By Rick Reeno

Jay Jiminez, manager of undefeated heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz (27-0, 23 KOs), has confirmed to BoxingScene.com that there are ongoing discussions for a potential fall showdown with WBC world champion Deontay Wilder (38-0, 37 KOs).

As previously reported on BoxingScene.com, the fight may potentially land on November 4th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

There are several hurdles to overcome in making the fight happen.

Ortiz is the WBA's mandatory challenger to Anthony Joshua (19-0, 19 KOs), who also holds the IBF, IBO world titles.

Joshua is potentially going to face Wladimir Klitschko in a fall rematch. If Klitschko elects not to exercise his rematch clause, then Joshua intends to fight IBF mandatory Kubrat Pulev.

According to Jiminez, the WBA's mandatory is supposed to come before the IBF's.

Ortiz's promoter, Dade Promotions, is working out the details with the sanctioning body and it may become a legal battle if Ortiz is stepped over in favor of Klitschko or Pulev.

Jiminez indicates that Ortiz is very excited about the possibility of facing Wilder.

"Ortiz knows about it and he's very excited. He really wants that fight with Wilder. He knows it's a dangerous fight, because of Wilder's style - he's very awkward, but he knows what he's up against. He believes Joshua is the easier fight, he's easier to box, while Wilder is a little unpredictable and wild with his punches. We believe Wilder wants the fight, he's not afraid. He's not like Joshua, who's never mentioned Ortiz's name. Ortiz's name has never once come out of Joshua's mouth, the guy is a p*ssy. We don't think Joshua wants anything to do with King Kong," Jiminez told BoxingScene.com.

"Our promoter Dade Promotions, and the lawyers, are handling the issue with the mandatory defense, because Joshua is supposed to face Ortiz next - not Klitschko or anyone else. The WBA's mandatory comes before the IBF is due. There were never special permission given to Joshua, by the WBA, for a rematch with Klitschko. If they skip over Ortiz, then we'll pursue it legally as a violation of the Muhammad Ali Act. We're going to see what happens there, but Ortiz absolutely would love to get in the ring with Wilder. Wilder thinks that he can beat King Kong and now it's time to put his money where his mouth is."

As BoxingScene previously reported, there is an issue on the side of Wilder - because he owes a mandatory defense to Bermane Stiverne (25-2-1, 21 KOs).

Stiverne has hired the managerial team of James Prince and attorney Josh Dubin - to ensure his mandatory shot is secured.

At the moment, Stiverne is standing firm that he's not interested in the idea of working out a step-aside fee.

Stiverne was scheduled to face Alexander Povetkin in a final WBC eliminator last December in Russia. The fight was canceled at the last minute after the WBC was advised that Povetkin had failed a pre-fight drug test.

Back on February 26th, the World Boxing Council ordered the Wilder-Stiverne rematch. Stiverne has been out of the ring since a November 2015 decision win over Derric Rossey.

Earlier this week, the WBC listed Stiverne as one of several fighters who missed a mandatory drug test as part of the organization's Clean Boxing Program. Wilder's team is waiting to receive confirmation if the missed test would invalidate Stiverne's standing as the mandatory challenger. The sanctioning body reportedly holds a missed test on the same violation standing as a failed test.

"I have no idea how Stiverne became Wilder's mandatory. The guy has not fought in almost two years. He missed a drug test with WBC. I don't know what's going on over there, but Ortiz has no problem becoming champion and then facing Stiverne," Jiminez said.