Andy Ruiz Jr. didn’t have a memorable performance, but he got the job done against Luis Ortiz.
The former heavyweight champion dropped Ortiz three times en route to winning a unanimous decision in a 12-round fight Sunday at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
The scores were 114-111, 114-111 and 113-112, meaning the busier Ortiz won six rounds on two cards and seven on the third. However, the 43-year-old Cuban was ultimately unable to overcome the falls.
Victory in what was billed as a WBC title eliminator could set up a fight between Ruiz and Deontay Wilder, another former champion, if Wilder defeats Robert Helenius on Oct. 15. That’s the fight Ruiz wants.
Andy Ruiz responds with a BIG takedown! #RuizOrtiz pic.twitter.com/XZrwZBwG1V
— FOX Sports: PBC (@PBConFOX) September 5, 2022
“God grant that I win. He and I are in the same organization,” she said. “I want to thank (manager) Al Haymon. He can make this fight happen. Let’s do it, let’s get going.”
Ruiz (35-2, 22 KOs) had not fought since May of last year, when he outpointed Chris Arreola in their first fight after losing their rematch with Anthony Joshua.
However, rust didn’t seem to be his biggest problem against Ortiz (33-3, 28 KOs). It was the Cuban’s southpaw stance (Ruiz had never faced a southpaw as a professional) and his boxing ability that made things difficult for him.
Ruiz’s strategy was to box carefully and wait for Ortiz to engage, at which point he would unload counterpunches. That approach resulted in the right-hand landings, two in the second round and one in the seventh.
The problem for Ruiz is that Ortiz did not participate much. Instead, he fought from the outside, where he scored with his long jab and enough left right hands to win rounds and generally limit Ruiz’s activity.
It was a good game plan that would have worked had Ortiz been able to stay on his feet.
The result was a disappointing fight for fans who expected something resembling a fight between two big punchers. Other than that, Ruiz will pick up wins over established contenders whichever way they come. He was elated after the score was announced.
Ruiz was then asked about fighting a southpaw for the first time.
“It was quite difficult,” he said. “The ability that I have, me countering and waiting for him to charge, me countering and taking him down, it was a blessing.”
Wilder was interviewed in the ring after the fight. He wouldn’t commit to fighting Ruiz if he beats Helenius, but he’s certainly open to it.
“Deontay Wilder is back,” he said. “He is always looking for great and exciting fights. That’s what he loves to give to the fans. So if that’s what he lines up next. I have to run the business. After that, we can continue.”
Ortiz, meanwhile, with his left eye nearly closed, hinted that he doesn’t plan on quitting after his strong performance. In fact, he seemed surprised that someone would ask him if he was done.
“Do you think I’m done?” he said. “You saw a warrior tonight. What do people want? Do you think I’m done?
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