By: Sean Crose
While many may argue that the fight isn’t worth the pay-per-view, there’s no doubting Andy Ruiz-Luis Ortiz’s scrap on Sunday – which will indeed be streamed live on Fox pay per view – represents an exciting match between two high level heavyweights. Both Ruiz and Ortiz are at a point in their respective careers where they can’t afford another big loss. Furthermore, both men yearn to get back, really back, into the world title race. Perhaps most importantly, however, both men were delighted to watch the match. This weekend’s game might not be a must-see event for casual fans, but it could prove to be a lot of fun nonetheless.
Ruiz is looking to make a comeback after fighting only once since losing the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles to Anthony Joshua (largely due to his sluggish form) back in late 2019. In fact, Ruiz entered the ring that night in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s poorer form disappointed fans after Ruiz put in a stellar performance when he won the title from Joshua just six months earlier. However, the good life had begun with that man, and now Ruiz is looking for release. However, he will have to defeat Ortiz to get it.
Has fought and lost to Deontay Wilder twice for Wilder’s WBC heavyweight titles. Ortiz – who is already in his 40s – most likely still believes he has what it takes to fight for a world title. He may be right, although there’s no doubt the clock is ticking on the man’s career. A skilled and difficult Cuban, Ortiz will have to surpass the strength and speed of Mexican-American Ruiz’s hand if he is to continue his career. Again, both fighters had plenty on the road on Sunday.
Pay-per-view costs about $75. The broadcast also featured the return of Abner Mares on the bottom card. Mares, who hasn’t fought in years, is now 36 years old. The 31-3-1 three-timer just seemed to want to get back into the game. Mares will be fighting in light heavyweight for the first time when he faces Miguel Flores 25-4 in a scheduled 10th round match. Ruiz-Ortiz’s pay-per-view card will air starting at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday night. The full pay-per-view card will cover 4 matches.
