Well as the old saying goes in boxing ‘one punch can change a fight’ and that proved prominent in the rematch between Andre Berto and Victor Ortiz. The fight was not expected to go the distance – and it didn’t. The fight was expected to be exciting – and it was. Although not quite the same fight that erupted in Atlantic city for the WBC Welterweight Title 5 years ago, the match up was still enthralling. Berto the slight favourite heading into the clash; as was the case when they first met 5 years ago, just looked uncomfortable and uneasy from the first bell. In stark contrast, Victor Ortiz, whose recent performances since his fairytale world title victory against Berto have merely shadowed the man who was recognized as pound for pound one of the best and a potential superstar who could dethrone Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather off their perch on the top of the Welterweight division. His shocking KO defeats to Luis Collazo and Josesito Lopez, his ventures into other media such as films, (most notably Expendables 3 and Creed) and with his only wins since his victory against Berto coming against unknown Gilberto Leon and Manuel Perez have led many boxing experts to question his hunger and dedication to the sport.
However Berto has hardly took the boxing world by storm either. A devastating TKO loss to Jesus Soto Karass and being completely annihilated by Robert Guerrero have threatened to end the career of this once ‘all conquering’ seemingly invincible Haitain with one punch KO power. However with a credible performance against Floyd Mayweather and a gritty and gutsy performance to stop Josesito Lopez in a fight that looked to be going against him, Berto’s heart and dedication have never really been questioned.
The first round was a cagey affair, the only real thing of note was a clash of heads that left Victor Ortiz with a nasty gash on his forehead and blood streaming into his eye, obscuring his vision. Despite this, Ortiz boxed slightly better and stuck to his game plan in round 1 and took the first. 10-9 Ortiz.
The 2nd round was spectacular for Ortiz, all the questions of whether the Kansas man had heart or any questions of his dedication to this fight were well and truly vanquished. Ortiz came out to box, and confused Berto, landing 3 exquisite straight lefts from the southpaw stance flush onto Berto’s chin. The 3rd in the round dropping Berto on his butt, to receive an 8 count from the referee. Although Berto was not hurt, he was perplexed at Ortiz’s movement and speed. Ortiz round 10-8.
The 3rd, although not quite as dominant was still very much following the same pattern. Berto did have a couple of good moments with a couple of right hands landing, but nothing of real note. He still looked like a sleeping neanderthal chasing shadows, as Ortiz’s movement and superior hand speed showed, winning him the round. 10-9 Ortiz.
Round 4 seemed to start the same way, and frustration for Berto was clear. With two looping right hands missing and being caught with 2 clean lefts from Ortiz, Berto looked uncomfortable. Ortiz, with more confidence was moving in with his shots, and trying to step up the pace, but as he stepped in to land another left, Berto timed it to perfection and landed one of his trademark right uppercuts that have defined his career and got him out of jail in many fights. Ortiz was badly hurt and knocked to the canvas. Up at 9 he struggled to get to his feet, and his legs were extremely shaky. Berto smelt blood and the end was inevitably close. Ortiz valiantly landed a couple of rights and lefts to keep off Berto, but Berto showed us why he has a 70% KO rate, and finished the job. Unlike the first fight when Ortiz got up twice off the canvas to beat Berto, this time when Ortiz hit the ground for the second time it was over. Although he beat the 10 count, referee Jack Reiss twice asked Victor if he could continue, to which Ortiz couldn’t respond with anything, but a dazed absent look in his eyes. The referee was right to call the fight, and award Andre Berto with the TKO victory at 1:14 of round 4.
This victory catapults Berto in line for a big named Welterweight opponent, or even potentially a world title shot. However this devastating loss leaves the 29 year old Ortiz in a tough position. With his good looks, charm and undeniable talent in many facets, it could be time for Victor Ortiz to draw the curtain on his up and down career. However as he’s shown in the past, not just in the boxing ring, but in life, when you write Victor Ortiz off, and when the chips are at their lowest, that’s normally when the Kansas boy pulls out a miracle, so hopefully we do see him back in the ring.