Tag: Luis Ortiz

Luis Ortiz Training Camp Notes
Luis Ortiz Training Camp Notes
 
Unbeaten Cuban Contender Faces WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder Live on SHOWTIME Saturday, March 3
 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Presented by
Premier Boxing Champions
 
MIAMI (February 16, 2018) – Unbeaten heavyweight contender Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz is finally nearing his first world title opportunity as he prepares to take on WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder Saturday, March 3 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
 
The Premier Boxing Champions event will see undefeated former 154-pound champion Jermall Charlo take on Hugo Centeno, Jr. for the interim WBC middleweight title in the co-feature. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with top super middleweight contender Andre Dirrell battling hard-hitting Jose Uzcategui in a rematch for the IBF Interim 168-pound world title.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, start at $50 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com, or call 800-745-3000. Tickets for the event can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
 
Ortiz spoke on a variety of topics as he heads into the highly anticipated showdown with Wilder. Here is what Ortiz had to say from training camp in Miami:
 
On Deontay Wilder…
“He’s talking too much. He’s going to have to back that up in the ring. He says he’s going to kill ‘King Kong.’ He’s going to knock me out. I want to watch him try. I’m not like those other guys he fought. I’m a real fighter. Tough and with a lot of experience. I’ve been fighting since I was 10 years old.
 
“He doesn’t intimidate me. His trash talk makes me laugh. It’s just a lot of noise. I’m hungry. I’m doing this for my family. He better take me seriously because he’s going to find himself on the canvas before he knows it. I’m going to show the world who ‘King Kong’ is.”
 
On his confrontation with Wilder after Ortiz’s last fight…
“Someone told me Wilder was in the crowd, I smiled. I was glad to see him. I knew what he wanted. 
 
“I’m not the kind that likes to trash talk, but I’ve had it with this guy. He talks too much. He has a big mouth. He has insulted me and has said too many dumb things. So when I saw him ringside I told him to get inside the ring and to tell the world once and for all that he was going to fight me. He says he wants to fight the top fighters. I’m a top fighter. Let’s do it.”
 
On testing positive for a banned substance during training for the first scheduled fight against Wilder…
“A lot of people that believe in me and know me well, know that I would not do anything that can jeopardize my future as a boxer. I have too much at stake: my family, my children and the possibility to provide for them.
 
“I had been taking that medicine for two years. It was my mistake not to disclose that prescription drug in the paperwork. I never thought a prescription was going to bring me so much trouble. I was taking this medicine to treat high blood pressure, but apparently it’s also used to go to the bathroom a lot and mask other things. I drink two gallons of water per day. I go to the bathroom a lot already. I never put two and two together. I’m clean. The dose they found in my system was too low to mask anything at all. If I would have known this prescription drug was not allowed, I would have told my trainer and my doctor.
 
“I’m a heavyweight I don’t need to make weight. Why am I going to go to the trouble of taking an illegal substance that makes you go to the bathroom a lot? I have no need. I simply didn’t know it was banned. If I would have known, I would have said something to my trainer or to the doctors.
 
“I think the fight was not meant to be at that point in time last year. Destiny played a part. It was supposed to be postponed. Now there are no excuses.”
On how important this fight is for him…
“Every fight I’ve had in my career has been important. The key is always to avoid thinking that it’s win or die because that can put you off center. So the way I see it is that this fight is important for me because I have to win it. And I’m going to. It’s a world championship, but for me it’s just another day at work.  My only goal is to win this fight. Win. Win. Win. By winning this fight, everything else unfolds. I get a title and I help my family.”
 
On what’s going to happen on fight night…
“When I get in the ring, all I will be thinking about is the strategy we put together in the gym. My family is always there. They go to every fight. That was my promise to them when I had to leave them behind in Cuba to come to the United States. They will come with me wherever I go. If I gas out, I look at them and they keep me going. They are my motivation and they will help me achieve this victory.”

Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder Defends Against Undefeated Contender Luis Ortiz Saturday, March 3 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn
HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER DEFENDS AGAINST UNDEFEATED CONTENDER LUIS ORTIZ SATURDAY, MARCH 3 FROM BARCLAYS CENTER 
IN BROOKLYN & PRESENTED BY
 PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS
 
Tickets on Sale Tuesday, January 16 at 10 A.M. ET
 
BROOKLYN (January 12, 2018) – Another blockbuster boxing event will come to Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®, as unbeaten heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defends his title against unbeaten contender Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz on Saturday, March 3 in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
Wilder-Ortiz is a long-awaited matchup of undefeated, consensus top-five fighters facing off in the resurgent heavyweight division and marks Wilder’s third appearance at Barclays Center.
 
Tickets for the show, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, start at $50 and go on sale Tuesday, January 16 at 10 a.m. To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com, or call 800-745-3000. Tickets for the event can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center beginning Wednesday, January 17 at noon.
 
“We are thrilled to welcome the heavyweight champ back to Barclays Center for his second-consecutive fight after a big first round knockout of Bermane Stiverne in our ring last November,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “Deontay’s long-awaited bout with Ortiz is sure to be one of 2018’s best matchups.”
 
Wilder returns to Barclays Center after most recently scoring a sensational first round knockout of Bermane Stiverne on November 4, 2017 and previously delivering a highlight reel knockout of Artur Szpilka in January 2016. America’s only reigning heavyweight champion will look to put on another unforgettable performance when he faces his toughest opponent to date in Ortiz.

Former World Champion Jean Pascal Stops Previously Unbeaten Ahmed Elbiali in Round Six
Former World Champion Jean Pascal Stops Previously Unbeaten Ahmed Elbiali in Round Six of the Main Event of a Special Friday Night Edition of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes from Hialeah Park in Miami, Florida
 
Top Heavyweight Contender Luis Ortiz Scores Second Round Knockout of Daniel Martz with Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder Ringside
 
Bryant Perrella Earns Unanimous Decision Over Alex Martin &
Stephen Fulton Defeats Adam Lopez in Battle of 
Unbeaten Prospects
 
Click HERE for Photos from Douglas DeFelice/
Premier Boxing Champions – Photos to be added shortly
 
MIAMI (December 9, 2017) – Former light heavyweight world champion Jean Pascal (32-5-1, 19 KOs) scored an impressive stoppage of previously unbeatenAhmed Elbiali (16-1, 13 KOs) in the sixth round of the main event of a special Friday night edition of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 andBOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes at Hialeah Park in Miami, Florida.
 
Having already stated that this bout would be the final of his 12-year career, Pascal was able to wear down his younger opponent in a fight that featured power punches throughout. Elibali appeared to have Pascal stunned and hurt in the opening moments of the first round, but was unable to capitalize as Pascal began to time his powerful counters.
 
“It was a beautiful fight,” said Pascal. “I knew it would be my last one and I wanted to make a statement against a young, unbeaten fighter. It went basically as I expected, a couple of difficult moments but I was able to do everything I wanted.”
 
Elbiali stuck to his strategy of walking down Pascal with power shots, but exhausted too much energy in doing so while not being able to seriously hurt his opponent. Pascal’s counters grew stronger as the fight went on and Elbiali lost steam on his punches as he entered the sixth round for only the fourth time in his pro career.
 
After an impressive round five, Pascal poured on the attack in round six, landing numerous unanswered hooks before Elbiali’s corner called for a stop to the fight at 2:06 into the round. 
“I fought his fight, I should have boxed more and taken him into the later rounds,” said Elbiali. “It wasn’t my day. He is a world class fighter. I felt like I hurt him in the first round, but I felt drained after that. I’m not sure why, it might have been the nerves. But I’ll learn from this.”
The co-main event of the telecast saw top heavyweight contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz (28-0, 24 KOs) deliver a second round knockout of Daniel Martz (16-6-1, 13 KOs) and swiftly call out heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder, who had joined the FS1 broadcast ringside.
 
The towering heavyweights exchanged words in the ring after the fight, with both men looking forward to a possible matchup in 2018.
 
“I’ve wanted you and I’m going to bless you again with another opportunity,” said Wilder. “I was ready the first time. This is a new day for you. I think you’re one of the best heavyweights in the world and I want to prove that I am the best. We must fight each other. You will have your fight.”
 
“Anthony Joshua doesn’t want to fight either of us, let’s give the world this fight,” said Ortiz. “There will be no excuses. I will be ready to do this for Cuba!”
 
Ortiz made quick work of his opponent, knocking him down with body shots in round one before delivering a counter left hand that put Martz down and prompted referee Samuel Burgos to stop the fight 43 seconds into round two.
 
Additional televised action featured welterweight prospect Bryant Perrella (15-1, 13 KOs) return to the ring to drop Alex Martin (13-3, 5 KOs) on his way to a unanimous decision victory.
“I felt pretty good about the fight,” said Perrella. “There are some things I’d like to have done different, but considering I was out for 15 months and injured for a long time, I’m pleased with what I was able to accomplish. I didn’t get the knockout after hurting him, but I was able to handle him better than anyone else before me.”
 
Perrella got off to a fast start when he landed a thudding lead right hook from the southpaw stance that put Martin on the canvas. Martin was able to recover enough to survive the round and rebounded to put together several good rounds while showing off impressive boxing ability.
 
The Florida-native Perrella was able to stabilize his lead and ride the momentum from the early knockdown to victory as he picked up his jab and overall aggressiveness in the second half of the fight. After 10 rounds the judges saw the fight in favor of Perrella by scores of 79-72 twice and 77-74.
 
The opening bout of the telecast saw a battle of unbeaten featherweight prospects as Philadelphia’s Stephen Fulton (12-0, 5 KOs) earned a majority decision victory overAdam Lopez (8-1, 3 KOs).
 
“I worked hard to get the win,” said Fulton. “I had to adjust after the first two rounds but I took the fight to him and controlled the pace. He thought he had me hurt in round two, but it wasn’t anything. He landed a good shot but that was it. I never stressed about how the fight would turn out as long as I stuck to the game plan.”
 
Lopez had his best moment of the fight late in round two when he staggered and appeared to hurt Fulton, who took a series of right hands before hearing the bell. Fulton was able to adjust and use his jab effectively while countering and rarely allowing Lopez to cut off the ring. Lopez was successful when he was able to get Fulton pinned against the ropes, but after eight rounds the judges ruled in favor of Fulton by scores of 78-74, 77-75 and 76-76. 

Jay Jimenez- REAL FACTS BEHIND LUIS ORTIZ SITUATION

REAL FACTS BEHIND LUIS ORTIZ SITUATION
MIAMI, FL (October 5, 2017) – Manager to Luis Ortiz, Jay Jimenez, wants to clarify the current situation with his fighter and the WBC’s decision to move to a new opponent.
“To clarify the Luis Ortiz situation, this is the real and only version of the current process. Mr. Sulaiman and the WBC have NOT suspended or removed Luis from their rankings. The WBC’s decision was as follows, they did not sanction the fight based off the fact that they are worried for Luis’s health.  And to be honest, I must respect and admire their decision because I agree, the fighter’s health is paramount. So, the WBC will schedule a visit with one of their approved physicians to check Luis health, and make sure he is 100% healthy and fit to fight, and that the Blood Pressure pills will not affect him physically.”

“Once Luis has passed all physical exams and is medically cleared to fight by the WBC, we will begin to work on a possible fight towards the end of the year.  Also, once all is resolved, we hope that we can reschedule the Wilder fight in the first quarter of next year. Wilder has shown much interest in fighting Ortiz, and the best fighters in the division, so I know it will not be a hard fight to renegotiate. Thank you to everyone for your support.  This soon will be corrected, and Luis can continue on with his career.” ~ Jay Jimenez, Manager of Luis Ortiz

Undefeated Heavyweight Contender Luis Ortiz Battles Long Island’s Derric Rossy Saturday, April 22 

Undefeated Heavyweight Contender Luis Ortiz Battles Long Island’s Derric Rossy Saturday, April 22 in Premier Boxing Champions Event from Barclays Center in Brooklyn

Plus! Brooklyn’s Amanda Serrano Looks to Make History When She Fights for a World Title in a Fifth Weight Class

&

Undefeated Prospects Jose Miguel Borrego & Jonathan Alonso Battle While Unbeaten Julian Sosa & 

2016 Haitian Olympian Richardson Hitchins Enter the Ring

Click
HERE for Press Conference Photos from 

Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME

 

Click
HERE for Press Conference Photos from 

Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

BROOKLYN (March 30, 2017) – Unbeaten heavyweight contender Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (27-0, 23 KOs) will return to the ring to take on Long Island’s Derric Rossy (31-12, 15 KOs) in a 10-round showdown Saturday, April 22 in a Premier Boxing Champions event live from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. 

 

Also competing in undercard action is four-division world champion Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano (31-1-1, 23 KOs) who will look to make history by becoming the first woman and the first Puerto Rican fighter to win a fifth world title in five different weight classes. Both the Ortiz vs. Rossy and Serrano bouts were announced at a press conference in New York City on Thursday.

 

SHOWTIME Boxing coverage of the Ortiz vs. Rossy and Serrano bouts will be announced in the coming days. 

 

The April 22 event is headlined by former world champions Andre
Berto and Shawn Porter battling in a welterweight world title eliminator. Televised coverage of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME and also features unbeaten super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo defending against top contender Charles Hatley.

 

Additional undercard attractions feature a group of unbeaten prospects as Mexico’s
Jose Miguel Borrego (11-0, 10 KOs) battles 2012 Spanish Olympian Jonathan Alonso (12-0, 4 KOs) in an eight-round junior welterweight showdown, Julian Sosa
(7-0-1, 2 KOs) entering the ring in a six-round welterweight fight and 2016 Haitian Olympian Richardson Hitchins (1-0, 1 KO) in a four-round junior welterweight bout.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at
$50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or
by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. The Charlo vs. Hatley fight is co-promoted by TGB Promotions and Don King Promotions.

 

One of the most feared heavyweights in the world, Ortiz has worked his way into the WBA’s mandatory position to fight the winner of the Anthony Joshua-Wladimir Klitschko, who fight for Joshua’s IBF and the vacant WBA Super World Championship. The Cuban-born fighter had previously picked up the interim title in 2015 with a stoppage of Matias Ariel Vidondo and defended the title with a dominant knockout of former title challenger Bryant Jennings later that year. Last year saw Ortiz continue to run through heavyweight contenders as he earned TKO victories over Tony Thompson and David Allen plus a victory over Malik Scott.

 

Fighting out of Medford, New York, Rossy was a 2004 Golden Gloves champion and a defensive end for Boston College before turning pro in October 2004. Rossy owns victories over Axror Muralimov, Ray Mercer and Carl Drumond in addition to challenges top heavyweights Eddie Chambers, Vyacheslav Glazkov and Bermane Stiverne. This will be the ninth undefeated fighter that Rossy faces in his pro career. 

 

Raised in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, Serrano gravitated toward boxing from watching her older sister Cindy, also a professional fighter. She picked the sport up quickly, amassing a 9-1 record during a brief amateur career in which she won the New York Golden Gloves title in 2008. The 28-year-old would go on to fight all over the world, seizing her first world title in 2011 when she defeated Kimberly Connor to grab a super featherweight belt. In 2014, she went to Argentina and defeated Maria Elena Maderna to become a world champion at lightweight. Her world title climb continued in 2016 as she stopped Olivia Gerula in the first round to capture her featherweight championship and followed that up with a victory over Alexandra Lazar to add a super bantamweight title to her collection. She most recently put on a show at Barclays Center in January when she defeated two-division champion Yazmin Rivas by unanimous decision.

 

Here is what the participants had to say Thursday from Gallagher’s Steakhouse in Manhattan:

 

LUIS ORTIZ

 

“I’m not a man of many words, but yesterday was my birthday, so with that extra year of experience, I’ll speak a little bit more.

 

“I’m ready to fight right now. I’m waiting for the opportunity to fight the winner of Anthony Joshua vs. Wladimir Klitschko. They better get ready, because ‘King Kong’ will be waiting for them.

 

“I work very hard to stay in shape. All year round I am in the gym and staying ready. When the time comes and I have a fight offered, I will always be ready.

 

“My plan is to become the heavyweight champion of the world. I feel like I’m with the right team now that will open those doors for me. Whoever they put in front of me, I will take care of them.

 

“I love fighting in New York because there are such smart fans here who really love boxing. They love the knockout and I’m excited to be here to do my job.

 

“I’ve been working hard and waiting to get a victory on April 22. Once I get past this bout, it’s on to bigger and better things. I’ll find out everything about Rossy that I need to know on April 22 and put on a great show.

 

“Age is nothing to me. So many fighters have competed into their late age. I still have a lot left in the tank.

 

“I would love to fight Deontay Wilder. We’re both big, tough fighters. These are the kind of fights that people want to see. I know that my time will come.

 

“We’re looking forward to this new relationship and this first fight on April 22. I can’t wait to get out there in front of the fans and show my skills. I believe it will finally be time for ‘King Kong’ to come out of the jungle.”

 

DERRIC ROSSY

 

“When they brought the fight to me, I said let’s do it. We’re doing it right by fighting at Barclays Center.

 

“This is a real fight. I’m always ready. The fans are who pays us and they want to see a legitimate fight. This is going to be a quality matchup on April 22.

 

“I think our styles will match up well. He throws his hands well and I think I do the same. I sometimes try to be more evasive and I’m anticipating him bringing it. There might be some bull in a China shop, but then it could turn. We both adapt well in the ring.

 

“You can’t ask for anything better than this kind of fight. We’re both top-notch heavyweights and we’re going to go at it. It’s a thrill for me to be there regardless, but I think the fans are really going to be the winners.

 

“I’ve fought a lot of really good heavyweights. I won’t know how he stacks up until I get in there with him. All I know is that he’s tough, rugged and good.

 

“My situation is that I always have to stay ready in the gym. I happened to be ready when the call came and I said yes as soon as I could.

 

“I’m going to win this fight and it’s going to set up some big things. I’m in this business to get a world title. I have to go through Luis Ortiz to get there.”

 

AMANDA SERRANO

 

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and put on a show in front of the fans. That’s what I love to do and it’ll be great to do it at Barclays Center.

 

“I’m motivated to make history. This would be my sixth world title in five weight divisions. This is a goal that my whole team has had. We want me to be the first Puerto Rican fighter to conquer five divisions. I want to be known as the girl who made history.

 

“I think every fighter wants to be known as the best in the world. If I’m not the best, I want to be one of the best. I want to be remembered and open the door for girls around the world.

 

“I’m very thankful for everyone who came out here today. This is a great opportunity for me on April 22. I’m going for history. I want this so badly. I train hard and I have a great team taking care of me.

 

“What better place to make history than at Barclays Center in Brooklyn? No matter who they put in front of me, it’s going to be a night of fireworks. I’m doing this for female boxing. I’m going to show how much talent we have. This is the one that I want more than anything. I always put on a show for my fans in Brooklyn and my eyes are on the prize.”

 

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

 

“I’m really happy today to announce some great additions to a terrific card on April 22 in Brooklyn and live on SHOWTIME. Everyone knows the main event is a great fight in the welterweight division. We also announced a 154-pound matchup as the co-main event with Jermell Charlo vs. Charles Hatley.

 

“The biggest announcement is that a very big man, is going to be on this card. All Luis Ortiz has done as a professional fighter is knock guys out. He’s one of the most feared and avoided men in the heavyweight division. Ortiz and his team want the biggest fights out there. He knows that being seen on a card of this magnitude is a tremendous opportunity.

 

“I know that Luis Ortiz has a big victory in mind on April 22 that will propel him to a bigger fight and eventually to the biggest fights in the world. This guy deserves the opportunity.

 

“Amanda Serrano is a great champion. She’s one of the best pound-for-pound female fighters I the world today. No female fighter in history has ever won five titles in five weight classes. But it’s even more amazing, given the long history of the sport on the island, that no Puerto Rican fighter has ever become a five-division world champion. On April 22 Amanda Serrano will attempt to make history.

 

“Amanda has won titles as heavy as 135-pounds and now she’ll be fighting at 118-pounds. That’s an amazing achievement. She’s always fought the best out there and she’s always proven that she is the best. She deserves the attention she’s getting. She may be the best fighter I promote, period. This woman stands should-to-shoulder with any of them.”

 

“I know that Derric Rossy is going to give a test to Ortiz. But he’s never been predicted to win. Every time I watch his fight against Bermane Stiverne, I saw him winning the fight. This guy is a real professional
and he deserves this opportunity.

 

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

 

“We’re thrilled to be here announcing such a fantastic undercard from top to bottom. Amanda Serrano is looking to become the first woman and Puerto Rican to win world titles in five weight classes. A card this deep, you know that it is a SHOWTIME card.

 

“These are the kind of cards that SHOWTIME, Lou DiBella and Barclays Center are working on every day. This was a good event and now it is a great event.”

 

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment

 

“It’s been a special start to the year for Brooklyn Boxing. You think about January 14 and March 4 and what great nights those were. Now we have April 22 and it has become a special card. We’re excited about what we’re building in Brooklyn. We’re making great strides.

 

“I want to welcome Luis Ortiz to Barclays Center for the first time. I’m sure it will be a special night. We’re thrilled to welcome back Amanda Serrano as well for what should be a historic night.

 

“We’re going to continue to put on the biggest and best events we can. It’s been a great start to the year and we’re looking forward to more to come

Box Office Smash-The Real King Kong

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Luis Ortiz (24-0 21 KO) is a highly skilled heavyweight southpaw with a high ring I.Q. The Cuban born Floridan stopped Philly’s Bryant Bye Bye Jennings (19-2 10 KO) in the seventh round Saturday  night to retain his Interim WBA World Heavyweight Title.

Ortiz was fighting a fight within a fight, teaching himself with lessons learned each passing round.

In the first round, Ortiz attacked the body and had Jennings in early trouble after landing a short right hook. Jennings was shook but made it to the bell.  

I tested the right hook, good punch, it  hurt him but that’s not it, need another  approach…….

Bryant had a good bounce back round in the second landing solid body shots and right hooks mixed with a few uppercuts. Jennings’ speed was the difference in the round. 

Must be careful, he’s crafty with speed and a hurt fighter is a dangerous fighter….

A tale of two halves in the third,  Ortiz first, again hurting Jennings, this time with a left uppercut then an overhand left. Jennings  the second half with more body work, and fighting in close to try and negate Ortiz ‘ s advantage when he fights at distance.

That’s it,  the uppercut will be there.  He is trying to close the distance so he lessons my power.  He is low as he closes the gap, the uppercut will be there…..

After a close fourth,  Ortiz got on his toes in the fifth,  popping his jab, while committing again to the body and landing another monstrous left uppercut.

There it is again, the uppercut, no doubt now, the uppercut is it. Must move to create distance, soften the body and the head will fall. 

In the sixth, both came out swinging in the first several seconds but little else happens until Ortiz applies pressure and lands a solid combo at the bell.

Need to increase the pressure and go for it.  Time for the uppercut again but I’ll switch things up. He’ll think the left uppercut is coming but if I time it correctly,  the right will stun him just long enough to set up the power. 

In the seventh, Ortiz lands a sneaky right uppercut and then two quick devastating left uppercuts in succession dropping Jennings to the canvas. 

Jennings is up at the count of seven as Ortiz attacks and lands a short right sending Jennings flying into the ropes. As Jennings recoils off the ropes, Ortiz lands a left hook causing the referee to jump in and stop the fight at 2:41of the seventh.

It may not have been obvious to the casual observer of the sweet science but Ortiz ‘ s victory was calculated from the opening round.

A puncher with a high ring I.Q. is going to be trouble for any of the bigs and this big should be in for a sustained run.

BRYANT JENNINGS vs. LUIS ORTIZ FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS  

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Press Release  For Immediate Release

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LIVE FROM TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO IN VERONA, NEW YORK AND BROADCAST ON HBO BOXING AFTER DARK® AND HBO LATINO® BOXING ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19

Photo Credit: Ed Mulholland/HBO

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VERONA, NEW YORK (Dec. 17) – Fighters featured on the December 19 HBO Boxing After Dark and HBO Latino shows shared their final thoughts ahead of Saturdays fights at the final press conference today at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Former heavyweight world title contender Bryant “By – By” Jennings (19-1, 10 KOs) of Philadelphia was joined at the final press conference by his opponent Cuban heavyweight Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz  (23-0, 20 KOs), who will clash in the main event on the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast on Saturday for the WBA Interim Heavyweight World Title.

Jennings and Ortiz were joined by co-main event fighters former WBA Featherweight and Super Featherweight World Champion Nicholas “Axe Man” Walters (26-0, 21 KOs and Jason Sosa (18-1-3, 14 KOs) who will battle Saturday in a 10-round super featherweight fight.

Also at today’s press conference were HBO Latino Boxing main event fighters Yuneski Gonzalez (16-1, 12 KOs) and Vyacheslav “Lion Heart – Chigonsky” Shabranskyy (14-0, 12 KOs) who will fight a 10-round light heavyweight bout; HBO Latino Boxing co-main event fighters “King” Gabriel Rosado (21-9, 13 KOs) and former IBF Welterweight World Champion Joshua “Grand Master” Clottey (39-5, 22 KOs) who will battle in a 10-round middleweight bout; and former WBA and IBF Featherweight World Champion Yuriorkis Gamboa (24-1, 17 KOs) and opponent Hylon Williams Jr. (16-1-1, 3 KOs) who will open up the HBO Latino Boxing broadcast in a 10-round lightweight bout. 

Below is what the fighters and their teams had to say at today’s final press conference at Turning Stone Resort Casino:

BRYANT “BY-BY” JENNINGS, Former Heavyweight World Title Contender:

“Thank everyone for this fight and making this event happen. Preparation went as planned. I moved to Florida and had a great camp; it was a great environment. There will be no surprises on Saturday.”

LUIS “THE REAL KING KONG” Ortiz, WBA Interim Heavyweight World Champion:

“I have worked very hard to be here, and I will not waste this opportunity. We will see on Saturday who is the best.

“I am a man of few words and will let my hands to the talking.”

ERIC GOMEZ, Senior Vice President at Golden Boy Promotions:

“To make the best fights you need to have great partners getting together that will make fair deals.

“These fighters are hungry and ready to brawl on Saturday. Bryant Jennings had a great performance at Madison Square Garden recently. Luis Ortiz is just as hungry. I want to thank Gary Shaw, HBO, Mario Serrano and everyone that has been part of this promotion. It has truly been a pleasure.”

BERNARD HOPKINS, Business Partner at Golden Boy Promotions and Future Hall of Famer:

“2015 is the best year I will remember as a promoter. We’ve had excellent fights, competitive match ups this year. This is what boxing needs at this moment, and Golden Boy Promotions has been instrumental in helping deliver these entertaining fights to the fans. Jennings vs. Ortiz will be yet another one of those entertaining, high-action fights the fans want to see.”

MARIO SERRANO, Public Relations Director for Gary Shaw Productions:

“I want to thank HBO, Gary Shaw Productions, Golden Boy Promotions and the WBA.  With the WBA Interim title on the line, we at GSP believe Bryant Jennings will be victorious.  He has a new coach in John David Jackson and they are working harmoniously together.”

JOHN DAVID JACKSON, Trainer for Bryant Jennings:

“Thank you to Turning Stone Resort casino for hosting this event and to Gary Shaw Productions for making this event happen.

“Thank you to team Jennings, and to Bryant for being part of this team. Saturday, you’ll see. We will prove that we are the best.

“Bryant has worked hard this is what he wants and what he desires. He will be the heavyweight world champion of the world.

HERMAN CAICEDO, Trainer for Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz:

“Camp has been going well. We have been in camp for than more than a year. Luis lives in the gym – he doesn’t take a day off.”

“We have prepared well for this fight, and he has been doing his due diligence. I will not be surprised when he wins.”

“Luis has a lot of reasons to win and persevere. Saturday night, we will have the victory; it’s coming.”

LEE SAMUELS, Director of Public Relations at Top Rank:

“Thank you to HBO for all that they do for boxing. Thank you to Golden Boy Promotions- everyone there is a great person and we have a wonderful relationship.

“This is a big year for Top Rank. Bob Aram is celebrating his 50th year in boxing- Muhammad Ali, Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard, Tommy Herns, Roberto Duran, Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, George Forman, and now here we are at Turning Stone Resort Casino for this very meaningful fight for us with Walters vs. Sosa.

“It will be a tough battle with two tough stars and big stakes for the winner.

“Nicholas is very powerful and had a great amateur career. This is his first time at 130 pounds, so we are not sure what we will see on Saturday night with him.”

NICHOLAS “AXEMAN” WALTERS, Undefeated Former World Boxing Association (WBA) Featherweight World Champion:

“As they say, 130 lbs. is his territory. I am willing to fight at whatever weight. I had an excellent training camp in Panama.

“We are going to be OK. I hope he is ready because we are going to put on a good fight. Thanks to HBO and all the promoters. I want to make a big statement for 2016-we are ready.”

JASON “EL CANITO” SOSA, Junior Lightweight Contender:

“Thank you to God; thanks to HBO for believing in me; thanks to Top Rank, Russell Peltz, and Golden Boy Promotions. Training camp has been great, and my game plan is excellent. I’m ready to give the fans what they want.

“Walters is coming in to my territory at 130 lbs. There is a big difference in this weight division compared to what he is used to. He will find out really quick what I am really all about.”

JOE DEGUARDIA, President of Star Boxing:

“It is great to be here at Turning Stone Resort Casino and is a pleasure to work with Golden Boy Promotions, looking to go great things together. Thank you to HBO as well. This will be a spectacular show.

“Yuniesky Gonzalez came up from Cuba, Mexico, and Florida to try and find a manager. He is an accomplished fighter, and I have tremendous high hopes for him. This will be a big fight between two warriors, and he is not going to disappoint.”

Yuniesky Gonzalez, Light Heavyweight Contender:

“Thank you to God for giving me this moment. Thank you to my promoters, Star Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions and HBO for everything.

“I feel good. I have the reality of Shabranskyy, but I feel very good. He is a good fighter, but I have come a long way and I am going to make a statement.”

Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, Undefeated Light Heavyweight Contender:

“Thank you. I am ready and it will be a great fight. I am ready to go.”

JOSHUA “GRAND MASTER” CLOTTEY, Former IBF Welterweight World Champion:

“Thanks to HBO for everything they have done for me. I wouldn’t be where I am in my career without them. I am ready for this opportunity.”

YURIORKIS GAMBOA, Former WBA and IBF Featherweight champion:

“Thank you to God and thanks to HBO for trusting me. That is what I am here for, to give an exciting night. Thanks to SMS Promotions for having me here and to continue my promotional deals.

“Thanks to HBO for the opportunity, and we look forward to working with you in the future.”

HYLON “Kid Cosmo” WILLIAMS JR., Lightweight Contender:

“This going to be a great show on Saturday. I am glad to be here. I’ve come to do what I’ve come to do. Thanks to SMS Promotions for having me and for supporting me.”

Tickets for the Dec. 19 HBO Boxing After Dark and HBO Latino Boxing event start at $25, $35 and $60 for ringside seats plus applicable fees and are available at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

 

Jennings vs. Ortiz is a 12-round heavyweight bout fight for the WBA Interim Heavyweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions and is sponsored by Corona, Mexico – Live It to Belive It! and Carmelita Chorizo. Walters vs. Sosa is a 10-round junior lightweight bout presented by Top Rank in association with Peltz Boxing Promotions and Warriors Boxing Promotions. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET and first fight begins at 6:05 p.m. ET, and the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins live at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Gonzalez vs. Shabranskyy, is a 10-round light heavyweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 12:15 a.m. ET/PT (tape delay).

 

Host of the event, the Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for blockbuster boxing matches. The December 19 fight will mark Turning Stone Resort Casino’s 16th nationally-televised boxing event in three years, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights.  Located in Upstate New York, the destination resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, award-winning accommodations, a diverse mix of restaurants, two luxury spas and several nightlife options.

BRYANT JENNINGS and LUIS ORTIZ QUOTES FROM TODAY’S INTERNATIONAL MEDIA CONFERNCE CALL

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Press Release                                     For Immediate Release

JENNINGS AND ORTIZ WILL CLASH ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 AT TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO IN VERONA, NEW YORK AND TELEVISED LIVE ON HBO AFTER DARK® 

Click HERE for an MP3 of This Call

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 3, 2015) – Former world title contender Bryant “By-By” Jennings (19-1, 10 KOs) and recently crowned WBA Interim Heavyweight belt holder Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (23-0, 20 KOs) held an international media conference call today to discuss their upcoming anticipated 12-round championship title fight on Dec. 19. The event will take place at Turning Stone Resort Casino, in Verona, New York and will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark. 

Below is what the fighters and their teams had to say on today’s conference call:

BRYANT “BY-BY” JENNINGS, Former Heavyweight World Title Contender: 

“This is Ortiz’s first real fight as a professional. You will see no other person in boxing that comes close to my stature. 

“The training has been different but not difficult. You are building a machine. Once the person puts the wheels and gears on, they are done. Then you polish it and put it up for display. That’s where I am at in my career now. We are going to show you that this training addition has worked. 

“He has a long amateur career, I have a long professional career. Your deep experience as an amateur doesn’t mean you will have a successful professional career. This guy (Ortiz) hasn’t seen a real fighter like me yet. He has steroid use. Why would he need to do that? He has to make himself believe that he knows what to do; he has to prove it on December 19. But I am going to shut him down that day, that’s my plan. 

“We are going to bring a good fight. We are going to put on a show and either one of us, win, lose or draw, will show the fans what we can do. We are going to shift the focus on the heavyweight division to us. 

“He’s confident but a little too confident. He doesn’t understand what he is up against. He has never faced an opponent like me. He has to humble himself because it is going to be an embarrassment. What I do is, I make sure I am well trained and prepared to knock him out, 100 percent. The fans will love my 100 percent. I am standing my ground. I will have him crying in the ring. It is going to be real difficult for him to get over this. I’m going to fight and give my all”.

LUIS “THE REAL KING KONG” ORTIZ, WBA Interim Heavyweight World Champion: 

“Thank you to the Golden Boy Promotions team, HBO and everyone who has supported me and given me a chance to prove myself and what I deserve. 

“The people will know who is coming for the number one spot. I didn’t come here from Cuba to sit here and do nothing. I am coming for the belt; I am coming to become the heavyweight world champion. 

“Every fight is important but this is the most important fight of my career so far. I am prepared to stop Jennings. I am a boxer-puncher and will knock him out. “Of course I have what it takes to beat competitors like Fury and Wilder. With training and determination, I believe that I will be unstoppable. 

“I’m ready and able to do what I have to do. I want to bring the belts back to the United States and become the unified heavyweight world champion. 

“Me and Klitschko are nothing alike; I hit much harder than him.” 

GARY SHAW, CEO of Gary Shaw Productions: 
“I was in the camp yesterday. Jennings and Jackson have a good relationship. They are clicking as trainer and boxer. “Jennings doesn’t talk smack; whatever he is going to do, he will do in the ring on December 19. “The winner of this fight will be recognized as the number one in the boxing industry. 
“For this fight, we are doing drug testing. VADA will do the testing. There is no problem on either end with the testing.” 

ERIC GOMEZ, Senior Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions: 
“The heavyweight division in boxing is heating up and this upcoming fight on December 19 is one of the reasons why that is. 
“This is going to be a great fight on December 19 at Turning Stone Resort Casino, a wonderful destination for boxing, and on HBO Boxing After Dark, the best network for boxing.

“HERMAN CAICEDO, Trainer to Luis Ortiz: 
“We have been working very hard the last year and a half to prepare for this step-up fight. We are going to show the world why we call Luiz Ortiz ‘The Real King Kong.’ “His job is to fight; this is what he does for a living. Whoever is coming for him, to take his money, he is going to take them down.” 

Jennings vs. Ortiz is a 12-round heavyweight bout fight for the WBA Interim Heavyweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins live at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT. 
Host of the event, the Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for blockbuster boxing matches. The December 19 fight will mark Turning Stone Resort Casino’s 16th nationally televised boxing event in less than two years, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights.  Located in Upstate New York, the four-season destination resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, award-winning accommodations, a diverse mix of restaurants, luxury spas and several nightlife options. 

Professional media requesting credentials for the December 19 fight must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at (315) 366.9291 or kelly.abdo@turningstone.com. Tickets for the Dec. 19 HBO Boxing After Dark and HBO Latino Boxing event start at $25, $35 and $60 for ringside seats plus applicable fees and are available at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com). For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.grayshawproductions.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and http://www.turningstone.com.  Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GaryShawBoxing, @HBOBoxing, @TurningStone and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/Gary-Shaw-Productions-134758615997/, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or http://www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort. Visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @turningstone.

GARY SHAW IN AWE AFTER WATCHING BRYANT JENNINGS SPAR 16-ROUNDS

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Press Release  For Immediate Release

MIAMI, FL (December 2, 2015)  As Bryant “By-By” Jennings (19-1, 10 KOs) prepares for this upcoming December 19th showdown with Luis Ortiz (23-0, 20 KOs), promoter Gary Shaw feels confident his fighter will be victorious after sitting in on a 16-round sparring session.   The action-packed 12-round fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

Shaw, who spent the day with Jennings and Coach John David Jackson at their training camp in Miami, witnessed an intense sparring session, where Bryant sparred with four different opponents.

“To see Bryant Jennings spar sixteen-rounds with four different guys was an amazing feat to watch,” said Gary Shaw. “I’ve been around this sport for many years and I’m telling you, Jennings is one of the best athletes I’ve ever promoted.  The fact that he was able to handle all the fresh sparring partners that were rotating in was unbelievable.  John David Jackson is a great coach and both he and Jennings are working extremely well together. Everyone will see a much more improved fighter when Jennings steps in the ring on December 19th.”

Shaw was also impressed with strength and conditioning coach Edward Jackson, who’s worked with Jennings for all his big fights.

“Edward Jackson is one of the best strength and conditioning coaches in boxing and I’m very pleased with his work.” Gary Shaw continued. “His track record speaks for itself with all the great champions he’s currently working with.  Amazingly Jennings could have gone a few more rounds if he wanted to and I credit Edward Jackson for getting him in tip top shape.”

Tickets for the Dec. 19 HBO Boxing After Dark and HBO Latino Boxing event start at $25, $35 and $60 for ringside seats plus applicable fees and are available at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office by calling 315-361- 7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

BRYANT JENNINGS & LUIS ORTIZ TO BATTLE FOR THE WBA INTERIM HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE

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Press Release                For Immediate Release

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 23, 2015) – Two heavyweight titans will close out the 2015 boxing year with a bang on December 19, as former world title contender Bryant “By-By” Jennings (19-1, 10 KOs) takes on recently crowned WBA Interim Heavyweight belt holder Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (23-0, 20 KOs) in a 12-round championship fight. The event will take place at Turning Stone Resort Casino, in Verona, New York and will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark. 

“To headline an HBO event and fighting a former world title contender like Jennings is what I have been preparing my whole career for,” said Luis Ortiz. “I know that after this fight people will know that I deserve a shot at becoming the ‘Heavyweight Champion of the World.’ I think Jennings doesn’t even know what he’s stepping in to on the 19, I’m coming to make a statement. This fight is going to be an exciting stepping stone to achieve my dream.” 

“With a mix of speed, power and amateur pedigree that is second-to-none, Luis Ortiz has quickly established himself as a force in the heavyweight division,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Luis is so hungry to continue his rise in the division that he has agreed to fight an enormously talented opponent in Bryant Jennings just two months after Luis’ destruction of Matias Vidondo to win the WBA Interim title. Boxing fans looking for a premiere heavyweight fight should make sure to tune in to HBO’s Boxing After Dark on December 19th.” 

“It’s my pleasure to bring another great heavyweight showdown to the boxing fans with Bryant Jennings taking on an undefeated fighter like Luis Ortiz.  The fans know that I have always, and will continue, to put on real competitive fights,” said Gary Shaw.

Shaw continued, “Jennings is a true professional who remains in phenomenal shape throughout the year.  He showed in his last fight versus Klitschko that he belongs with the elite heavyweights and understands the challenges that lie ahead. Ortiz, who brings a high knockout ratio to the ring, will have his hands full, and Jennings is nothing like the fighter he just fought, whom he knocked out in the third round. Ortiz has never faced a challenge of a Philadelphia fighter like Bryant Jennings and he’s going to find out real quick that this is another level. Jennings is ready to continue his quest to become heavyweight champion with VADA testing agreed to by both promotional companies for this fight.” 

“I’m excited to be getting back in the ring against Luis Ortiz, another big heavyweight,” said Bryant Jennings. “He’s coming off an impressive win and he thinks he’s at the top of his game. These are the typical type of opponents I like to showcase my skills against. I’ve come a long way since my last fight against Klitschko, and I have continued to train with a fierce intensity. When you suffer defeat for the first time you learn things about yourself you never knew. I’ve improved a great deal on all aspects of my game both mentally and physically. The world will see a great fight when I square off against Ortiz, that I can guarantee you. I’ll be driving the WBA belt back home to Philly.”

“This fight is between two evenly matched heavyweights, and that always has a purity to its mystique,” said Peter Nelson, vice president of programming for HBO Sports. “Jennings has proven to have heart in equal scale to what Ortiz has shown in power. On December 19, we will see a battle of wills.”

 “We’re looking forward to hosting another exciting night of boxing at Turning Stone with HBO, Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions,” said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Nation Representative and Nation Enterprises CEO. “In three years, we’ve hosted 16 nationally-televised fights, distinguishing our resort as premier destination for world-class boxing.” 

Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz had amassed nearly 350 wins before making his way to the United States to chase championship gold as a professional. Unbeaten in 25 bouts, the 36-year-old southpaw holds a knockout win over Monte Barrett and in June needed less than a round to dispatch Byron Polley. Ortiz was last seen on the undercard of Golovkin vs. Lemieux as part of the pay-per-view live telecast defeating Matias Ariel Vivdondo by third round knockout and gaining the WBA Interim Heavyweight World Title.

 Hailed as one of the best heavyweight boxers in the sport, Bryant Jennings has faced some of the most feared fighters in the sport.  In 2014 alone, Jennings defeated Mike Perez via split decision in July and Artur Szpilka via technical knockout in January. In 2013, Jennings passed his first career tested when he defeated Andrey Fedosov via sixth-round knockout in June. Most recently, Jennings was seen in the ring against the heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko in April, suffering his first defeat since his professional debut in 2010.  Now, the titan is looking for redemption and another shot at world title stardom when he faces Ortiz for the WBA Interim Heavyweight Title. 

Jennings vs. Ortiz is a 12-round heavyweight bout fight for the WBA Interim Heavyweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins live at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT. 

Host of the event, the Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for blockbuster boxing matches. The December 19 fight will mark Turning Stone Resort Casino’s 16th nationally-televised boxing event in less than two years, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights.  Located in Upstate New York, the four-season destination resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, award-winning accommodations, a diverse mix of restaurants, luxury spas and several nightlife options. 

Professional media requesting credentials for the December 19 fight must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at (315) 366.9291 or kelly.abdo@turningstone.com. 

Tickets will go on sale in early November.  Additional ticket information will be announced soon. 

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.garyshawproductions.com www.hbo.com/boxing and www.turningstone.com.  Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GaryShawBoxing, @HBOBoxing, @TurningStone and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,  www.facebook.com/Gary-Shaw-Productions, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort. Visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @turningstone.