Luis Ortiz is wary of the threats that Andy Ruiz Jr possesses going into their fight on September 4.
The two heavyweights meet at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles in a bout where the winner will place themselves right in the thick of the contenders waiting for a world title shot.
During a media scrum, filmed by FightHype, the Cuban spoke through a translator about his upcoming fight in just under six weeks.
“Cuba versus Mexico, two great countries. Warriors, both. Not one single Mexican is a p***y. They’re all tough, rough, rugged fighters and earn their respect. Cubans are the same way. He’s a little throwback of a Mexican fighter. Much respect to both countries.”
Ruiz, 32, will be the smaller man come fight night but has attributes to take down ‘King Kong’, most notably his hand speed. Ortiz though believes he can match him in that department.
“My hands are going to do the talking. I don’t move in slow motion or reverse. His hands are just as fast.
“Andy’s very dangerous, there’s no doubt about that. He’s proved it many times over and there isn’t a heavyweight in the ring that is willing to get in the ring that is not a dangerous fighter.”
The 43-year-old former world title challenger was then asked his thoughts on the career of Ruiz so far, a résumé which includes his 2019 stunning upset of Anthony Joshua to become Unified Heavyweight champion.
“He’s been blessed. Got the opportunity to fight for a championship, exploited it, won it, and has done very well. Obviously, suffered like every other fighter coming up and maybe some self-inflicted.”
Ortiz goes into the September pay-per-view on FOX Sports on the back of defeating Charles Martin by sixth round stoppage in January.