New Year’s Day isn’t just for college football anymore. It’s also a day for heavyweight boxing.
Charles Martin and Luis Ortiz have agreed to terms for a heavyweight showdown on New Year’s Day in Miami, Florida. The fight will serve as an eliminator for Oleksandr Usyk’s IBF Heavyweight title.
“I can’t wait to give my fans in South Florida a great show on New Year’s Day and earn another shot at the heavyweight title,” Ortiz told SB Nation’s Bad Left Hook.
“Charles Martin is a good fighter, but he’s standing in my way. The only thing on my mind is getting in the ring and making a big statement in this fight to show again why the heavyweight division fears me.”
Ortiz-Martin will serve as the co-main event for Frank Sanchez’s grand return. Less than three months after earning a win against previously undefeated Efe Ajagba, Sanchez will share the ring with Carlos Negron.
“I’m happy to be back so soon after beating Agjaba, but the work is only beginning,” Sanchez said.
“There’s much more to be done. I believe I will be the first heavyweight champion in Cuban history. Negron is a strong, dangerous opponent. I’ll have to be my best, but I’m confident that I will come out victorious. I believe in my team, and my team believes in me. We’ll start the New Year off getting to 20-0, remain busy, and make a strong case for a world title by year’s end.”
