Ortiz was the more consistent performer, but Williams potentially better on his best night. I don't buy Williams being excused for every loss by being on the "cuffs", although he certainly may have been for some fights, but based on what I've seen he could have been vulnerable to clever boxers. Ortiz was a clever boxer, but more of a workman-like performer than a fleet-footed mover. Not necessarily the type of style that would bother Williams. I'll have to think about it some more.
One of the best fantasy matchups that could be made, and a case could be made for either.....Over 12, I'll go with Williams.....15, Ortiz.
Any reason for the divide in calls? Anyways, while I agree with TheGreatA that Ortiz was more a reserved, workmanlike technician, he was more versatile than Ike in that regard. More than capable of fighting off the backfoot and playing the cards, as he did with Torres. He was a technician, a thinking man's fighter, through and through, capable of working whatever gameplan was necessary for the given opponent. I think he could conceivably do the same against Ike. It's for this reason that I give him the slight advantage. Ike lacked that same adaptability and fighting brain.
I think Ortiz ws clever enough, and resourceful enough as a tactician to figure out a way to outpoint Williams...like he did with Joe Brown...and I know..believe me, that Williams was better than Brown, but I think Carlos would have beaten him too. Ortiz w15 Williams.
This is something I wondered about, presumably the over the weight lightweight fights against gatekeeper types he lost to were thrown fights
I'd compare him to his eventual conqueror Jimmy Carter in that regard. He obviously didn't give his best effort in some of the fights. This doesn't necessarily mean he was wearing the "cuffs" in all of his losses or struggles. The overlooked Freddie Dawson legitimately gave him some headaches I'd say, though never managed to officially capture a win over Williams.
This is about as tough as it gets...in trying to pick a winner. I've always been impressed with Ortiz's ability to deal with so many styles. I think he can manuever through the minefield and beat Williams by close decision. Enrique Bolanos went rounds with Williams, I think Carlos would pick his shots and engagements tactically and he would have to.
Well, it has been stated on here that Ortiz is "workmanlike"......I would imagine this being a close fight around the 12th round, with the slight edge to Williams putting early rounds in the bank....However, by the 15th, I'm sure Ortiz would've been well-adapted to Williams style and used the extra 3 rounds to pull out a decision.