By Brad Marchetti – There is a little known Cuban heavyweight on the rise out of South Florida that is about to make an impact on the heavyweight division. Luis Ortiz, 1-0, 1 KO, from Kris Lawrence’s Heavyweight Factory has a very modest pro ledger on paper, but with a 343-19 record as an amateur it is easy to see why he is a sleeper with infinite potential. The southpaw sensation of the future is getting a late start on his pro career at 31 years-old but with his ability he should make up ground in a hurry..
While ARENA BOX promoted Cuban heavyweight Odlanier Solis is getting the recognition as the next big thing, Ortiz is actually the more dedicated and gifted fighter. While most 4-round fighters like Ortiz are pretty much considered to still be amateurs, Ortiz’s accolades in the unpaid ranks already make him a seasoned pro in the thin heavyweight division.
Ortiz has been in Solis’s shadow for a while but it won’t be long before he throws Solis into obscurity by his own eclipse. In the highly regarded amateur world boxing cup tournament, Ortiz won the silver in 2003 and the gold two years later in 2005.
Ortiz is a coordinated heavyweight at 6’4” 235 Lbs. with the ability to box at range with a stiff jab and nifty footwork or bang on the inside with power. Ortiz has the rare advantage of being a southpaw heavyweight and he knows how to use it with some oil slick moves on defense.
Luis has a knowledgeable and powerful team behind him with the backing of Jay Jimenez, owner of Strictly Business Records, who is better known for handling successful rap artist Black Dada. Jimenez is joined by qualified boxing man Nelson Lopez of Nelson Promotions who has over 30 years of boxing experience.
Only time will tell how far this recent defector will go but he has the skills to pay the bills without question. Ortiz appears to have the character to avoid the pitfalls of newly acquired freedom that derail most star Cuban boxers and barring injury he should be a contender in the near future.