Luis Ortiz, Mario Barrios returning on Garcia-Easter undercard

Heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz, coming off of an exciting brawl with and loss to Deontay Wilder in March, will return to action on July 28, part of the Garcia-Easter card on Showtime.

Ortiz (28-1, 24 KO) will face Razvan Cojanu.

“I’m looking to make a statement on July 28 and get back to challenge for the heavyweight championship of the world,” said Ortiz. “I’m excited to be back in the ring. I am thankful to have this opportunity. To all the fans in Los Angeles, don’t miss this great card at Staples Center. ‘The Real King Kong’ is coming to LA!’’

You may remember Cojanu (16-3, 9 KO) from a 2017 loss to Joseph Parker, his biggest fight to date.

“I’m proud and confident to know that I will be stepping into the ring against a worthy opponent on July 28,” said Cojanu. “Luis Ortiz is a world-class fighter with a lot of experience, which will give me the opportunity to show my skills to all the fans at Staples Center in Los Angeles and watching on Showtime.”

The three-fight card will open with a junior welterweight fight between Mario Barrios (21-0, 13 KO) and Jose Roman (24-2-1, 16 KO).

“I fought on Showtime Extreme but making my debut on Showtime has always been a dream of mine since I was a kid,” said Barrios. “Now, the time has come to show why I’m here. I’m ready to keep showing why I’m going to become a star and one of the sport’s next great fighters. Come July 28, everyone should tune-in for a great night of fights. It’s ‘Azteca’ time.’’

“I’m very excited to have this great opportunity,” said Roman. “Barrios has been on a roll, but I have the experience to take him out. Both of us bring pressure and I know he’s going to be hungry to keep his record perfect. I’m more motivated than I’ve ever been for this fight. I can’t wait to put on a show in my backyard for all the great fans in Southern California.”