By Ryan Burton
BoxingScene.com has been advised that a heavyweight fight between unbeaten Luis "King Kong" Ortiz (22-0) and former champion Bermane Stiverne (24-2-1) is close to being finalized. The fight would take place on the Gennady Golovkin-David Lemieux HBO pay-per-view undercard that takes place October 17th at Madison Square Garden in New York.
According to our source, Ortiz, who is promoted by Golden Boy, has agreed to the terms of the fight. A deal with Stiverne, who is promoted by Don King, is expected by the end of the week.
Golden Boy originally tried to match Ortiz with Once-beaten Bryant Jennings but their offer was rejected by Jennings' team.
Stiverne was last in the ring back in January, losing a twelve round decision to Deontay Wilder. Ortiz was back in action on June 20th, when he blew away Byron Polley in one round.
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