Andy Ruiz Jr. will look to continue his path to a title shot as the former Heavyweight Champion is determined to return to the top of the sport. He’ll have to face Luis Ortiz, a boxer who’s been a mainstay near the top of the rankings for some time.

The matchup will see two veterans face off for one final chance to earn a title fight. The winner of this bout will advance. The loser will likely be eliminated from belt contention. Let’s take a look at the upcoming contest between two of boxing’s best.

FOX PPV Boxing Preview

Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Luis Ortiz
Date and Time: Sunday, September 4, 2022 at 9 PM EST
Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Odds: Andy Ruiz (-375) vs. Luis Ortiz (+240)
TV Coverage: FOX PPV

BetMaker previews the Ruiz-Ortiz fight and gives a prediction in this highly anticipated matchup.

Ruiz enters this fight as the big name. The former champ has reeled off an impressive 34-2 professional record, most recently defeating Chris Arreola in May of last year. This will be his first bout in about a year and a half, meaning there could be some rust to shake off in the early stages of this contest.

Ruiz gained a claim to fame after upsetting Anthony Joshua to win the Heavyweight belt in 2019. That fame may have been his downfall as he soon lost that belt to the same fighter, showing up out of shape in a championship rematch.

That loss jolted Ruiz’s desire to get back to the top, and he’s spent his time since training for another championship rise. He has gotten back in shape and seems to have renewed passion for the sport he once ruled. The comeback story will certainly play into the storyline of this fight, but don’t think opponent Luis Ortiz is going to cede his title aspirations.

Ortiz comes into the fight with a 33-2 professional record. Another seasoned veteran, the 43-year-old boxer boasts power that can end this matchup with a single punch. Ortiz has KO’d each of his last two opponents, including knocking out Charles Martin this past January.

He’s seen his fair share of top-tier battles, fighting in a pair of title bouts. Unfortunately, he’s yet to bring home the Heavyweight belt, dropping both of those previous matchups. This could be his last chance to become a champion. He’ll have some extra motivation when facing Ruiz.

Betting Trends

Ruiz enters as the favorite, boasting -375 odds at BetRivers sportsbook. His opponent, Ortiz, comes in as the underdog with +240 chances of landing a win.

Ruiz has won five of his last six fights, though he’s not been in the ring since 2021. In fact, he’s fought just once since that championship loss to Anthony Joshua in 2019. Of his last five wins, two have come via TKO while three have come by decision. He was knocked down in his latest appearance against Chris Arreola, but he recovered to win a unanimous decision.

Ortiz, meanwhile, has knocked out 13 of his last 17 opponents. One of those rulings was overturned after a failed drug test, but it goes to show the type of power the Cuban boxer possesses. The only fighter Ortiz has ever lost to is undefeated Deontay Wilder, who’s knocked him out in both of their matchups in the ring.

With that knockout ability, Ortiz’s odds of winning by KO come in at +550. Those are his best odds of a win, with his other method of victory listed at +700 for a win by decision. For Ruiz, his odds of a knockout win come in at -118 while his chances to win by decision sit at +255.

Prediction

The sportsbooks don’t believe this fight will go the distance, and neither do we. In fact, we believe there’s value in backing Luis Ortiz to land a knockout punch at +550. The safest bet, however, we see as taking the fight to end before the final bell. At -205, you’ll have to lay down a bit of cash to see a return, but with this pair’s knockout ability, it’s worth the risk.

The Pick: Luis Ortiz via KO (+550)
Best Bet: Fight To NOT Go The Distance (-205)