Deontay Wilder to defend heavyweight crown against Cuba’s Luis Ortiz

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones talks with boxer Deontay Wilder before the IBF welterweight championship boxing bout between Errol Spence Jr. and Mikey Garcia on Saturday, March 16, 2019, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Richard W. Rodriguez)

Undefeated American Deontay Wilder will defend his World Boxing Council heavyweight crown against Cuba’s Luis Ortiz in a November rematch of their 2018 title showdown, promoters announced Saturday.

The November 23 matchup at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas gives 40-year-old southpaw Ortiz a chance to avenge his loss to Wilder, a 10th-round stoppage in March 2018 in his only prior world title bout.

“When I fought Ortiz, not only did he have the pedigree, but also he had the classification of being the boogeyman of the division,” Wilder said.

“I agree with those who say that Luis Ortiz was my toughest fight to date. No one wanted to fight him and they still don’t. In the rematch there’s more confidence and more motivation to do what I have to do.

“I’ve already seen the style before. It’s going to make it more fun. I can’t wait to see how he tries to handle me when I’m at my best.”

The card also features Mexico’s Leo Santa Cruz, the reigning World Boxing Association featherweight champion, fighting compatriot Miguel Flores for the WBA super featherweight crown, trying to become a champion in his fourth different weight class.

Wilder, 41-0 with one drawn and 40 knockouts, will turn 34 in October before facing Ortiz, 31-1 with 26 knockouts.

In their first matchup at Brooklyn, Wilder knocked down Ortiz in the fifth round, was stunned by the Cuban in the seventh but battled back to drop Ortiz again with a powerful right uppercut in the 10th to end the fight.

It will be the 10th time Wilder defends the title he won by unanimous decision over Canada’s Bermane Stiverne in January 2015 — Wilder’s lone victory to go the distance.

Wilder will be making his third defense in just over 11 months, having settled for a draw with Britain’s Tyson Fury last December before knocking out countryman Dominic Breazeale in May.

Ortiz has won three fights since losing to Wilder, the most recent a 10-round decision over Romanian Christian Hammer in March.

“I have to give Deontay Wilder a lot of credit for taking this fight because it shows he has the heart of a true champion,” Ortiz said.

“He’s not at all scared to take a dangerous fight, because this is the most dangerous fight for him. In my opinion, he’s the best heavyweight in the world until someone beats him, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”