Ortiz Vs. Spence – How Does It Play Out?

The Approach

For Ortiz to win, he could use a powerful jab to the body to wear Spence down and then follow up with his signature left hook or a straight right hand to the head. Given Spence’s recent eye surgery, Ortiz would likely target that side, looking to land a clean punch that could affect his vision or cause a major swell.

Ortiz’s relentless body attack would be a key factor. He is known for breaking down his opponents with brutal shots to the liver and ribs. This approach would be particularly effective against a fighter who has been out of the ring for a significant period. If Ortiz is able to push the pace, land a high volume of punches, and force Spence to fight on the back foot, he would have a clear advantage. 

For Spence to win, he must rely on his veteran savvy, his superior boxing IQ, and his ability to control the pace of the fight. He cannot afford to be drawn into a brawl with a knockout artist like Ortiz. An example of this would be Spence using counters with sharp, accurate shots, particularly to the body, to slow Ortiz down and drain his energy.

Spence would also need to establish a strong jab, using it to create distance and prevent Ortiz from getting into his rhythm. For instance, if Ortiz gets aggressive and tries to close the distance, Spence would use his jab to the chest and body to keep him at bay. A key part of his game plan would be to expose Ortiz’s chin. While Ortiz has a near-perfect knockout record, he has not been in the ring with a boxer of Spence’s caliber.