Report: Wilder vs. Ortiz on Nov. 4 in question; spring of 2018 a possibility

Deontay Wilder will reportedly return to the ring to defend his WBC heavyweight title against Luis Ortiz on Nov. 4 at the Barclays Center in New York, but that is now in question, sources tell FightNights.com.

Although Wilder promoter Lou DiBella, of DiBella Entertainment, has Nov. 4 booked at the Barclays Center, the fight is still not official.

Wilder’s team is reportedly unsatisfied with the date because that is the same day Alabama plays LSU in college football. They fear that more people would rather tune into the football game than boxing. Additionally, the bout would be battling for viewers with UFC 217 taking place right down the street at Madison Square Garden.

The fight could prove to be an exciting one, as both fighters sport a rare combination of undefeated record and massive punching power. Wilder is 38-0 with 37 KO’s and looks to defend his title for the sixth time, while Ortiz is 27-0 with 23 KO’s.

Ortiz hasn’t fought all year. His last fight was a seventh-round TKO in December 2016 over the unknown David Allen in a scheduled eight-round contest in Manchester. However, Ortiz is anxious to regain activity and join in the legit heavyweight championship race as soon as possible.

Wilder’s last fight was in February when he stopped Gerald Washington inside five rounds.

Our sources say both sides are still talking, but it appears the bout will take place in the spring of 2018 at the earliest.