Ortiz sees opening as Davis looks beyond Jan. 31

Ortiz isn’t known for being a puncher, but he rejects the idea that power will decide the fight. His point of view is simpler. If the shots land cleanly, they count.

“You can expect the best fight of the evening,” Ortiz said in comments to Ring Magazine. “You can wait for me with your hand raised.”

Davis comes in with a higher profile and promotional push, and he has already spoken publicly about moving up to welterweight and pursuing bigger fights later this year. This speech went beyond Ortiz.

The risk for Davis is not theoretical. He was visibly injured in his last fight by Nahir Albright, a fighter little known for his punching power and not positioned as a contender. Ortiz thinks this kind of moment can happen again.

Ortiz believes his style creates these problems. He is faster, more mobile and throws combinations from different angles. He’s talking about habits, not hype.

“I have more tools,” Ortiz said. “These tools will be shown.”

That confidence is based on how he fights, not who he beats. Ortiz doesn’t come with a long list of iconic victories, but he does come with a way of making fights uncomfortable. Davis, on the other hand, has moved gingerly since turning professional, enjoying a steady push following his Olympic run.

Ortiz is fighting to change his place in the division, while Davis is trying to maintain his. When the fight starts to break down, one side usually handles it better.