It’s been just over a year since Luis “El Mercedez” Ortiz made his debut, he’s been very busy so far going 7-0(5). Next Saturday he makes his third start of the year when he steps up in completion fighting Derek Bryant. To date Ortiz has fought and impressed beating several tough journeymen in a manner that belies his limited pro experience. However he’s no novice and took part in over 350 amateur fights in his native Cuba before defecting. He’s adapted quickly to the new way of life, and is quickly making a name for himself as one of the fastest moving Heavyweight around. Here’s what Ortiz had to say.
Hello Luis, welcome to 15rounds.com
Anson Wainwright – You’ve had a busy start to 2011 fighting twice already & you will be in action on 23 April. Who you will be facing?
Luis Ortiz – I will be facing Derek Bryant 20-6.
Anson Wainwright – What is your fight schedule for 2011?
Luis Ortiz – For 2011 my promoter Henry Rivalta of Dream Team Boxing promotions had great plans for me with 5 more scheduled bouts this year. He has helped me since I started as a pro and he will lead me to the promise land. We will be side by side when I become champ one day. I will make him proud of me.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team; who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at?
Luis Ortiz – My manager is Osmiri el moro Fernandez who is also my trainer. I am promoted by Henry Rivalta and Carlos Rodriguez of Dream Team Boxing Promotions. They are the best and treat me like family. I train at PFC professional fighting center.
Anson Wainwright – Getting from Cuba to America is notoriously difficult, can you tell us about how leaving Cuba came about and how you did it?
Luis Ortiz – Rather not think about that question just keep thinking about when will my daughter arrive one day and when I will be able to hold her in my arms, then I can be even greater.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us a little about why you decided to leave Cuba for America and turn pro? What sacrifices have you made by leaving Cuba?
Luis Ortiz – I left Cuba with a dream in my mind. To come to America and become champion of the world. To make a life here and to one day bring my wife and little daughter who I love and miss so much.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your amateur career? What titles did you win, did you win the Cuban National title, and did you fight in tournaments abroad? Also what was your final record?
Luis Ortiz – I did win the nationals in Cuba and also the worlds. I was the Cuban World Champion and participated in various events and international competitions. My amateur record was 343-26.
Anson Wainwright – Back in March your countryman Odlanier Solis fought Vitali Klitschko losing in the first round but of course he injured his knee. What are your thoughts and feeling on that fight?
Luis Ortiz – I wish Solis could have done better but no one really knows what happened in that night. I don’t judge any fighters but I know I can beat Klitschko when my time comes and I know it will come one day.
Anson Wainwright – Obviously there are many Cubans fighting in the pro’s now but who fighters still in the amateurs over there do you think would make good pros?
Luis Ortiz – Rosniel Iglesias 64 kgs and Leniel Perot Cruiserweight.
Anson Wainwright – How are things for you in Florida compared to how they were in Cuba?
Luis Ortiz – A lot better but I feel bad my daughter can’t enjoy as I do.
Anson Wainwright – What are your thoughts on the current Heavyweight division?
Luis Ortiz – The Heavyweight division is dead. I’m here to revive it. I will work hard and give fans the boxing they want to see in heavyweights. No more boring Heavyweights when they watch me, I promise.
Anson Wainwright – How do you see fights with Wladimir Klitschko-David Haye & Vitali Klitschko-Tomasz Adamek going?
Luis Ortiz – I don’t think Haye will beat Klitschko and Adamek might pose a threat. In 2012 I would love to face any of the four, any of them especially Haye I can beat him easy. I hope when I get there they will all give me a shot after all isn’t that what our beautiful sport of boxing is about fighting the best. HERE I COME BABY.
Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have anything you want to say to the Heavyweight division?
Luis Ortiz – I want to say to the Heavyweight division that I respect the game, that’s why I train so hard everyday no breaks. When I become champ instead of taking a break, I will work harder. To all the contenders, see you soon.
Thanks for your time “El Mercedez”
I want to thank 15 rounds.com for my interview and say thank you to all who support me and my dreams.
Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com
Dream Team Boxing Promotions in Association with Promociones Miguel Cotto & Dade Promotions are providing an interesting card on 23 April from Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo, Miami, Florida.
Luis Ortiz 7-0(5) -V- Derek Bryant 20-6-1(17) Heavyweight
Ed Paredes 26-3-1(16) -V- Juliano Ramos 16-4(13) Welterweight
Inocente Fiz 5-0(3) -V- Damian Frias 16-4-1(7) Welterweight
Richard Abril 14-2-1(7) -V- TBA Lightweight Abril’s only loses are to Breidis Prescott & Henry Lundy both via split decision when both were unbeaten.
Joey Hernandez 18-1-1(10) -V- TBA Light Middleweight
John Jackson 15-2-1(13) -V- TBA Super Featherweight
Claudio Marrero 6-0(5) -V- TBA Super Featherweight
Juan Carlos Payano 5-0(3) -V- TBA Super Bantamweight
Humberto Savigne 3-1(2) -V- Cruiserweight
Pedro Rodriguez 4-0(4) -V- TBA Cruiserweight
Yoandris Salinas 6-0(3) -V- TBA Super Bantamweight
Kadel Martinez 1-1(0) -V- TBA Super Bantamweight
New signing Carlos Buitrago of Nicaragua will also make his American debut. “Chocorroncito” is only 19 years old, but already 17-0(12) and fights at Strawweight where he is already world ranked. Also in a special attraction Abner Cotto 10-0(5) returns to action.
Miguel Cotto is also expected to attend as a special guest.
For more information call 305-278-2514 or 305-917-5656.
