[Boxing- USA] 4.9/ 23:00 A.Ruiz- L.Ortiz

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[Boxing- USA] 4.9/ 23:00 A.Ruiz- L.Ortiz

Sunday's heavyweight matchup between Luis Ortiz and Andy Ruiz is, in all likelihood, the last chance for either man to battle their way back into contention for a world title. It is that reality that adds more weight to a showdown between men most known for their roles as the B-side in fights with some of the best heavyweights of their era.

Ruiz (34-2, 22 KO) shocked the world in December 2019, knocking out Anthony Joshua to capture the WBA, IBF and WBO world titles. It was a perfect example of what Ruiz is capable of: speed, strength and combination punching that goes against what a casual observer would expect given his body type.

The rematch with Joshua the following December was the opposite, with Ruiz's worst traits on display. Ruiz entered the fight at 283 pounds, up from 268 in the first fight. Ruiz seemed disinterested in putting in the hard work required to be the best in the world and it resulted in a poor showing as Joshua ran circles around him.

At his best, Ortiz would have made easy work of Martin. That he didn't, and the way he looked throughout the fight, really does make it hard to pick Ortiz to get the win here. More than anything, it was how much Ortiz had slowed down that causes concern. Ruiz is fast for his size and looks to be in fantastic shape compared to those times where he has not managed his weight or diet ahead of a big fight.

Ortiz is likely going to struggle to find Ruiz all night. It's true that Ortiz can end the fight with a single clean punch, but it's simply more likely that Ruiz piles up rounds by working angles and clean combination punching while Ortiz lumbers around the ring looking to land a bomb.

A. Ruiz by decision @3,50 Bet365