On Saturday, March 3, 2018, WBC Heavyweight champion Deontay “Bronze Bomber” Wilder (39-0, 38 KOs) puts his strap on the line against what is expected to be his toughest test to date in Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (28-0, 24 KOs).
The Showtime Championship Boxing telecast kicks off at 9:00 pm, EST from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.
Read on for Round By Round Boxing‘s staff predictions for Deontay Wilder vs. Luis Ortiz and let us know who you think will win.
Round By Round Boxing Staff Predictions - 2020
| Name | Win | Loss | Total Fights | Win Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Burgos | 3 | 3 | 6 | 0.5 |
| Hans Themistode | 4 | 2 | 6 | 0.66666666666667 |
| R.L. Woodson | 4 | 1 | 5 | 0.8 |
| Robert Contreras | 6 | 0 | 6 | 1 |
Deontay Wilder vs. Luis Ortiz
Mike Burnell, Staff Writer
The time has finally arrived for this clash of undefeated Heavyweights as Deontay Wilder faces off with Cuban southpaw Luis “King Kong” Ortiz for WBC supremacy this Saturday night.
It will appear a Clash of the Titans between the two rivals with Wilder standing 6’7, Ortiz 6’4 and both men bringing plenty of power to the ring with them.
Expect an animated Wilder to box the hard punching Ortiz much in the same fashion as his first fight with Bermane Stiverne though with more frequent, albeit wild power shots thrown for good measure.
It will be a battle of distances as Wilder will struggle to keep the challenger at the end of his long punches and a stalking Ortiz tries to get a step closer to check Wilder’s chin for him.
The evening’s events will raise further questions about Wilder’s whiskers as he visits the canvas in the third, though he will ultimately pass the test and retain his belt via stoppage in Round 9 .
Prediction: Wilder
R.L. Woodson, Staff Writer
Deontay Wilder’s not going to develop into a boxer. “The Bronze Bomber” is looking like he’s going to rely on his length, athleticism and exceptional power to figure things out on the fly.
A few Luis Ortiz outings have been ho-hum, but I saw the Cuban getting that track work! Unfortunately, I don’t like the chances of his agility getting him in and our of range without there being significant consequences and repercussions.
Wilder by knockout in the seventh. We all take a step towards the big fight.
Prediction: Wilder
Amber Williams, Photographer
Prediction: Wilder
Brianna Rodriguez, Reporter
Prediction: Wilder
Andrew Kang, Staff Writer
This has all the makings of an exciting slugfest. Luis Ortiz is unquestionably the most feared contender in the division and arguably no worse than the fourth best Heavyweight today. He has the strength and power to be a threat for anyone out there and certainly poses the biggest threat to any of the three world titlists (Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker).
Wilder can be sloppy and look amateurish, particularly when he throws his combinations. And perhaps more disconcerting to his fans, he keeps his hands dangerously low. Major flaws the hard hitting Ortiz could exploit with one mighty blow. But will he get close enough to land the big shot? My guess is no.
I feel Wilder is too fast and too long. He will keep Ortiz at bay with his piston-like jab before eventually breaking through the guard and land the big right hand. But I think it will take a steady barrage of right crosses and left hooks from Wilder to finish Ortiz.
Prediction: Wilder
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
With 62 combined knockouts in 67 fights, I’d confidently bet that this fight is not going the distance. The question is, who will land the big punch that ends the fight?
Honestly, I can see either guy ending things early, but ultimately I think Wilder’s youth, quickness and piston-like jab (when he uses it) will help him earn his career-best victory.
Should be a good one while it lasts!
Prediction: Wilder
Photos by Brant Wilson/RBRBoxing
