By Elisinio Castillo, photo by Hoganphotos.
WBA interim-heavyweight champion Luis Ortiz of Cuba believes he will be the last man standing at the top of his division. He wants fight and clear out the champions who are sitting at the top.
Last December Ortiz got the biggest win of his career with a knockout of highly regarded contender Bryant Jennings. The win was even more impressive that former division rule Wladimir Klitschko was unable to stop Jennings earlier in the year.
Ortiz (24-0, 21 KOs) says he will possibly return on March 5th on HBO against an opponent to be determined.
What is the roadmap for Ortiz? The World Boxing Association ordered a heavyweight tournament and Ortiz has to face Russian Alexander Ustinov (33-1, 24 KOs) by June. He may fight on the March date and then once again in June with Ustinov.
Ortiz is confident that he can beat anyone at the weight, including WBC champion Deontay Wilder and WBO/IBO/WBA champion Tyson Fury.
"I assure you nobody wants that title more than me, '' said Ortiz to George Ebro. "After so many difficulties, I think the stars have aligned for me in 2016 to finally reach the very top of the division. I do not care about Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder. I sincerely believe that I can beat them both.''
"On one hand they talk about me with great respect, and on the other hand they dirty my name with false claims. Basically they are afraid, because they know I am not for them. A lot of them talk and talk. They're clowns. Now I have more motivation. The next time I see my mom I want her to see me as the full champion."
His trainer feels the boxer is ready for the very best at heavyweight.
"We think Luis is ready for any challenge and above all - to fight against the kings of the division, '' said coach Germán Caicedo." From now on, the opponents will be at caliber of someone like Jennings or even better, but Luis is at that point where he is at his best."
