Andy Ruiz Jr. Drops Luis Ortiz, Picks Up Decision Victory

Former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. topped Luis Ortiz over Labor Day weekend.

Ruiz dropped Ortiz three times in the main event live on FOX Sports PBC pay-per-view. The event took place from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Isaac Cruz and Edwin De Los Santos also picked up wins, while Abner Mares and Miguel Flores battled to a majority draw.

The first fighter of Mexican descent to become heavyweight world champion, Ruiz (35-2, 22 KOs) got his hometown crowd on its feet early, as he delivered a clean right hand to score his first knockdown in round two. Ortiz (33-3, 28 KOs) would hit the canvas a second time in the round, but got to his feet again and delivered several strong left hands to keep himself in the fight and make it through the round.

“Everyone was doubting me, but I worked so hard for this fight,” said Ruiz. “Ortiz is a warrior who hits hard. I did a beautiful job boxing him around. I showed more class than I usually do just coming forward.”

After the fight, Ruiz stated his willingness to meet former WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder in a possible blockbuster showdown, if Wilder is successful in his ring return October 15 against Robert Helenius on FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View. Wilder, who was seated ringside, matched Ruiz’s enthusiasm for the potential matchup.

“If Deontay Wins in October, me and him are with the same management and we can make this fight happen,” said Ruiz Jr. “Let’s do it. Let’s get it on. I’m hungry and I want to be champion again and bring that belt back to Mexico.”