The Premier Boxing Champions event will see undefeated former 154-pound champion Jermall Charlo take on Hugo Centeno, Jr. for the interim WBC middleweight title in the co-feature.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with top super middleweight contender Andre Dirrell battling hard-hitting Jose Uzcategui in a rematch for the IBF Interim 168-pound world title.
Luis Ortiz spoke as he heads into the highly anticipated showdown with Wilder.
“A lot of people that believe in me and know me well know that I would not do anything that can jeopardize my future as a boxer,” said Ortiz.
“I have too much at stake: my family, my children, and the possibility to provide for them.
“I had been taking that medicine for two years. It was my mistake not to disclose that prescription drug in the paperwork. I never thought a prescription was going to bring me so much trouble.
“I was taking this medicine to treat high blood pressure. But apparently, it’s also used to go to the bathroom a lot and mask other things.
“I drink two gallons of water per day. I go to the bathroom a lot already.
LUIS ORTIZ CLEAN
“I never put two and two together. I’m clean. The dose they found in my system was too low to mask anything at all.
“If I would have known this prescription drug was not allowed, I would have told my trainer and my doctor.
“I’m a heavyweight; I don’t need to make weight. Why am I going to go to the trouble of taking an illegal substance that makes you go to the bathroom a lot?
“I have no need. I didn’t know it was banned. If I had known, I would have said something to my trainer or the doctors.
“I think the fight was not meant to be now last year. Destiny played a part. It was supposed to be postponed. Now there are no excuses,” he added.
Tickets for the live event, which DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions promote, start at $50 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com, or call 800-745-3000. Tickets for the event can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
