Deontay Wilder is asking Luis Ortiz to clarify remarks Ortiz made through a translator about Wilder tactics that “should be illegal and borderline criminal.’’
Wilder was surprised to hear what Ortiz said Tuesday during a conference call for their heavyweight rematch on Nov. 23 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand.
“I’ve never heard of that, so I’m going to think he’s being sarcastic,’’ Wilder said. “The only thing that’s criminal is me hitting people with the right hand and almost killing them.’’
Through his translator, Ortiz, a Cuban, questioned the punches thrown by Wilder, who knocked him down three times – once in the fifth round and twice in the 10th – in a Wilder victory on March 3, 2018 in Brooklyn. Ortiz is quoted as saying that Wilder threw clubbing blows on the top of the head. He also said Wilder used the inside of his hands in delivering his punches.
“Quite frankly, it should be illegal and borderline criminal,’’ Ortiz said. “You never know what Wilder is going to do and how he approaches his fights.’’
Wilder (41-0-1, 40 knockouts), usually a trash-talker, has praised Ortiz (31-1, 26 KOs) since the rematch was announced in mid-September.
“He needs to clarify that for me before I take it the wrong way,’’ said Wilder, who agreed to a dangerous rematch that some say puts his projected sequel with Tyson Fury in February in jeopardy. “We know when I get mad, it’s over with.
“Right now, I’m neutral with him. I’m very respectful. He should thank God that I blessed him a second time when I didn’t have to before I take this the wrong way and really want to beat his ass.’’