Mayweather vs. Ortiz – An analysis

By Boxing News - 06/13/2011 - Comments

By John F. McKenna (McJack): Most boxing writers, analysts and fans think that the September 17 matchup between Floyd “Money” Mayweather (41-0, 25 KO’s) and Victor “Vicious” Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KO’s) will be an exciting fight. Most also concede, this writer included, that Ortiz has little chance to defeat Mayweather.

Ortiz turned his career around in a big way in April when he climbed off the canvas twice to defeat the heavily favored Andre Berto. As impressive as Ortiz’s victory over Berto was, it was one fight. Before that “Vicious” had not been overly impressive in a number of fights. The question that also must be asked is was Berto over hyped to begin with? Was he really as good as boxing fans thought he was?

Many fans want to see how Ortiz reacts when he fights Mayweather, who is clearly on another level. The point is repeatedly brought up that by the time “Money” steps into the ring with Ortiz he will have been inactive for sixteen months. The Mayweather camp was clearly looking for an opponent who would sell tickets in a matchup with Floyd and Ortiz filled the bill. “Vicious” will take the fight to Mayweather. He is young, fast and a strong fighter who uses his physical attributes well in the ring. Those attributes would serve Victor well against almost any other opponent. Mayweather is a master at analyzing the styles of his opponents. He did not get to be 41-0 for nothing. Obviously Floyd wants to protect his undefeated record and when he chose Ortiz he knew what he was doing. It was not a snap decision. He will use his defensive skills to thwart any threat that “Vicious” poses. Mayweather is not the typical fighter who has been out of action for over a year. He is always in shape and never too far from the gym. By the 5th or 6th round, it will be clear that Ortiz is in way over his head against Mayweather. Any ring rust that Floyd has will be shed quickly and he will dominate Ortiz from that point on. It would be better for Mayweather if the fight goes into the later rounds to give him the ring work he needs after his long absence.

Floyd Mayweather’s decision to fight Ortiz makes one thing clear. He wants no part of Manny Pacquiao. With his penchant for figuring out the styles of other fighters he must have seen something in Pacquiao that worries him, whether he admits it or not. It may be Pacquiao’s southpaw stance. Ortiz is a southpaw, but not on Manny’s level. It may be Pacquiao’s blazing speed combined with his punching power and aggressive style. There is something Floyd sees in Manny’s makeup that makes him not want to fight him. The random drug testing does not appear to be a real issue.



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