LUIS ORTIZ goes into his challenge for the WBC heavyweight title with a substantial weight advantage over champion Deontay Wilder.
The Cuban scaled 241¼lbs, while America’s confident Wilder was 214¾lbs.
“I’m going to let the world know that the weight don’t mean a thing; it’s all mental at the end of the day. Like I’ve said, I’d rather be the part than look the part. I’ve said many a time that I put these guys on their ass, and that’s what I come to do Saturday night. Over and over again all my guys have out-weighed me. So that’s nothing compared to where I came from, and nothing compared to where I’m going come Saturday night. You’re all in for a treat and I can’t wait,” Wilder declared. “On paper he’s looked good against the opposition he’s faced, but he’s never faced a Bronze Bomber; he’s never faced a guy who has more killer instinct than him. He’s never faced a guy who wants to just rip his head off, and I do mean rip his head off.
“I am the best and I’m ready to show on Saturday night that I’m the best in the world.”
Ortiz said, “Whatever he wants to do we have trained for it so there’s no problem.
“You have to adapt and make changes come fight night, and I’m prepared to do that and I’m experienced to do that. I’ve been waiting my whole career to do this as a pro and as an amateur this is something I never dreamed I would do, and I’m not losing tomorrow. “
On the undercard Andre Dirrell weighed 167¾lbs, Jose Uzcategui 166lbs for their rematch.