Top heavyweight contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz faces former unified champion Andy Ruiz Jr. on September 4. The heavyweight matchup highlights a strong Labor Day Weekend card as the headline bout of a FOX Sports Pay-Per-View from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The fight has been sanctioned as a WBC heavyweight eliminator. Both boxers are coming off tough bouts. Earlier this year, Ortiz had to overcome two knockdowns to score a dramatic knockout of former world champion Charles Martin. Meanwhile, Ruiz had to recover from a knockdown to win a twelve-round unanimous decision over Chris Arreola last year.
Luis Ortiz vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. Odds Analysis
At the onset, Andy Ruiz opened as a -360 favorite. By contrast, Luis Ortiz opened as a +250 underdog. Plenty of bargain hunters and sharps like the price on Ortiz. At the same time, casual gamblers are open to making the big lay on Ruiz.
Ruiz (34-2, 22 KOs) will look to rebound once again when he takes on Ortiz (33-2, 28 KOs). It will mark just the second fight since Dec. 2019 for the former heavyweight champion of the world.
Ortiz Talking Knockout Despite His Underdog Status
Although Luis Ortiz opened as a prohibitive underdog, he is not acting or talking like it. In fact, Ortiz is looking to put Ruiz down for the count.
“I feel so good both physically and mentally. I’m eagerly awaiting this fight, and you’re not going to want to miss it when we get in that ring," Ortiz said. “After I fought Charles Martin, I was back in the gym a week later. Whether I have a fight or not, I’m always active and staying ready.
"My intention is to knock out Andy Ruiz. One of us is getting knocked out, and I can guarantee this one doesn’t go to the judges. I have studied Andy from top to bottom.”
Andy Ruiz Jr. Aims to Go Back to the Future
Andy Ruiz Jr. has never been confused with having the perfect bodybuilding physique. That was part of what made him a beloved figure with fight fans and gamblers. Indeed, throughout his 13-year career, Ruiz’s weight has always caused serious discussion. Ruiz weighed as much as 297 pounds in his pro debut and 256 pounds in his last fight in May.
When he dropped Anthony Joshua on short notice in 2019, he weighed 268 pounds. But then he enjoyed the victory lap too much and ballooned to 283 pounds within six months. The rotund Ruiz admitted that his lack of conditioning was largely why he lost to Joshua in the rematch.
“We’re here again, and I’m thankful for another opportunity. We didn’t come here to cherry-pick anybody. We wanted a tough opponent, and that’s why we picked Luis Ortiz. We’ve had a long training camp and we’ll be ready,” said Ruiz.
Ruiz will employ the services of this third head trainer in as many fights. Ruiz split from coach Manny Robles after the second Joshua fight and linked up with Eddy Reynoso for his May 2021 unanimous decision win against Chris Arreola.
But Ruiz has since split from the reigning trainer of the year and joined forces with Mexican coach Alfredo Osuna. Ruiz insisted that his goal wasn’t to become a Greek God as he prepared for Saturday’s bout. He just wants to be prepared to box and win.
Luis Ortiz vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. Free Best Bet
Of course, Andy Ruis Jr. is a great story, but his physical condition is always a concern. Especially at such a high price. Thus, Luis Ortiz is an attractive and potentially dangerous underdog.
Luis Ortiz vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. BookMaker Pick: Luis Ortiz
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