Luis Ortiz’s injury forces photo of heavyweight contender to be changed| Latest News Headlines

On New Years Day, Luis Ortiz made the ultimate comeback by knocking out Charles Martin in the sixth round. It was an unmissable victory for Ortiz (33-2, 28 KOs), who reinserted himself into the heavyweight title picture.

After his victory, Ortiz was given a deadline from the IBF to fight Filip Hrgovic in an IBF title eliminator. The winner of the fight would most likely have faced champion Oleksandr Usyk. However, if the opportunity presented itself, it appears he rejected a path to fame, as it was revealed that he injured his left hand during the fight with Martin.

MORE: Does Floyd Mayweather Box Still? Fighter announces exhibit at Burj Al hotel helipad

“Basically Luis had a minimal fracture that he should be able to heal without a problem, but with something like that he doesn’t want to take any chances,” Ortiz manager Jay Jimenez told George Ebro (via Boxing Scene ).

“He’s being evaluated, but he can’t fight in April because he wouldn’t be in (the best physical condition). We are not against the fight against Hrgovic, or against anyone, but let it happen under the best conditions for Luis. ”

Ortiz made his professional debut in 2010. He is a former interim WBA heavyweight champion and nearly knocked out Deontay Wilder in 2018 and 2019 for the WBC heavyweight title. However, Wilder fought back and knocked him out both times. During the fight with Martin, Ortiz was at the bottom of the scorecards and looked like he had been beaten. He ended up landing some wild punches in the sixth that stopped Martin. Ortiz has now won two in a row.

MORE: Luis Ortiz results vs Charles Martin: Ortiz survives multiple knockdowns, knock out Martin in round six

A bronze medalist at the 2016 Olympics, Hrgovic is the IBF international heavyweight champion. His last fight was in December, when he beat Emir Ahmatovic via TKO. Promoter Kalle Sauerland quickly switched from Ortiz-Hrgovic, saying that a Hrgovic fight against Joseph Parker makes the most sense.

Parker, a former WBO heavyweight champion, has won six fights in a row. His last fight was a unanimous decision victory over Derek Chisora ​​in December.

MORE: Jake Paul & Dana White Trade Insults & Challenges in Last War of Words

As to who Ortiz would face next, Andy Ruiz Jr. is on his mind. Ruiz, a former WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight champion, last fought in May, beating Chris Arreola. Now working with Eddy Reynoso, Ruiz has been linked with Ortiz for some time now.

“I would like Andy Ruiz to accept my challenge, but if not, I’ll be ready for whoever comes, because no one wants to fight a man they call ‘old’,” Ortiz said, via Boxing Scene.