By Ponciano “John” Melo Jr.
Get ready for one of the boxing calendar’s heavy-hitting bouts.
Wilder vs. Ortiz II will see boxing’s longest-reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber’’ Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong’’ Ortiz Saturday, November 23 in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
While on the other hand, three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz seeks a title in another division when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship in the co-main event.
The card also features undefeated rising star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa making the first defense of his WBA Super Bantamweight Title against former champion Julio Ceja while undefeated Mexican power-puncher Luis Nery battles Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodríguez in a matchup of former bantamweight champions.
"I know it's a big test in front of me, I know that and I'm up for the challenge," defending champion Wilder said.
He also revealed that he had flu during their first fight and still put on a great show and won to shut the controversy.
On the other hand, the Cuban boxer was all but focused on the rematch.
"King Kong is back, King Kong is back. I want to destroy him," said Ortiz.
"I'm coming to fight hard, I'm coming to win. That’s my strategy," he added.
Nevertheless, the short face-to-face ended in peace with both boxers showing respect to one another while vowing to leave it all behind come fight night.
Tale of the tape
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Boxer |
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Nickname |
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The Bronze Bomber |
King Kong |
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Hometown |
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Tuscaloosa, Alabama, U.S. |
Camagüey, Cuba |
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Pre-fight record |
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41–0–1 (40 KO) |
31–1, 2 NC (26 KO) |
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Height |
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6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
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Style |
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Recognition |
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WBC heavyweight champion |
WBC #3 ranked contender |
