Eddie Hearn believes
Deontay Wilder has already set up a rematch against
Luis Ortiz for his next bout as the wait for a unification fight against Anthony Joshua looks set to continue into 2020. The Bronze Bomber delivered another devastating KO in the first round of his grudge match with Dominic Breazeale on Saturday night in New York to retain his WBC heavyweight title. After the match, Ortiz entered the ring and was interview by Showtime, with many expecting him to take on Wilder for a second time, and Hearn has confirmed the speculation.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, which will not be released until Monday, Hearn revealed he spoke to Ortiz’s camp about the Cuban fighting AJ if a deal for a unification fight cannot be agreed. But he was rebuffed and instead informed that a deal for Ortiz to face Wilder was ‘all but done’ in what he described as a ‘disheartening’ conversation.
Ortiz and Wilder last faced off at the Barclays Center in March 2018 in a thrilling fight, with the Bronze Bomber inflicting the only defeat of Ortiz’s career with a 10th round stoppage. Reacting to Wilder’s brutal KO against Breazeale, Hearn told Sky Sports on Sunday: ‘That was an impressive win for Deontay – he’s exciting to watch. He has taken care of business, now AJ needs to do the same against Ruiz Jr at Madison Square Garden on June 1.
‘The fight with AJ and Wilder is the biggest fight in the sport and all being well in two weeks’ time it must happen next – no excuses, this is the fight that will change the sport globally. ‘It’s a legacy fight and AJ wants it so bad. Two big, fast, dangerous and fearless world heavyweight world champions that can turn the lights out with a blink of the eye – it’s a must. First things first, taking care of business on his American debut on June 1 and send a message straight back.’