I'm usually the first to defend fighters resume's, because criticism usually gets blown out of proportion. But its just insane that so many people are giving Ortiz a decent chance against Jennings, and so few have criticized his resume. The only fighter he's beat that either has a name or is half decent is Monte Barrett. Barrett was well into his 40's and years since his last win. He was totally shot. Compare that to the criticism vastly more proven heavyweights like Wilder get (I could use Stiverne, Chisora, Arreola, Fury pre Wlad, but will use Wilder since he's the most criticized figher on resume on this forum). Wilder has beaten a fairly consensus at the time top 5 hw in Stiverne, borderline top 10 hw Scott (who drew against top 10 Glazkov, most say he won that fight, and beat top 10 Thompson). He's beaten a lot of top 50 hw's as well, including Duhaupas, Molina, White Wolf, Audley Harrison. Every one of those fighters would likely beat every one of Ortiz's opponents, and yet the blogging community gives Ortiz almost a complete pass. Maybe he can beat Jennings, but his resume to this point gives absolutely no indication that he's capable of that.
I imagine if and when Ortiz gets a title shot, or a real big following, his resume will start to get picked apart like a sunday meatloaf. Wilder gets a lot pf criticism because he had a lot of fights against no hopers, was much ballyhooed, and had not fought many guys of note when he got his title shot, then proceeded to fight them afterwards As defenses.
Technically not quite true, Antonia. Barrett isn't the only name (or even the biggest) on his resume. Bert Cooper is a much bigger name, though he was even more shot than Barrett was. There's also the KTFO1 against Kayode, and while Ortiz did get popped for PED use there is only so much you can ascribe the result to it. ...and he beat up rugged journeyman Epi Mendoza (who, granted, isn't a name that casuals would know bit in reality was a bigger threat h2h than shot old Cooper)
..and there is his decorated amateur career, which sometimes mitigates lack of concrete accomplishments in the pros when guys are fast-tracked into title shots.
Maybe, but there is precious little evidence in his resume to support that. There is much more evidence that Wilder would ko Povetkin than Ortiz over Jennings.
True, which is why I don't wish to belabor the point or suggest that Cooper is as good a win as Barrett (or even Mendoza, or Kayode, or hell, Page or Releford). Just being my pedantic self, as Buffy did technically say Barrett was the biggest name and Cooper's name is far more well known to casual fans.
Buffy? Antonia? Where are you getting those names from? Yeah, Cooper is more well known than Barrett (although I don't know about "far more"), I guess I just ignored him because his shot level was much higher, and I'd also rate prime Barrett above prime Cooper.
abuffy. We're friends. We're on a first name basis. You jelly? Hi, Andrew. I'm Cory. Nice to meet you.
...and yeah that version of Barrett that fought Ortiz would obliterate the version of Cooper that fought Ortiz.
There is more to picking the winner of a fight than just resume alone. Fury showed that against Wlad. This is a massive problem on this site. People pick fighters on resume alone. Now, experience is important and in a sport of careful match making and mis-matches, the more experienced fighter usually wins, but, i don't give any credit to anyone who says,"This guy will win because he has a better resume". That's just playing the percentages. Having an ability to see the strengths, weakness and styles of each fighter and predicting how they will mesh is a real skill.
Ortiz, had a decorated amateur career. The guys turning 37 in March. He was busted in 2014 for anabolic steroids. He's got a big build, and is known as a big puncher. I question how hard he works in the gym. He kinda reminds me of the 90's Cuban heavyweight Jorge Luis Gonzalez, in that Gonzalez wasn't known as a workout warrior. The first big test Gonzalez had, he was pounded by Big Daddy Bowe. Ortiz's opponents have been mediocre, or long past there best days. Looking at Ortiz, I question his stamina and fitness. Jennings had problems with Mike Perez, who like Ortiz is a southpaw. Jennings, doesn't have a reputation as a big puncher. I think he hits harder than given credit for though. He came to boxing late, with minimal amateur fights. He's been learning on the job, so to speak. Jennings, comes into the ring in great shape, and is known to be a good defensive fighter. I think Jennings best chance, is to come on strong, and wear Ortiz down in the later rounds. This is a dangerous fight for Jennings. I'm picking Ortiz, but I don't have alot of confidence in my pick. This is a big fight for both boxers.
