By Gabriel Princewill-
Deontey Wilder has declared himself the best in the world as he prepares for his weekend heavyweight showdown against tough Cuban, Luis Ortiz.
The unbeaten American whose only draw in 42 fights(40Ko’s) comes against Britain’s awkard and very mobile Tyson Fury, faces former world class amateur, Luis Ortiz , 31-1(26) in a heavyweight rematch in Las Vegas. Their last encounter ended in a 10th round knockout for Wilder, who himself was nearly stopped in the 7th round of the fight but was fortunately saved by the bell.
Considering how close the fight was, it seems risky and unwise for the WBC world champion to grant Ortiz with a second bite at the cherry whilst awaiting a money spinning rematch against Tyson Fury in February 2020.
However, Wilder, whose punching power ranks amongst the heaviest in the history of the sport is not risk averse. Rather, he exudes the confidence of a champion, and believes he will repeat the conquest. Declaring his supremacy over the division, the Alabama native said:
“Get your popcorn, get your pizza, go to the bathroom, don’t let anyone disturb you. Don’t drop your cell phone, put it in your pocket, because you don’t want to be the one who dropped it and look up and say ‘what happened?’.
“As I always say, these guys have to be perfect for 12 rounds, I only need to be perfect for two seconds, and then in the blink of an eye it’s bam baby, goodnight!
”With confidence and pride I say that I’m the best in the world. I say it boldly, I say it with confidence, and with pride.”
Wilder added: “It was an amazing fight the first time. I’d rather go through stuff or go through situations in the ring, than go through my whole career being perfect. The heavyweight clash to feature on Sky Sports promises to be entertaining throughout its duration.
FAVOURITE
Hard hitting Wilder is the overwhelming favourite for this fight, but odds provide no certainty of the eventual outcome in a heavyweight championship contest like this. In fact, it makes Ortiz potentially dangerous if it drives him to try and defy the sceptics, and avenge his defeat.
Even at 40, Ortiz is a well schooled boxer with an abundant degree of grit and know how. He is no push over, and cannot be considered a warm up fight for the champion.