Veteran heavyweight Luis Ortiz proved that punching power is often the last attribute to fade, scoring a brutal second-round knockout against Edward Millard on Sunday. The 47-year-old Cuban southpaw, widely known as “King Kong,” had to climb off the canvas early in the opening round before eventually halting his younger opponent in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The bout served as a featured heavyweight attraction for the Miami Assassins in their gameweek 12 clash against NYC Attitude.
The encounter took place under the unique Team Boxing League (TBL) format, which pits city-based franchises against one another in a series of one-round contests. Ortiz, a former interim WBA champion, is currently 2-0 with two knockouts since joining the league.
His victory over the 40-year-old Millard follows a recent trend of activity for the veteran, who is attempting to stay relevant in the heavyweight landscape despite his advanced age.
The drama began almost immediately when Luis Ortiz dropped Edward Millard within the first 15 seconds of the fight using a heavy left hand. However, the momentum shifted just 30 seconds later when Millard landed a sharp right hook that sent the 47-year-old to the floor.
It was a rare moment of vulnerability for Ortiz, reminiscent of the multiple knockdowns he suffered in his 2022 loss to Andy Ruiz Jr.
Heavyweight fireworks in the Team Boxing League format
Luis Ortiz showed remarkable composure after the knockdown, regaining his feet quickly and resuming his aggressive southpaw stance. He managed to floor Edward Millard a second time shortly after the restart with another clubbing left. While Millard beat the count, he appeared significantly dazed, leaving the door open for Ortiz to finish the job before the round concluded.
The end came with clinical efficiency as Ortiz landed the same left-hand shot for a third time, rendering Edward Millard unconscious. The referee did not issue a count as Millard’s body hit the canvas in a crumpled heap, ending the contest at the 1-minute and 59-second mark.
This stoppage was 13 seconds faster than Ortiz’s TBL debut victory on May 31, where he knocked out 36-year-old Stephon Moss.
For those following the traditional professional circuit, the TBL system is a distinct departure from standard 10-round bouts. The league utilizes a unified point system across 24 one-round matches between franchises. This format has allowed Ortiz to remain highly active, a stark contrast to his sporadic schedule over the last few years on the world title circuit.
Evaluating the enduring power of Luis Ortiz
At 47, Luis Ortiz is nearly a decade removed from his peak years where he challenged Deontay Wilder for the WBC heavyweight title. His professional record, which currently stands at 34-3 with 29 knockouts, does not include these recent TBL results. His most recent traditional professional appearance occurred in September 2025, where he secured a first-round knockout against Phillip Penson in Orlando.
The durability of Ortiz remains a primary talking point among boxing analysts. While he showed resilience against Millard, the heavyweight division is increasingly focused on younger, faster prospects. This shift in the sport is something Oleksandr Usyk raises brain health concerns about when observing the physical toll that heavy-hitting encounters take on aging fighters.
Despite his age, Ortiz continues to draw crowds in Florida, leveraging his “King Kong” persona to maintain his status as a draw for the Miami Assassins. His participation in the TBL provides a regular platform that has been missing since major eliminator opportunities slowed down following his defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr. in Los Angeles four years ago.
Future outlook for the Miami Assassins anchor
The victory was essential for the Miami Assassins as they look to secure a postseason seed in the TBL standings. Having a heavyweight with Ortiz’s pedigree and finishing ability provides a tactical edge in the aggregate scoring system. As other veterans consider their next moves, such as com/jon-jones-russia-boxing-debut-talks-iba-kremlev-2026/”>Jon Jones discussing a boxing debut, Ortiz is proving there is still a market for established traditional fighters.
It remains to be seen if Ortiz will attempt one final run at a major professional world title. For now, his focus appears to be on his role within the franchise system.
His recent performances against Stephon Moss and Edward Millard suggest that while his chin may be more susceptible than in years past, his punching power remains a legitimate threat to anyone in the ring.
The heavyweight landscape will likely move toward massive stadium events in the coming years, such as the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua bout scheduled for 2026. While Ortiz is no longer in that elite bracket, his “vicious” knockout victories ensure he remains one of the most visible and dangerous veterans in the sport today.
