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Deontay Wilder vs. Luis Ortiz made official, winner could be next undisputed champion

By Jeremy Herriges

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) /
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Deontay Wilder and Luis Ortiz were supposed to fight last November, but they will finally meet in March. This bout could help decide the next undisputed heavyweight champion.

Deontay Wilder and Luis Ortiz were tentatively scheduled to meet in March. Today, Premier Boxing Champions made it official on their website. Wilder and Ortiz will battle on March 3 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Originally, Wilder and Ortiz were set to meet last November, but a little more than a month before the contest, Ortiz tested positive for banned substances. Wilder was furious, and Ortiz was disappointed.

Bermane Stiverne took Ortiz’s place on one-month’s notice, and it showed in the ring. Stiverne came into the fight weighing 254 pounds, which is 15 pounds more than he weighed for their first bout in 2015. Wilder won a decision in their first meeting, but easily dispatched Stiverne in one round this past November via knockout.

Wilder is known for his knockout power. His record is 39-0, with 38 KOs. He boasts an impressive 97 percent KO rating.

Ortiz is also known as a power-puncher. He has a record of 28-0, with 24 KOs. He recently knocked out Daniel Martz in the second round in December.

Ortiz blamed his positive test on an active drug in his blood pressure medication. The WBC seemed to believe his story and they returned him to their rankings.

This will be the biggest test of both boxers’ careers. Wilder has been widely criticized for the level of his opposition. It should be noted that his originally scheduled opponents for his last three bouts were suspended by the WBC for failing drug tests. Wilder has faced replacement opponents in those bouts.

Wilder and Ortiz’s boxing records make a knockout result very likely. Combined, they’ve only had five bouts end by decision. Wilder is an orthodox fighter, while Ortiz is a southpaw. It will be interesting to see who is able to land their power shots from opposing stances. Surprisingly, Ortiz has a one-inch reach advantage even though he gives up three inches in height to Wilder.

This match has gigantic implications on the future of the heavyweight division. It is believed that the winner of Wilder/Ortiz will meet the winner of Anthony Joshua/Joseph Parker later in 2018. Joshua and Parker are rumored to be heading toward a March 31 fight date. Luke Brown, from the Independent, reported today that the bout could be made official within the next 24 hours.

Anthony Joshua holds the IBF and WBA heavyweight titles. Joseph Parker is the WBO titleholder.

There hasn’t been an undisputed heavyweight champion since Lenox Lewis earned that distinction back in 1999. The Klitschko brothers combined to hold the heavyweight titles for a number of years during the early-mid 2000’s. The heavyweight division has been in a state of flux since their reign.

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Fight fans have begged for a Wilder/Joshua matchup. It could happen in 2018 if they can get past their next opponents. Ortiz is a threat to Wilder and should give him a sizable test. Wilder’s path to everlasting glory may only be two fights away. His legacy hangs in the balance, and Ortiz is the next obstacle in his path.

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