Sunday 13 November 2016 08:46, UK
Luis Ortiz accused Malik Scott of 'running' after he had to settle for a wide points win over the American in their heavyweight fight in Monte Carlo.
The Cuban extended his unbeaten record to 26 wins, but endured a frustrating night as Scott dragged him into a scrappy contest, and survived a number of knockdowns to hear the final bell.
Ortiz had only given glimpses of the power that had earned him the 'King Kong' nickname and expressed his displeasure, despite scores of 120-105, 120-106 and 119-106, in his favour.
"Malik was running around the ring and made it hard to come and fight," he said through an interpreter.
"Everybody comes to see a show. They want to see people fight and brawl, and it made it difficult for me.
"I'm a little disappointed because I would have liked to knock him out, but him running around made it hard. But it's boxing, I won the fight, I'm happy."
Ortiz is due to appear on the undercard of Anthony Joshua's IBF title defence at the Manchester Arena on December 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office, and reiterated his desire to fight in front of the British fans.
"I'm ready," said Ortiz. "If Eddie Hearn says he's ready to put me on December 10, I'm ready to fight anybody."
Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that Ortiz will return to the ring next month and hopes to find an opponent with more attacking ambition.
Referring to Scott's performance, Hearn told Sky Sports: "In my opinion, he was afraid from round one.
"I think Luis Ortiz should have forced the pace a little bit more to try and get him out of there, but he was frustrated himself. He's got to learn from that 12 rounds.
"Disappointing from Malik Scott. These guys have got to come to win and we will find someone on December 10 who will come to win, and then you will see the best of Luis Ortiz."
