OTT platform DAZN has landed the rights in Austria, Switzerland, Spain and Germany for this weekend’s heavyweight title rematch between Deontay Wilder and Luis Ortiz, which takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The pair first clashed in an epic back and fourth encounter in March 2018, when champion Wilder overcame adversity to stopped his Cuban counterpart in the tenth round.
Following that contest, Ortiz racked up three routine victories over Razvan Kojanu, Travis Kauffman and Christian Hammer. Whilst Deontay Wilder fought to a dramatic draw against lineal champion, Tyson Fury and dispatched of mandatory WBC challenger, Dominic Breazeale in brutal fashion.
The fight is set to pave the path for Wilder to take on Fury in much anticipated rematch in February of next year, so long as ‘The Bronze Bomber’ comes away from the clash with Ortiz unscathed.
The clash kicks off a major few weeks in the boxing heavyweight division, with the rematch between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr set for two weeks from Saturday on December 7. Both rematches are likely to shape the future of the heavyweight division.
Also featuring on Saturday’s card is the WBA super-featherweight title contest between formidable Mexican Leo Santa Cruz and Miguel Flores, as well as the highly rated Luis Nery’s bout with Emmanuel Rodriguez.
Insider Insight: After years of under appreciation, Wilder is finally being recognised as the commodity that he is. Although, he may not be a purist’s dream, the explosiveness he brings means he can be a huge asset for broadcasters, especially as the road builds on the way to a lucrative rematch with Tyson Fury.