Who is Luis Ortiz and why is Andy Ruíz’s rival nicknamed ‘King Kong’?
Cuban Luis Ortiz returns to the ring to face Andy Ruíz. Who is the Caribbean and why is he called ‘The Real King Kong’?
The Cuban boxer Luis Ortiz is ready to return to the ring and face the Mexican, Andy Ruíz next Sunday, September 4 from Crypto.com Arena, in the city of Los Angeles.
Eight months after his last fight, the same one in which he knocked out Charles Martin, ‘The Real King Kong’ returns to the ring in the WBC heavyweight title eliminator.
His nickname comes due to his agility and his strength in the ring, as well as his formidable punching power and counterpunching skills.
Related: Are Ruiz and Ortiz walking away with another $1 million?
Who is Luis Ortiz?
The 43-year-old boxer has a relatively long career, even though he has only had 35 fights, with a record of 33 wins and two losses. Both setbacks came against Deontay Wilder, who is also one of the best heavyweight boxers out there.
After finishing with a record of 343 wins and 19 defeats and having helped Cuba win a silver medal at the Boxing World Cup in 2005, Ortiz had to leave the island to fulfill his dream of becoming professional.
The Cuban settled in Miami with trainer Dino Spencer and turned pro in 2010. His Cuban roots quickly became apparent in the United States. While so many heavyweights rely on their power to take down opponents, Ortiz displayed a boxing brain to match his size and strength.
His best victory so far was last year against Bryant Jennings, an American who beat Wladimir Klitschko at the beginning of 2015, and which allowed him to become interim champion of the World Boxing Association.
The stain of his career
His first stint as interim WBA champion was cut short when the anabolic steroid Nandrolone was found in a pre-fight sample analyzed following a first-round knockout victory over Lateef Kayode in September 2014.
Related: Do fighters have to take drug tests? Can they take testosterone or steroids?
According to ESPN’s Dan Rafael, the fighter was not only stripped of his belt, but also fined $8,000 and ordered to complete 15 hours of community service aimed at children with a message against intimidation.