Reconsideration? Luis Ortiz Now Says He Will Fight Joshua

By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent

In a heavyweight contradiction, top heavyweight contender Luis ‘King Kong’ Ortiz confirmed he is willing to fight World Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua at Madison Square Garden in the main event on June 1, 2019, if promoter Eddie Hearn offers a contract, in team contradiction to Ortiz’ manager Jay Jimenez who turned down financial offers to fight Joshua, in the shadow of trainer Herman Caicedo’s ‘lowball’ statements.

While Michael Hunter Jr., Trevor Bryan, and Andy Ruiz Jr. are the favorite names of promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing to replace Jarrell Miller, Ruiz has been the clear favorite. Given, Ruiz stopped Alexander Dimitrenko in five rounds several days ago on April 20, 2019, can he quick turnaround from that bout in 40 days of time fast enough to have a legitimate chance of defeating Joshua? Ortiz may be a better option. It depends.

According to Caicedo in part, from remarks made to Ryan Taylor of Boxing Scene, “I’m around Luis every day. If we’re (promoter Eddie Hearn is) saying ‘We’re ready, take the money and the fight,’ you accept the f*#king offer, and make (promoter) Eddie (Hearn) show you (us) a contract saying it’s real for June 1, 2019, at Madison Square Garden). For now, we will continue training because we are always in the gym. But-let me be clear (about this)-and this is Luis’ exact place on this (the subject of fighting Anthony Joshua). If Eddie Hearn) shows us a real contract, with no games, we will gladly take that fight, (for the five million dollars offered) whether (for) June 1 (2019) or after that (for another date).”

Caicedo still hopes Hearn will make Ortiz a better financial offer. Caicedo now blames Ortiz’ promoter Jorge Carmenate of Dade Promotions for trying to squeeze more money from Matchroom Boxing. “It’s an ego thing. We want the fight. I think there was a misconception when I called it a low ball offer. It is our promoter (Jorge Carmenate) who is lowballing him (Eddie Hearn), the one that financially backed us from day one.”


My immediate question with time running short and a desperate need to pick an opponent for Joshua, is will Ortiz’ explanation put him back in the mix for Joshua or not, with promoter Eddie Hearn? Joshua will fight anyone anywhere anyplace anytime under any and all circumstances. The real question is who is really who is ready, willing and able to fight Joshua, irrespective of the amount of the payday. The answer will be revealed shortly. Who will it be for Joshua in June at Madison Square Garden? Promoter Eddie Hearn will ultimately decide. The late entertainer Liberace once said “I’m enjoying myself so much I’m ashamed to take the money, but I will!” Ruiz, Ortiz or someone else will get the call.

Here is Eddie Hearn’s side of the story below.

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