By Elisinio Castillo
Cuban heavyweight Luis Ortiz (22-0, 19KOs) is fighting off claims that he took steroids prior to last month's first round stoppage of Lateef Kayode in Las Vegas. Ortiz's urine sample contained Nandrolone, an anabolic steroid banned in boxing.
The fight with Kayode was a WBA final eliminator. The WBA has suspended an order which directs Ortiz to face WBA 'regular' champion Ruslan Chagaev. Ortiz will get the opportunity to plead his case on October 27th, during a hearing before the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
"I do not know what they're talking about, but I can assure you that nothing was ever taken to get any advantages over my opponents. The only thing I take in abundance when I prepare for a fight is water. Those people in Las Vegas are crazy. They [the Commission] may say what they want. I know I'm clean," Ortiz told George Ebro.
