From a betting perspective, it is hard to get a good grasp on value when it comes to Deontay Wilder. The “Bronze Bomber” is 39-0 with an impressive 38 KO’s. However, the quality of those opponents has been less than stellar, leading many to believe Wilder might not be as good as his resume suggests.
In Luis Ortiz, he is likely to face his toughest challenge to date. The Cuban defector is 28-0 with 24 KO’s. However, his record has a cloud over it as he has failed drug tests on two separate occasions, although the last one was deemed to be the result of medication he was taking for high blood pressure. No matter the reason, it has angered Wilder, and he has repeatedly let everyone know his feelings on drugs in the sport.
Deontay Wilder currently sits as a roughly 1/3 (-300) favorite over Luis Ortiz on most sports books expertly reviewed here. Ortiz has the technical skills to hang with Wilder, but at 38, his gas tank has to be questioned. The 32-year-old Wilder is very comfortable in the later rounds, stopping four of his last six opponents in the eighth or later. While Ortiz did go the full 12 in a win over Malik Scott in 2016, that was the first time since 2010 that he’s been past the seventh round.
No matter who one favors in this match, it will be nice for bettors looking to actually make a wager on a Wilder fight, as his previous contests have always been hardly worth the risk considering the odds. Of course, should Wilder come out of this fight winning impressively, it will further fan the flames for those looking for a superfight between Wilder and Anthony Joshua.
