Bryant Jennings vs. Luis Ortiz
Lou Catalano, Senior Writer
Luis Ortiz is known as “The Real King Kong.” I don’t know what that means, but he is goddamn terrifying. He was born in Cuba, but unlike most Cuban fighters, he wasn’t birthed wearing a set of boxing gloves.
He’s 36 years old, and still just a relative newcomer. He’s also got massive power. Bryant Jennings has been lauded for winning like three rounds against Wladimir Klitschko, so that’s something. Jennings is the popular pick, because he’s a good boxer with way more experience against better opposition than Ortiz has faced.
But I like Ortiz to ice him. Ortiz by KO.
Prediction: Ortiz
Ardy Ajoste, Graphic Designer
Prediction: Ortiz
Brandon Glass, Staff Writer
Luis Ortiz is a buzzsaw. Bryant “By By” Jennings is an “athletic” heavyweight. Only two of Ortiz’s last 10 fights reached the fourth round, which is a nod to his power. Ortiz is not without baggage, as he tested positive for a banned substance after his shocking one round knockout of Lateef Kayode.
Jennings, who lost his last fight (despite a valiant effort) for the Heavyweight title against former champ Wladimir Klitschko, looks to get back on facing an opponent with an 80 percent knockout ratio.
I’d bet Jennings’ handlers believe that his athleticism will help him weather the hurricane that is Luis Ortiz in the early rounds, to tire the Cuban and then take control of the fight down the stretch. It’s a solid game plan, but against a puncher like Ortiz, there’s risk. Punchers like Ortiz are always in a fight–if they are on their feet–despite how bad the situation may look for them. Ask Andy Lee.
I think Ortiz wins this fight by KO, unless the random VADA testing has disturbed the tempo of his training camp. While By By is talented and has a solid chin, Ortiz’s performance in the ring will somewhat replicate the Tasmanian Devil, with the exceptions of being a lot bigger and slower than the Looney Tunes character.
Prediction: Ortiz
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
This is a good scrap because it’s a clash of styles and really a pick ’em fight between two Heavyweight contenders. Bryant Jennings has been in with solid opposition, defeating Artur Szpilka and Mike Perez and losing in a respectable decision to Wladimir Klitschko.
We don’t know if Luis Ortiz is the real deal, but a win against Jennings will certainly answer a lot of questions about “The Real King Kong.”
I know Ortiz has murdered 20 of 23 opponents by knockout, but when you take a closer look at his resume you don’t really learn much other than a bunch of obscure boxer nams. Even the known “names” on his ledger were way past their primer (Bert Cooper and Monte Barrett) so I’m not ready to buy into this storyline that Ortiz is some unstoppable force.
I like Jennings to weather the early storm and then use his athleticism to take advantage of a tired Ortiz in the mid to late rounds. I see Jennings scoring a decision victory or perhaps even a late stoppage.
Prediction: Jennings
