Luis Ortiz Fires Back at Wilder: Don't Get Caught With Weed Again!
By Ryan Burton
The headline on BoxingScene.com reads, Wilder to Ortiz: Don't F*** Up Our Fight by Using PEDs Again!
The story, written by Keith Idec, used the quotes from Deontay Wilder at the official press conference to kick off the November 4th heavyweight showdown between Wilder (38-0) and Luis Ortiz (27-0).
Wilder's words refer to Ortiz's positive test for Nandrolone, an anabolic steroid, three years ago after he knocked out Lateef Kayode in one round in Las Vegas. Shortly after the positive test announcement, Ortiz denied ever using any illegal substances.
Ortiz did find Wilder's comments amusing, citing the WBC heavyweight champion's June arrest for misdemeanor possession of marijuana.
The unbeaten Cuban also found the comments of Lou DiBella, who has promoted Wilder's most recent fights, to be laughable as well.
DiBella said that Wilder came back in February against Gerald Washington because they didn’t want Wilder to test out his surgically repaired right biceps and right hand against an elite heavyweight.
Ortiz has had his own share of ailments too and had to drop out of an April fight against Derrick Rossy after suffering a hand injury. He hasn't fought since last December so the 38-year-old doesn't want to hear any excuses from DiBella or Wilder.
"Please tell Wilder to not get caught with marijuana by mistake or on purpose. Please don't f*** this up," Ortiz told BoxingScene.com, mocking Wilder's word play.
"You and your promoter Dibella keep saying you had an injury so you took a tune up fight to make sure you were okay before you fought a good opponent. Boy, now you sound like a clown because you asked for me because I'm just coming of a broken hand injury not even three months ago and your asking me to fight you.
"Your'e in for a big surprise on November 4. Buddy, I am a whole different animal than any bum you ever faced. Look, all I want is this - if I win I want my respect and if you win I'll give you yours. We will see each other soon."