It’s a night of Heavyweight action to kick off 2022 (Fox PPV, 8 PM EST) featuring an aging veteran who fell short in two title challenges and an aging former titlist who wants to be remembered as more than a footnote.

It’s an IBF eliminator so the winner gets a step closer to one more crack at glory. For now, the IBF belt is held by Oleksandr Usyk. Usyk is headed toward a rematch with Anthony Joshua with eyes toward a possible unification clash with lineal king Tyson Fury after that. Could that mean this is a step toward a shot at undisputed glory?

Time will tell. For now all that matters is Luis Ortiz and Charles Martin can’t afford to lose.  

Let’s get into it. 

Stats and Stakes

Luis Ortiz

Age: 42

Current Title/Previous Titles: None

Height: 6’4   

Weight: 243 ¼ lbs.

Stance: Southpaw

Hails from: Miami, Florida (Hails from Cuba)

Record: 32-2, 27 KO, 2 KOBY

Press Rankings: #7 (Ring), #8 (TBRB, ESPN)

Record in Major Title Fights: 0-2, 2 KOBY (0-2, 2 KOBY, 1 No Contest including interim title fights)

Last Five Opponents: 131-10-2 (.923)

Notable Outcomes, TBRB and/or Ring Rated Foes: Bryant Jennings TKO7; Deontay Wilder TKO by 10, KO by 7

Additional Current/Former Titlists Faced: None

Vs.

Charles Martin

Age: 35

Title: None

Previous Titles: IBF Heavyweight (2016) 

Height: 6’5  

Weight: 246 ¼ lbs.

Stance: Southpaw

Hails from: St. Louis, Missouri

Record: 28-2-1, 25 KO, 1 KOBY

Press Rankings: Unranked

Record in Major Title Fights: 1-1, 1 KO, 1 KOBY

Last Five Opponents: 91-16-2 (.844)

Notable Outcomes, TBRB and/or Ring Rated Foes: Vyacheslav Glazkov TKO3; Anthony Joshua KO by 2; Adam Kownacki L10

Additional Current/Former Titlists Faced: None

The Pick: This isn’t just a clash of aging heavyweights. It’s also a clash of inactive big men. Ortiz last competed in November 2020, Martin in February of the same year giving him almost two years out of the ring. It could make for some rust. It could also make for fireworks. Both men come equipped with heavy hands and one wonders when age will catch up to Ortiz in particular. While both men have been stopped, Ortiz’s two losses to Wilder were particularly concussive. If Martin can get to him, will Ortiz’s legs be up to the task? The bigger question might be whether Martin can get to him in time. Ortiz is the more skilled and experienced fighter with a deep amateur background. Based on each man’s last outing, Ortiz is also the quicker and sharper of the two. Ortiz’s jab should still be enough to control the space and pace of the fight and behind it Martin should see the punishment mount. The pick is Ortiz by stoppage.      

Rold Picks 2021: 50-13

Cliff Rold is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene, a founding member of the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, a member of the International Boxing Research Organization, and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America.  He can be reached at roldboxing@hotmail.com