Unbeaten Heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz will return to action on November 12th, headlining a studded card in Salle des Etoiles, Monte Carlo. This will be Ortiz’s first outing under new banner Matchroom Boxing, and while his opponent Malik Scott likely makes this a showcase affair, it’s at least good news that Ortiz will be back in business. And yes, since he’s now in the same stable as Anthony Joshua, that’s a fight that could actually happen in 2016.
“It is an absolute honour to bring this huge night of world championship boxing to Monaco,” said Matchroom chief Eddie Hearn. “It’s been a wonderful few years for British boxing but to showcase this great sport in such a high quality environment is very exciting … we are looking forward to putting on an exceptional night of boxing for Monte-Carlo, fans and all of our international broadcasters.”
Ortiz (25-0, 22 KO) is one of the division’s most exciting tactical bangers, though he is both overrated and underrated. He’s big, strong as hell, is known for turning lights out, and seems to have the Cuban background to take him a very long way. But, as of yet, his scalps haven’t been all too worthy of bringing about serious applause from fans. Of them all, knockout victims Tony Thompson and Bryant Jennings have been the cream of the crop.
Scott (38-2-1, 13 KO) was once considered to be a decent prospect thanks to his movement and athleticism, but it’s hard to see the guy asking too many questions of Ortiz. A controversial ‘10-count’ TKO loss at the hands of Derek Chisora in 2013 derailed Scott’s momentum, as did the ill-fated choice to face Deontay Wilder just six months later. That fight ended with Scott in a heap on the canvas following just two punches, leaving Scott’s pull with fans in tatters.
Should Scott lose, it won’t be the end of the road for him just yet, but you can bet he’ll be steered off into gatekeeper territory from there if he does. As for the upset, it feels pretty unlikely given the quality of talent he’ll be trading punches with on the night. Luis Ortiz not only bangs, but carries a polished Amateur pedigree in his toolbox. Throw in the fact Scott isn’t exactly known for his power and this thing could turn ugly early. We’ll soon see.
WBA Bantamweight champ Jamie McDonnell (28-2-1, 13 KO) will also be back in the ring, taking on tenacious challenger and former Junior Bantamweight champ Liborio Solis. If you’re not happy about Ortiz vs Scott, then there’s not too much to groan about with this one. McDonnell is coming in off some strong wins against the likes of Javier Chacon and Tomoki Kameda (twice) in recent times, and hasn’t lost since 2008. Meanwhile Solis (25-4-1, 11 KO) has been testing the whiskers of Bantamweight elite Shinsuke Yamanaka in March, dropping the WBC titleholder twice before losing on points.
The card will also feature Stephen Smith who’ll be looking to snap up Jason Sosa’s WBA Junior Lightweight crown, as well as a rematch between old Super Middleweight foes Martin Murray and Arthur Abraham. Overall, this looks like a solid card to close out the year, I’ve gotta’ say.
Right now, as far as I know, the action will be airing live on Sky Sports. What’s your take on the Luis Ortiz vs Malik Scott card, folks? What’s the best matchup at play here, and how do you see each of these contests faring on the night?
