By Ponciano “John” Melo Jr.
Even after all the shade thrown at each other, shots are still being fired from both camps.
Now, a couple of months left in the lead up to their much-awaited heavyweight title rematch early next year, Deontay Wilder insists that it’s not Tyson Fury as the toughest fight he’s ever been on, even as their controversial split draw last year almost cost the American his perfect record and WBC heavyweight championship belt.
“I agree with those who say that Luis Ortiz was my toughest fight to date,” Wilder said in an interview back in September.
“No one wanted to fight him and they still don’t. In the rematch there’s more confidence and more motivation to do what I have to do.”
Meeting in March of 2018, Wilder dropped Ortiz early in their match before the Cuban wobbled the American, almost putting an end to the fight in the seventh round.
But digging deep, Wilder was able to pull off a KO win after finding his footing in the latter part of the bout en route to a 10th round knockout victory.
Now they are all set for rematch come November 23 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.
“Who is tougher in the ring, Luis Ortiz or Tyson Fury? I’d have to say Luis Ortiz,” Wilder said, reaffirming his stance in a more recent interview.
“Luis Ortiz is a smart fighter, he moves strategically in the ring, he’s a great counter-puncher as well. I like his style as a Cuban. Nobody in the top ten wanted to fight Ortiz and they still don’t ‘til this day,” Wilder said.
“But I’m giving him the opportunity and we about to do it again, November 23 baby in Vegas. Luis Ortiz’s most dangerous trait is he’s a counter-puncher. He keeps you on the edge of your seat, you’ve definitely gotta really plan what you’re gonna do. Have your next move because when you’re punching he’s coming back with something just like that.