By Reynaldo 'El Papi Chulo' Sanchez

As reported earlier on BoxingScene.com, WBA interim-heavyweight champion Luis Ortiz and Golden Boy Promotions have officially parted ways.

However, Ortiz makes it clear that this situation does not affect his continued work in the gym with his trainer Herman Caicedo, as they await a finalized date for the mandatory fight with Alexander Ustinov. Ortiz has been out of the ring since his HBO televised knockout of Tony Thompson back in March.

"My goal is the fight against Ustinov and this situation with Golden Boy does not affect me mentally and physically. My focus is on the fight against Ustinov here in USA, in Russia or the Moon, I don’t care. My managers are doing the work with promoters, my job is to be 100% physically ready and that's what I do every day," Ortiz told BoxingScene.com/Ringsidefightingnews

Russian promoter Andrey Ryabinsky of World of Boxing, who was represented at the purse bid by Ustinov's manager Vlad Hryunov, secured the promotional rights with a sole bid of $600,000.

As it stands, Ortiz (25-0, 22 KOs) vs. Ustinov (33-1, 24 KOs) is being targeted for October 7th in Russia - to become part of a major event to celebrate the birthday of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Before the internal friction broke out, the fight was previously targeted for September 17th, as part of the Canelo Alvarez-Liam Smith undercard.

Golden Boy issued a statement on Tuesday to confirm their split with Ortiz.

"Today, Golden Boy Promotions and Luis Ortiz amicably parted ways," said Stefan Friedman, spokesperson for Golden Boy Promotions. "We are proud of the work that Golden Boy and Luis accomplished together culminating in his WBA Heavyweight Interim Championship victory and subsequent title defenses. We wish Luis and his team all the best in the future." 

For his end, Ortiz had very little to say about it.

"For my part I have no comment. My goal is to capture the WBA 'regular' title and to reach my goals in the shortest time possible. Boxing is a business and everyone does their job, my job is to fight against Ustinov in excellent condition," Ortiz said.

"Luis Ortiz is focused and nothing will make me abandon my goals. They can run but they cannot hide for long. I will be world champion and I will rip out your heart if needed to achieve my goals."