By John F. McKenna (McJack): When World Boxing Council (WBC) Welterweight Champion Victor “Vicious” Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KO’s) steps into the ring on September 17 to face Floyd “Money” Mayweather (41-0, 25 KO’s) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, will the fight be competitive?
Otiz at 24 years of age has youth on his side. He also brings a lot of energy and power into his fights. Many people had given up on him when he quit against Argentinean power puncher Marcos Maidana in 2009. He took a lot of heat after that fight for not having the one thing a fighter needs more than anything else, that being heart.
Last April Ortiz’ career took a dramatic turn around when he defeated the heavily favored WBC Welterweight Champion Andre Berto. The bout was a twelve round slugfest and is a candidate for fight of the year. Ortiz climbed off the canvas twice to demonstrate to his critics that he does in fact have heart.
Based on Ortiz’ performance against Berto many boxing fans give him a good chance to defeat Mayweather. Their reasoning is that Ortiz is too young, too strong and brings too much energy into the ring for Floyd, who is now 34 years old, to cope with. Those who think Ortiz will win are also quick to point out that “Money” has been on a sixteen month hiatus from the ring since he took a one sided decision from Shane Mosley. Prior to that Mayweather had taken another extended leave from the ring.
It is never a good thing for a fighter who is in the twilight of his career to have extended absences from the ring, even if your name is Floyd Mayweather. Fighters in the lower weight divisions who rely heavily on their speed, as Floyd does, are at risk when they do not fight frequently enough. Having said that I do not believe Victor Ortiz is anywhere close to the level of Floyd Mayweather as a fighter. And one outstanding victory over a good fighter does not put you on an equal footing of an elite fighter like Floyd Mayweather.
Mayweather is always in superb condition and never too far from the gym. He takes much pride in maintaining his body. While sparring in the gym is no substitute for an actual fight, it is an indicator that even when not actively fighting, Floyd’s boxing career remains uppermost in his mind.
There is nothing Ortiz can take into the ring that Floyd has not seen before. Mayweather is a master strategist and tactician and never his cool. He will use his superb defensive skills to baffle, confuse and discourage his youthful opponent. Meanwhile, Mayweather will exploit any weakness in Ortiz’ defense and fire back with his own arsenal of rapid fire, debilitating punches. Try though he might, Victor Ortiz will not be up to the huge task of defeating Floyd Mayweather.
The fight will be a useful gauge for fans and Mayweather himself to see where he is as a fighter. Has he lost any of his masterful skill? We will find out on September 17.
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