Heavyweight contender Luis ‘King Kong’ Ortiz 30-1 (26) is looking to inject himself back into the heavyweight mix with a win over Christian Hammer 24-5 (14) at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday night.
The 39-year-old Cuban southpaw is gunning for a rematch with WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder 40-0-1 (39) who stopped him in 10 rounds a year ago in a fight he was trailing by just one point.
“Everybody knows I don’t talk a lot and prefer to make my name in the ring. On Saturday you’re going to see what I do best and that’s throw punches. That’s my job,” said Ortiz.
“This is a big fight for me to prove that I deserve another shot at the title. In my heart I still believe I had that fight against Deontay Wilder in my hands. It was mine to win. Hopefully he will step up and face me again.
“Christian Hammer says that he’s coming to win so he better come with a lot of energy. I’m ready for him and anyone else who steps up to the challenge.
“My focus is completely on Christian Hammer. I’ve been doing this for a long time and I know what it takes to be at my best. After this fight, I’ll see where we’re at and see which of the top heavyweights will be available to me.
“I don’t know how I’m going to win on Saturday, but I’ll leave with my hand raised. I don’t know how, but I’m going to do everything to make it happen.”
Germany’s Hammer, 31, has won two fight by stoppage since being shutout by Alexander Povetkin in December 2017.
“I’ve had great preparation and I’m here to win. I feel good and I’m ready to deliver a great performance,” said Hammer.
“I will always be ready to take on the biggest challenges. I have great preparation in camp, working with lots of strong power southpaws and also fighters who can box. I’m ready for anything Luis Ortiz comes with.
“I’m completely focused on this fight. I’m here to cancel his plans for a Wilder rematch. I’m going to put myself in a position for even more big fights.”
 is looking to inject himself back into the heavyweight mix with a win over Christian Hammer 24-5 (14) at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday night.){kind=link}