WBC, WBA welterweight champion Keith Thurman is confidently backing WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (39-0, 38 KOs) to defeat Cuban puncher Luis Ortiz (28-0, 24 KOs).
The Showtime televised contest takes place on March 3rd, from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Ortiz is widely viewed as Wilder's most dangerous test and toughest opponent to date.
They were scheduled to fight last November, but the contest was called off when Ortiz failed a pre-fight drug test.
He was replaced by Bermane Stiverne - who Wilder dropped three times in the first round for a spectacular knockout.
Because Ortiz's failure was the second time that he tested positive for a banned substance, there is a fear that Ortiz will never make it to the fight - because of another failed test.
Thurman is also a bit on edge and hopes Ortiz comes in shape and avoids any drug test failures.
"I favor Deontay big. I know Ortiz is tough, he has a big punch. I know he comes to fight, but Deontay... that's a lot of distance that they have to cover and who knows how many Bronze Bombs are gonna get dropped. Its' not easy for them boys to take [Wilder's punches] and his record shows," Thurman told Yahoo Sports.
"What I would really like to see from Ortiz, is for him to come in shape. Heavyweights tend to be lazy because they don't have to make weight.. and [I also want Ortiz to] pass the drug test. Just come in shape, come clean and put on a great fight. It's the opportunity to get the heavyweight title, respect that opportunity and do your best. But I favor my boy Wilder in that fight."
The winner of Wilder vs. Ortiz will be in line for a crack at the March 31 IBF, IBO, WBA, WBO unification showdown between Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker, at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.