Tszyu was one of my all time favorites while he was active, but Carlos is definitely superior. He's one of the legends who is legitimately underrated on this site,
Although a bit smaller, Carlos is a legitimate ATG. I don't believe Kostya is on his level. Carlos by decision
Huge fan of both. Ortiz is better remembered for his legendary 135 career but he was great at 140 too. I think it’s a tough, tough fight. Ortiz was such a complete boxer and fighter though. Could do it inside or outside. I think he’d have to be a clear favorite. Close decision but clear enough win for Ortiz.
Ortiz is historically a little underrated; on record, I actually think he outstrips Gomez as Puerto Rico's greatest ever. Not the most spectacular to watch and didn't necessarily have any special effects, but a good enough all-rounder with consistency to get the job done. As I noted the other day, Tszyu seemed to prosper against guys who, in theory at least, he should have struggled against, whereas he lost to guys with more basic, slugging styles. Ortiz wasn't an in-your-face, mauling type like Phillips or Hatton, and nor was he a pure mover or slickster like Hurtado, Mitchell, Judah, Gonzalez etc. I guess he falls a little inbetween categories, but he had a wonderful chin and I think he withstands anything Tszyu throws at him to win by decision. I'd expect Kostya to give him a good examination, though.
Ortiz moved "down" from Jr. Welter (1959 won) to take the Ltwt Title in 1962. 1962-04-21 : Carlos Ortiz 134¾ lbs beat Joe Brown 134¾ lbs by UD in round 15 of 15 Location: Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Referee: Frankie Van 74-60 Judge: Bud Traynor 74-58 Judge: Dave Zeno 74-66 WBA World Lightweight Title Program score page "Old age and Carlos Ortiz finally caught up with lightweight champion Joe Brown Saturday night as the young New Yorker wrested the world crown from the 35 year old veteran of 115 ring engagements. A crowd of more than 7,000 in the Las Vegas Convention Center, and a national television audience looked on with astonishment as the 25 year old bull from the Bronx completely outclassed the Old Bones of fighting. Ortiz did just what he had promised before the fight. He stayed on top of Brown all the way, seldom letting the hard hitting champion get set to throw a lethal punch with either hand. Ortiz, scoring consistently with a popping left jab as his main weapon, slit open Brown's eye in the 1st round. It bled throughout the evening, and while it may not have hurt the old fellow, it didn't do him any good." -Associated Press Unofficial AP scorecard - 74-61 Ortiz 1959-06-12 : Carlos Ortiz 139¼ lbs beat Kenny Lane 140 lbs by TKO in round 2 of 15 Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York, USA Referee: Harry Kessler 2-1 Judge: Artie Aidala 3-0 Judge: Leo Birnbaum 2-1 Vacant NYSAC World Light Welterweight Title Vacant National Boxing Association World Light Welterweight Title Six-ounce gloves were used. The automatic eight-count and three-knockdown rule were waived. Two judges and the referee scored the fight, using a supplemental point system in the event of even rounds. Lane was knocked down in the 2nd. The bout was stopped due to a cut over Lane's right eye and one inside the bridge of his nose. This bout was nationally televised by the National Broadcasting Company (NBC). The title had been vacant since Tippy Larkin successfully defended his crown on April 29, 1946.
Tszyu was a weight bully like Terry Norris and perfectly suited to a junior division. However Oritz was a great fighter a would rise to the occasion and outpoint Tszyu in a hard fought contest.
