Q&A: Luis Ortiz

By Phil Doherty
Photo: Rey Sanchez

What do you do when you acquire a brand new “Mercedes? ” The obvious answer according to Dream Team Boxing Promotions–You take it on the road and bring it up to highway speed. That’s because the “Mercedes” in question is the 6-ft 4-in undefeated southpaw Cuban heavyweight Luis “El Mercedes” Ortiz (10-0, 8 KOs). The Miami-based promotional company formed by Henry Rivalta and Carlos Rodriquez mapped out big plans for their big man this year.

First stop: Panama, for a 9-round co-main event this Friday night against Panamanian Luis Andres Pineda (22-9-1, 18 KOs) for the vacant WBA Fedelatin heavyweight crown. Should Ortiz emerge victorious, he would secure his second career regional belt. Ortiz believes this is small potatoes compared to his ultimate goal: a world championship victory over either Klitschko brother by the end of next year.

Fightnews spoke to Ortiz by phone this week as he prepares for his next campaign.

Luis, you’re fighting Panamanian veteran Luis Andre Pineda on June 17th for the vacant WBA Fedelatin belt. What do you know about him?

Well, I haven’t really seen any video on him, but I don’t really care. I’m on point for my stuff; I am at the weight right now to fight someone like David Haye or Klitschko. I want to be the heavyweight champion with the “youngest” record since Leon Spinks. (Spinks claimed the WBA and WBC titles from Muhammad Ali after just 7 professional fights.)

Your destruction of Philadelphia veteran Smokin’ Bert Cooper last April was pretty impressive. How do you feel about your recent level of competition?

Well, it’s not really the level of competition that I want to fight but it’s really hard to get opponents right now. A lot of people are avoiding me but I want to fight everybody. I want to fight Kevin Johnson, Povetkin, all the big name guys. Whoever I have to fight, I’ll fight to get to Klitschko or David Haye.

What would you say to American fans who may wonder if you’re the real deal, especially after the recent disappointment of Odlanier Solis as the “savior” of the heavyweight division?

I want the American people to embrace me as their champion because when I go in the ring, I go with the American flag on my trunks. I want to say I was born in Jackson Memorial Hospital! (laughs) I now consider myself an American and I’m proud to have come here and started my professional career in the United States. I promise them that I will not do the same thing as these other up-and-coming contenders have done. I am the truth.

There’s some debate over the work ethic of some Cuban fighters once they get to the States. You seem to be an exception to the rule, what’s driving you to stay hungry and focused?

What keeps me going is my daughter, Liz Mercedes. When my daughter gets here, there will be nobody that can touch me. (Ortiz’s 3-year old daughter Liz remains in Cuba while he pursues their American dream.) My hope is when I get accepted here as a citizen, maybe I can bring her home to me. That’s what’s missing in my life and keeps me going.

You’ve been extremely active lately, fighting four times in the past two months. Is this the plan for the rest of the year?

Yes, my promoters want to keep me active and get me to 17-0 by the end of this year. We know that we have what it takes to be world champion. I don’t really feel there’s anyone in the heavyweight division that can beat me. I’m not going to Panama to go the distance with Pineda. I’m going there to make a statement and knock him out in the WBA’s hometown. My promoters and I want to thank the WBA for giving us the chance to fight for this regional title.

You mentioned both David Haye and Wladimir Klitschko. Should Klitschko pick up the WBA crown when these two men meet on July 2nd, will he become your primary target?

I want to meet and beat the Klitschko’s. I plan to beat one of them and call the other one out. I want to be the only heavyweight to beat both of them. I will fight them in their hometown, anywhere on this planet. I know it’s going to be a big surprise for them. I know the German fans didn’t have a good taste with Solis because he injured his knee and couldn’t get out of the first round. But Solis isn’t that tall, like 5’11’’. When they see 6-ft 4-in Luis Ortiz standing in front of them to show that the US has a true heavyweight challenge, people will know things have changed.

Luis, besides your southpaw stance, what is it that fans need to know about your style that gives you an advantage over other heavyweights?

When I get in the ring, I adapt to any style I need to. I study my opponents in the first round to see what I’m up against. I’m never really worried because I had over 400 amateur fights in Cuba and when you fight there you never know until the weigh-in who you’re fighting. You don’t know if it’s a righty or a lefty you’re fighting so you have to be ready for anything. Once I get in the ring I’m a completely different animal than any other time. Once the bell rings, I become somebody else. When that bell rings, my daughter is on my mind and I’m out to hurt people. After the fight, I’ll shake my opponents hand like a pro but they will raise my hand in victory.

Luis, thanks for taking the time and best of luck to you.

Thank you so much.

Contact the author

June 13th, 2011

For all the latest boxing news, click here.