Tony Thompson reflects on his fights against Luis Ortiz and Malik Scott
Friday 11 November 2016 11:26, UK
Tony Thompson has the unique experience of back-to-back defeats against Luis Ortiz and Malik Scott - so who better to assess this weekend's fight on Sky Sports?
What advantages do Ortiz and Scott bring to the ring?
Malik is more mobile, and more technically sound - Ortiz is more gifted, but older.
Ortiz's record suggests he is a bigger puncher, so how does Scott cope?
Ortiz is the bigger puncher but Malik is such a technical boxer, and if he comes with his A-game, I see him making it really tough.
Ortiz stopped you in six rounds but you went the distance with Scott…
I fought Ortiz on two weeks' notice and went six tough rounds with him. If you're that confident about whooping me, tell me earlier so I can have a full training camp!
Does Ortiz deserve his big-punching reputation?
Not really. I fought the guy after walking to the arena from my house, two weeks' notice, man! The Tony Thompson that fought David Price the second time was in great shape, I'd do the same thing to Ortiz that I did to Price.
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Are you suggesting Ortiz isn't a knockout artist?
He has power but we're all heavyweights so we all have power. It's not dealing with the power, that's the problem, you have to deal with power in every fight.
But does Scott have that power? His record suggests not…
Malik, even though he doesn't have a lot of knockouts, hurt me just like Ortiz did. But I didn't have the legs to stay up with Ortiz on two weeks' notice.
You fought Ortiz at short-notice?
I fought Ortiz on two weeks' notice and went six tough rounds with him. If you're that confident about whooping me, tell me earlier so I can have a full training camp!
Who has faster hands and footwork?
Malik has the quickness advantage.
We've seen Scott stopped, but Ortiz is unbeaten and has never been hurt. How durable is he?
I hurt him just the same as he hurt me, but I didn't have the juice to finish him.
Ortiz is touted for a future world title shot…
I really didn't see the 'special' in him. Yes, he hit hard and yes, he's a big guy - but we all hit hard, and we're all big guys! I just didn't see the 'special' and, although everyone will say that's sour grapes, I'm a truthful guy.
So, who wins?
It's a pick 'em fight but I give the edge to Malik because of his boxing ability.
Decide for yourself! Ortiz vs Scott is on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 2 HD from 7pm.
