WBC heavyweight champion of the world Deontay Wilder is set for a huge rematch with Tyson Fury next February but must first come through a dangerous assignment this weekend in another rematch.
A part-two against Cuban Luis Ortiz who stunned the champion when they fought first time round last year.
A bout that Wilder had to come back in to get the stoppage win in the end.
Speaking at the final press conference ahead of the fight, Wilder addressed the risk the fight this weekend represents in terms of possibly losing the Tyson Fury 2 payday should he lose:
“Well, I feel like I’m the best in the world. I know I’m the best in the world. I say it boldly. I say it with confidence. I say it with pride. With that being said, I must give the fans what they are hungry for and that’s exciting fights. The heavyweight division was in a dark place at one point in time and now there is light shining upon it. It’s on fire actually. With that being said, I must keep it going as a champion. I gotta keep it going.
He added:
“With Luis Ortiz, he’s one of the best in the world. One of the most dangerous men in boxing, period. That’s why no one in the top ten has ever given him an opportunity. They call him old and different things like that but the logic of it doesn’t make sense. Because if he’s old that should be easy. You’re supposed to get in there (with him), no fear at all, that’s an easy fight to take if he’s so old.”
He continued to say:
“But in reality, they know what they are facing. The first time it was high risk low rewards. This time is a little bit different.”
The fight takes place this weekend on Fox pay per view at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
