Ortiz: ‘This was a great fight, and I thought I was clearly winning’

“My opponent has to be perfect for 12 rounds, and I only have to be perfect for one second,” Wilder said on Wednesday.

The rematch was a lot like the first one. Luis Ortiz was in complete control of the fight as he was dominating Wilder for the first six rounds, but just as Wilder said on Wednesday, he only has to be perfect for one second. Wilder needed one punch to knock out Ortiz in the seventh round of their rematch Saturday night from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

In the first fight, Ortiz had Wilder in serious trouble in round 7, and he had control of that fight, but in the end, and just like he did on Saturday night, Wilder found a way to get it done.

“This is boxing,” said Ortiz. “I said that one of us was going to get knocked out and it wasn’t going to go 12 rounds. I was clear-headed when I hit the canvas. When I heard the referee say seven, I was trying to get up, but I guess the count went a little quicker than I thought.

“This was a great fight, and I thought I was clearly winning,” continued Ortiz. “I got caught with a big shot, and I have to give Deontay Wilder a lot of credit. I knew my movement was giving him problems. I landed some big shots, and I thought I had him hurt. I thought I was up by the count and could have continued.”

In the ring following the fight, the 40-year-old Ortiz asserted that he would continue his quest for a heavyweight championship.

“Deontay showed great will, and I’m not ashamed with my performance,” said Ortiz. “I know I can beat anyone in the heavyweight division. My career is not over. I’m going to work my way back into a big fight.”

Ortiz can beat any heavyweight in boxing, except for Wilder. Unfortunately, many may continue to avoid a southpaw with skill and power. 

Photo: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions