By Ryan Burton

Earlier today an article by Elliot Foster ran on BoxingScene.com which stated that WBA President Gilberto J Mendoza may give the Anthony Joshua-Wladimir Klitschko winner a "special permit" to make a voluntary defense before facing mandatory challenger Luis Ortiz (27-0 23 KOs).

The 38-year-old Cuban recently signed with boxing power broker Al Haymon and was scheduled to return to the ring last Saturday against Derric Rossy but was forced to pull out of the fight with an injury. He stated afterwards that he would wait for his shot against the Joshua-Klitschko winner instead of taking an interim fight.

BoxingScene.com reached out to the unbeaten Cuban who was not too pleased when told of the news.

"There's nothing that can permit Joshua if he wins - and that's a big if - not to face me.  If he wins his money is no good here. His money will not save him," Ortiz stated.

"If he wins he has to face his biggest fear. What's his fear you ask? It is a big, Cuban, power punching southpaw that's hungry and will stop at nothing to rip his head off. Look, it's plain and simple, this will say a lot to his fans about him. He's fighting to be rich like he keeps saying but buddy this is boxing so man up because I'm fighting for my pride and I will not accept a step aside fee from you. Your money's no good here. Step up or give it up. Anyway, we will continue this conversation another day. Good luck to both of you on Saturday. I'll be seeing one of you two soon."

Ortiz's manager Jay Jimenez was also shocked at hearing that the winner may possibly be given a voluntary defense and said that he expects Joshua to face Ortiz in the fall.

"I fully expect the WBA's Mendoza to defend and respect his own boxing regulations and rules. Luis deserves his chance. I believe Joshua will win this Saturday and will not back down from Luis and face him in November," Jimenez told BoxingScene.com. 

Send questions or comments to ringsidewriter@gmail.com. You can follow Ryan on Twitter @ringsidewriter