Veteran heavyweight Luis Ortiz believes he is ‘ready for everybody’ in boxing’s most glamorous division, calling out Anthony Joshua and Moses Itauma among other names after defeating Philip Penson via first round knockout to mark his first fight in 20 months.
The 46-year-old twice challenged Deontay Wilder for the WBC version of the world championship, and was stopped on both occasions by the ‘Bronze Bomber’, in 2018 and 2019 respectively. Ortiz also served as the WBA interim champion between 2015 and 2016.
Speaking to The Ring after his recent victory, Ortiz was asked for who he would like to face next. The Cuban replied: “I think in my mind… Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk, Daniel Dubois, Moses Itauma. I’m ready for everybody.”
Whilst a fight with undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk is highly unlikely to happen, Ortiz will hope his experience and profile could enable him to share the stage with one of Britain’s heavyweight stars.
Itauma would likely appreciate the prospect of more rounds against a higher calibre of fighter, whilst former world champions Joshua and Daniel Dubois will likely target beatable opponents that carry an air of danger about them as they look to rebuild back to title contention.
Ortiz has previously fought in the UK, beating Dave Allen by knockout back in 2016.
Andy Ruiz is the other big name on Ortiz’s CV, with the American winning via unanimous decision when the pair met in 2022. Those losses to Wilder and Ruiz are the only blemishes on his professional record, which has seen 29 stoppages in 34 victories.
The Cuban has not been particularly active since his defeat to Ruiz, only returning to the ring two years later at the start of 2024, before another long period of inactivity until his latest fight against Penson.
“I’m really happy for this opportunity,” Ortiz continued. “I’m good mentally, my body [feels good]. I’m with my family, I’m happy.”
Formerly ranked number eight in the world at heavyweight by The Ring as recently as November 2021, Ortiz aims to fight more regularly, with the 46-year-old hoping to be back in action within three months’ time.
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