Heard via grapevine that Wilder was persuaded into tonights bout versus The Real King KOng by Haymon. Apparently Deontay is set to jump ship to a rival promotor/shot caller in the near future, something about a contract running down. Could be BS, if anybody knows DW's contractual obligations feel free to set me straight but I could understand if he feels like his career could be better managed elsewhere? Ortiz signing with Al makes a lot of sense for both parties. Whoever of Big Gay Al's horses wins tonight will be due a big money Joshua fight this summer so Haymon can't lose either way. Unlike Wilder, Ortiz should be more than happy with Uncle Al since he has delivered on Luis' long coveted title shot. A lot of conspiracists have spoke on Haymon signing Ortiz with intention of manipulating his condition (drugs or lack thereof) or even paying him off a la Malik Scott to provide Wilder with a signature win. However if the rumour I mentioned above is accurate then it may be closer to the opposite and it is contract rebel Wilder who is being sold out to build Ortiz as Haymon's pawn at HW? ----- FWIW I rate both Wilder and Ortiz highly and expect an exciting competitive fight. I make the yank a slight favourite but think Ortiz looks like decent value at the books.
