On the verge of losing his title, Wilder rallies to stop Ortiz

Sub Lead04-Mar-18by John J. Raspanti

By John J. Raspanti

Wilder - Ortiz

Undefeated WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder stopped previously undefeated Cuban challenger Luis Ortiz in round 10 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn,NY. last night.

The first few rounds were fought at a snail’s pace. The respect from both fighters was obvious. Wilder fired a few jabs but was short with most of his punches. Ortiz walked after him, countering occasionally, but content with the slow pace. Ortiz connected with a few straight lefts that seemed to surprise Wilder. He did better in round four, catching the gazelle like Wilder leaning in.

Wilder,32, flashed his power near the end of round five - finally landing his money punch. He staggered Ortiz with a crippling right hand and then sent him to the canvas with a follow-up right. A stunned Ortiz beat the count and appeared fortunate that the round was over. Wilder didn’t do much in round six until the end of the stanza when the big heavyweights exchanged punches.

Ortiz nearly stopped Wilder in round seven. A counter left wobbled Wilder. Ortiz, his eyes wide, fired blow after blow for the rest of the round. Wilder tried to stay away but ate numerous head shots. He staggered to his corner like a man who had one to many. Ortiz continued his attack in the next round, but Wilder hung on, showing heart and intestinal fortitude.

Wilder - Ortiz

Exhausted but fighting back, Wilder (40-0, 39 KOs) nailed Ortiz (28-1, 24 KOs) with another whipping right near the end of round nine. Ortiz wobbled, as Wilder sprang into action. Another punch scrambled his senses. Wilder continued his rally in round 10. Three clubbing rights floored Ortiz for the second time. The big Cuban beat the count but looked to be in a world of trouble. Another right off the temple staggered Ortiz. Wilder stepped inside and unleashed a short right uppercut that sent Ortiz to his knees. Referee David Fields took one look at the limp Ortiz and waved off the contest.

The time was 2:05 of round 10. All three judges had Wilder leading by a point heading into the fatal 10^th round. Maxboxing’s tally showed Ortiz up by two points.

“A true champion always finds a way to come back and that’s what I did tonight,” said Wilder. “Luis Ortiz is definitely a crafty guy. He put up a great fight. We knew we had to wear him down. I showed everyone I can take a punch.”

“I almost had him and I think I would’ve if there were a few more seconds in the round,” said a disappointed Ortiz.”