By Jim Dower: Light welterweight contender Victor Ortiz (28-2-1, 22 KO’s) will be facing the tough Lamont Peterson (28-1, 14 KO’s) on the Amir Khan vs. Marcos Maidana undercard on December 11th at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, in Las Vegas, Nevada. In an article at the Latimes.com, Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer says “He [Ortiz] got his confidence back from the scene of the crime, and we believe he’ll show in December that he’s ready now to fight anyone at 140 pounds.”

Ortiz, 23, was stopped in the 6th round a year ago when he tried to step it up a level against Marcos Maidana. It was a fight that Ortiz was expected to win. However, he couldn’t handle the pressure and the power of the Argentinian and after taking punishment in the 5th round, he was knocked down and stopped in the 6th.

Ortiz has been selectively matched since then, beating veterans Nate Campbell and Vivian Harris, along with Antonio Diaz and Hector Alatorre. Peterson will be Ortiz’s first real test since the Maidana fight and it will be one that he should pass with flying colors.

Peterson, 26, lacks hand speed and power, and will likely have a lot of problems with Ortiz’s speed, youth and power. Peterson was highly hyped until easily getting handled by Timothy Bradley last year in December, losing by a lopsided 12 round decision. Peterson was hurt several times in the fight by the light hitting Bradley.

If Bradley was able to hurt Peterson with his light shots, Ortiz will likely take Peterson out without any problems. Ortiz has looked great in his last four fights and appears to be completely over the loss to Maidana. He’s fighting with more confidence and possibly is the best fighter in the division due to his huge power, speed and his southpaw stance.