Ortiz’s approach is different

Boxer uses humility to disarm others

Fighters of this era do not play mind games at all, as it was the case with some old time greats.

They, instead, tell opponents straight to their faces how they are going to whip them.

Some, like Joshua “TKO” Studdard, even go as far as advising their opponents to practise a butt-fall or break dance for as long it will look stylish on the night. That creates excitement and fans look forward to such matches.

Mind games worked magic for the likes of loud mouth Muhammad “Louisville Lip” Ali who used it to demoralise or disempower the thinking of his opponents.

“If you even dream of beating me, better wake up before I beat you up in that dream,” Ali would say. That would send chills down the spine of opponents.

Nowadays fighters, including Saul Alvarez, Jermall Charlo, Kevin Lerena, Zolani Tete and Xolisani Ndingeni have become writers’ choice for an interview because they are frank.

Then comes Luis “King Kong” Ortiz, the Cuban who showered WBC American heavyweight champion Deontay “Bronze Bomber” Wilder with praises ahead of their second meeting on Sunday.

“As I’ve said before, Wilder is the best heavyweight of this decade and until someone beats him, he will remain the top dog,” Ortiz told BoxingScene.

It may not be entertaining, but Ortiz’s approach could be a stroke of genius, using humility and flattery to disarm his opponent.

Wilder boasts 40 knockouts, over Ortiz, in 41 wins against a draw. He warned viewers through BoxingScene to avoid the possibility of walking away from their screen.