne took his place on short notice and was knocked out in Round 1 in thrilling fashion.

Ortiz stated that the banned substance was an active ingredient in his blood pressure medication, and the WBC apparently bought his story because he was reinstated and returned to the rankings as Wilder’s mandatory challenger. Finally, they are set to clash on Saturday, March 3, at Barclays Center in New York.

Ortiz battled unknown Daniel Martz in December and dispatched him easily in Round 2. Wilder and Ortiz are both coming off of impressive knockout victories, which makes this bout more intriguing. Both are known for their knockout power, and its hard to imagine that their matchup will go the distance.

Ortiz has a superb KO rating of 80 percent. Wilder’s is even more extraordinary at 97 percent. These are jaw-dropping numbers considering that both boxers have had over 25 bouts. Ortiz is 28-0 with 24 KOs, while Wilder is 39-0 with 38 KOs.

It is assumed that the winner of this match will meet the winner of Anthony Joshua vs. Joseph Parker, which would produce an undisputed heavyweight world champion. People have been clamoring for a Wilder/Joshua fight for a long time, but Wilder needs to get through Ortiz if he wants a dream bout against Joshua.

Wilder vs. Joshua would probably be the biggest fight in 2018 if it comes into fruition. Will Luis Ortiz spoil Wilder’s long awaited mega payday? We will see on March 3.

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