Deontay Wilder retained his WBC heavyweight title on Saturday with a seventh round knock-out of challenger Luis Ortiz.In a repeat of their 2018 fig
Deontay Wilder retained his WBC heavyweight title on Saturday with a seventh round knock-out of challenger Luis Ortiz.
In a repeat of their 2018 fight, the Alabama fighter soaked up pressure from his older opponent before sending him to the canvas with a straight right hand to the forehead. Ortiz was on his feet before the end of the count but was still shaky and the referee called an end to proceedings.
The decision was a tough one for the 40-year old Cuban, who had made all the running in the early rounds. It takes Wilder’s record to 42-0-1.
“After that I am looking for a unification bout,” Wilder said. “I want one champion, one face, one name and he goes by the name Deontay Wilder.”
Unbeaten in 43 fights, Wilder showed why he is widely regarded as the most destructive puncher in the resurgent heavyweight division. The “Bronze Bomber” recorded his 10th straight title defense to equal Muhammad Ali who achieved the feat between 1974 and 1978. Only four heavyweights in the history of boxing have made more than 10 consecutive title defenses.
Wilder waited patiently for his big moment and when it came, with just nine seconds left in the round, it was stunning. He followed a pawing jab with a crushing straight right that sent Ortiz’s head snapping back and his body crashing into the ropes before landing on the canvas.
“That was a punch intended to hurt for sure,” said the American. “I got him at the right angle, my feet were planted perfectly and I felt the torque.”
Wilder’s win now sets up another money-spinning rematch with Tyson Fury scheduled for February. If he comes through that a unification showdown against the winner of next month’s rematch between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz in Saudi Arabia for the other three major heavyweight belts could follow. The fights with Fury, and Ruiz or Joshua, would generate millions for Wilder.
The last two years in heavyweight boxing have provided plenty of rousing match-ups and renewed enthusiasm in contrast to the previous 15 years or so which were dominated by the Klitschko brothers.