By Michael Rosenthal of the RingTV.com
Floyd Mayweather Jr. confirmed swirling rumors when he announced on his Twitter account this morning that he will fight Victor Ortiz on Sept. 17.
The MGM Grand in Las Vegas appears to be the most likely site, according to one source. The terms of the agreement have not been made public.
It’s not clear whether Mayweather’s legal problems could become a problem leading up the fight. Mayweather faces felony domestic violence charges after an incident with the mother of his children, for which his next court date is Oct. 20. He also has been charged in an altercation with a security guard.
Mayweather hasn’t fought since he easily outpointed Shane Mosley in May of last year, meaning he will have been out of the ring for 16 months when he fights Ortiz. And this would be only his third fight since 2007.
Ortiz “did about four back flips” when he heard about Mayweather’s Tweet, a friend of the fighter reportedly told the Los Angeles Times.
The former No. 1 pound-for-pound king already is being criticized on message boards for agreeing to fight Ortiz instead of rival Manny Pacquiao, with whom he twice failed to come to terms on a megafight.
And, indeed, Ortiz will be a heavy underdog in the fight.
At the same time, Ortiz, who created a sensation by outlasting Andre Berto to win the WBC belt in April, is a strong and quick-handed young (24 years old) fighter who is no pushover.
One could argue that Ortiz is a more-serious threat to Mayweather than Pacquiao’s last few opponents have been to him.
“I think this proves that Mayweather isn’t afraid of anybody,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, Mayweather’s partner. “Victor can punch. And he’ll come all night long. If he hurts Mayweather, he won’t take his foot off the pedal like Shane Mosley did. He’ll go for the kill.
“And Victor is big. He weighed, what, 161 [in the ring] against Berto? Victor is a big, young powerful fighter.”
Let me explain this situation too you guys who are blind to the Boxing Business and apparently the Hustle Business as well. I am a BOXING FAN. I like and respect Floyd, Manny, and Victor. Floyd is a businessman/hustler. He has to be an asshole/villain to hype these fights up so, he and his opponent can get as much money as possible. I’d rather most fans to hate me and I make 50 million vs. you loving me and I make 10 million dollars!!! It’s simple mathematics fellas. As far as the fight itself; I believe this is and will be Floyd’s toughest fight to date. Victor has enormous power and 1 single mistake by Floyd could end this fight, at any time. What?? you dont think Floyd knows this!! He anticipates this!! Remember he was ringside at the Berto/Ortiz fight; he recognizes Victor’s power and skills. Floyd also seen something in Victor’s pattern of fighting, that he feels he can take advantage of and beat him. My prediction: Floyd wins by a very close decision; maybe even a split decision, but I wouldnt be surprised if he gets knocked down in the early rounds tho. If he does, he will go on defense and will slowly take Victor apart. Let’s change the subject to Pac Man. If you want to call someone a coward ; then you must be fair and call out both Floyd and Pac. Yes Floyd did turn down a potential 50-65 million dollar fight, BUT so did Pac-Man. He seems scared to give a lil blood,why??? Giving a lil blood is not going too weaken you!!! Thats LUDICROUS and sounds a lil COWARDLY to me as well! I know I wouldnt let giving sum blood stop me from MAKING ..50 – 65 MILLION DOLLARS!!!! thats just crazy. Floyd and Pac think about this: Make The Fight….Make That 50-65 Million…Make a Immediate Re-Match Clause……Make ANOTHER 50- 65 Million Dollars!!!! It’s Simple Mathematics!!!! My prediction for that fight:……Toss-up…Who knows????? Speed/Power vs. Speed/Defense!!! possibly the Greatest Fight of all-time!!!! Or Floyd just dances and wins by Decision as Usual!!!!
F. Mayweather to me is not the greatest fighter of all time, but he is one the smartest fighters, if not the smartest fighter of all time. Think about him this way. Mayweather Jr. hand picks his opponents, all fighters do! He fights exactly when he wants to, all fighters do! Now here is the distinct differnce; Mayweather Jr. hand picks his opponents and and draws major Pay-Per-Veiw sales. Mayweather Jr. always feels the seats no matter where he fights. Mayweather Jr. is a Master at marketing! Why?; because his trash talking makes some(a hell of a lot)people loose their mind to the point that they forget about his skills or talents. You pretty much either love Mayweather Jr. or you probably just down right despise him. Either way you look at, especially you May haters end up paying for a good portion of his purse. Y’ll dislike that man so much that you all will pray and pay to see this man loose and that’s saying it kindly, because May Haters want him to get his a** kicked and knocked out! Now back to the difference. Mayweather Jr. never takes much punishment from his opponents, infact he totally dominates them. May Haters always say that he’s a coward, he’s is soft, he runs a lot. Here is a littloe fact for all you May Fans and may Haters alike that have never walked those three to four steps that leads you to that battle feild called the boxing ring, what you all must understand is that the whole principle of Boxing is TO HIT AND NOT BE HIT. May Haters and some May Fans want to see him slugg it out, HIT AND NOT BE HIT, if this does not entertain you, make you say ooh than you are probably not a May Fan and you’ve never been directly envolved in the sport. Not taking anything away from those who have not been closely involved or those that are May Haters, because when I want to see to heartless combatants stand in front of one another like there in the Civil War and cut each others faces all up for the sake of the crowd I will just watch two of your typical fighters, thats how most fight now a day. They are so much trying to please the crowd, striving to give the people what they want. last time that I checked I thought that the people pay to see whom ever fighters they like. If that fighter fights the way that you like you pay and you watch him or them, if you don’t like a particular fighter then you don’t watch him and you deffintely don’t pay to see him. Everyone is complaining about who MayweathjerJr. fights everyone except Me and the Promoters. Like whomever fighter you want like, despise which ever fighter you choose to despise, just stop saying that Mayweather Jr. or any other fighter for that matter is a coward or scared! And as for those that want to continue on with that coward business, you’ve less than likely have ever walked the short steps to the battlefield or you have made an attempt at it and was discouraged because of lack of success. Just remember HIT AND NOT BE HIT, that’s the basics, and getting payed for performinmg this basics the BEST is why most of them do consider themselves Prize Fighters. Also keep it in mind that you play all of those other sports, but you don’t play boxing. Peace
To all Floyd fans ,I think that Floyd has showed courage in taking the fight with Ortiz .
I rooting for Ortiz and I think that he will win via KO .
When it comes to the Pac man ,I think that Floyd has ZERO chance in beating the legend Pac man .Pac man will beat Floyd through out the 12 rounds or will knock out cold .
Pac man is in a different level than Floyd and the rest of the welterweight boxers .
Pac man is peerless and special special fighter.
I am an Ortiz fan all the way- I really dislike mayweather. I hope Ortiz wins the fight by KO. He has the most heart an is a very entertaining fighter. Go Ortiz!!!
@jay ,these numbers are merely a rumor .noone knows shit so to say that Floyd turned down $100 or 65 millions is so stupid because these numbers were not confirmed .By the way I think if Manny fights Floyd ,the fight will generate millions and millions of dollars so $65 millions maybe is not enough
for Floyd based on what the fight will generate .
I still want to know where these figures came from? I have not read any report use or anyone say those figures which are being said. Bottom line is until they do fight, he (Mayweather) has no right to claim is the king of the ring, pound for pound, best in the world, whatever he says. Only time will tell us who is the best. So don’t give him to much credit for being this smart business man. Lets see what happens.
I don’t think that they will make that kind of money even if the fight does happen. That would mean that HBO, PPV, the arena (where fight will take place) etc. are going to take a lost to see any fight.
I don’t know why some of y’all r hating on Floyd he’s just a smart guy wen u think about it… Don’t u guys see they r offering more money to fight the man? First it was 50 million now it’s 65 million? He knows everyone want to see this fight and they will continue to offer him more money don’t be d*mb the fight is gonna happen…
I don’t know why some of y’all r hating on Floyd he’s just a smart guy wen u think about it… Don’t u guys see they r offering more money to fight the man? First it was 50 million now it’s 65 million? He knows everyone want to see this fight and they will continue to offer him more money don’t be dumb the fight is gonna happen…
@ Jay… Don’t know who Eugenio is, but you never know.
Where is that information about 65 million coming from? I would like to get a copy of that (if true) to rub it in some of my friends faces.
If 65 million is being swindeled than swindel me while their at it lol. Thats more money than any boxer has made in one fight and remember floyd isnt the only one that needs to get payed. “the saddest story in boxing” has no excuse not to take this fight period. To be honest I dont even care anymore, we the fans should just black ball him. I wouldnt bye it even if they did fight. Forget Mayweather, Who needs him really? I wish he would just disappear. This guy is like a cancer to boxing.
I came to believe that Floyd is NOT scared of manny .choosing Ortiz is the proof.Floyd knows that his fight with manny will generate millions and he is not willing to have the white man swindle him out of the profit .
I am not a fan of Floyd by the way but this is what happening .
Bob Arum said he thinks this fight will never happen. ” The saddest story in boxing” is just being unreasonable. He really is a sad excuse for a champion.
Bye the way mayweather fans I just learned that your boy floyd just turned down 65 million to fight pacman if he beats Ortiz. Now tell me hes not a coward.
I’m from Baraona some ppl just say morovis cuz its better known. Are you related to Eugenio Romero they call him yinggo, Raffy, and Sonia. Their Mother is named Tonya.
@ Jay…Yes, my family is from Arecibo but I was born in Jersey.
@ C.Romero Thats exactly right. Its just sad that some so called boxing fans are blind to Floyds stupid games.
Hey bro where are you from? Cuz I’m Romero too. Are you boricua.
First, Ortiz just moved up in weight when he beat Berto. Prior to that Ortiz was a good fight but was never in a spot light. Not taking any credit away from Ortiz he was not consider a top tier challenger until beating Berto who was really never challenged in any of his pro fights.
Second, it is not a big money maker until Ortiz beats another top opponent.
Third, All fight fans want to see Manny vs Floyd. That is where the money is. Floyd choose to fight Victor Ortiz cause he just won a belt making him a “Big Name”. In reality, Floyd chose Ortiz cause it is a perfect fight for him. He know that Victor is strong, but slow, always moving forward. Which is perfect for Floyd’s counter punching. Mayweather did not want to fight Manny simple cause he know that Manny is has fast hands too, can slip his counter punching, moves fast in and out when attacking, and has more punching power then Floyd.
Bottom line is Floyd will not be the greatest fighter until he fights Manny.
Looks to me like mayweather fans are desprate to give “the saddest story in boxing” credit for something. I appreciate floyds fans loyalty but you guys are being strung along like mislead puppy dogs. Floyds is a great fighter but he’s also a conartist, money grubbing hustler, and an opportunist that will take any advantage he can get. He’s great but doesnt have the heart to fight the other greats in the sport, Floyd lacks the heart of a real champion and thats why he will always be a second rate champ. It doesnt even matter who he beats at this point there’s just no way for him to save face anymore. His record speaks for its self, and all it says is path of least resistance. Some mayweather fans are loyal and then I think that alot of them are just a bunch of bandwagon jumpers that think his zero is as precious as he does. I sorry but if you agree with this clowns behavior than you deserve to get played.
Why Manny did not pick Ortiz instead of fighting JMM .
@Jonny-Boy… Ok he could fight a Berto or Bradley which would be just ok fights (not a PPV event) and as for Victor who just moved up in weight is new to the picture. Yes Victor has been around but new to the type of fighter we would consider a Manny , Floyd, Cotto or even Mosely. The only fight fans really want to see if Manny and Floyd.
I think Manny physicaly can not go up any more then WW is his limit. JrWW might be to heavy for him cause he is to short and would not gain that kind of weight. I guess we will have to wait and see what happens with Manny’s fight and Floyd to see if Manny will fight the winner of Floyd/Ortiz.
@ C. Romero How about a WW or Jr WW who is not past their prime for starters. I’d take Bradley, Berto, or Ortiz (who was available before he signed to fight Mosley or JMM) over washed up Mosley or a bloated JMM.
@ JOHNNY-BOY…No Manny is no saint, but he was willing to fight Floyd and Floyd made every excuse possible not to fight him. Floyd asking for $100 million. Come on lets be real not one will earn that in 1 fight. As far as Manny fighting Marquez, well who else is out there within weight that Manny can fight if not Floyd.
Manny is no saint in his choice of competition since leaving LW with the exception of Mosley and Clottey (who came in off a loss for some reason that earned a shot and Mosley was a finished fighter) they all had been stopped before he fought them that was no coincidence, as I’m sure people will agree with me there, I’m really tired of both these guys but I got to give credit where credit it due, Floyd is fighting a man in his prime Manny hasn’t done that in years. As I said fight by early next year or both should simply retire because I sure as hell won’t purchase a PPV from either one I’m even weary of purchasing Marquez/Pacquiao because I don’t see much of a fight there with Marquez weighing 144. This on the other hand is an intriguing fight because Ortiz is fast and strong and in his prime while Floyd is gonna be coming off a 16 month lay off.
Got to agree with Jay on that Floyd is scared of fighting the best. How convenient it is for Floyd to fight Victor Ortiz, who is a good fighter but just moved up on weight class. Floyd picks fighters he know he can beat but with a good following/ big name. Once again he waits for Manny to sign another fight to come out and fight someone else. Mayweather fans, be real he is a coward and afraid to face Manny (regardless of outcome of fight). I too hope that Victor knocks the crap out of him and then he’ll have no chance of fighting Manny and no more big pay days for him. Majority of people buy his fights hoping to see him lose.
@jonny-boy no I dont expect floyd to just jump in the ring with Pacman without a tune up fight, but he didnt say this is a tune up fight. Bye the way he wouldnt need a tune up fight if bothered to get his ass in the ring more than once every two years. Like always this is just a ploy to get his fan base to come out from under that rock they’ve been hiding under because of their shame. Now all or a sudden ppl want to give him credit(please). Like I’ve said before floyd doesnt avoid good fighters, he avoids the best, the elite, until they get old that is. With all the time he has been killing going out with his girl friend 50cent and all the time he had in between his court hearings he could ‘ve put together at least 1 or 2 fights. All this noncence about ppl giving him credit for this fight is exactly what he wants. Like I said before this is what he does, he minipulates the fans and your playing into his hands if you bye this B/S fight. Yea Ortiz has a chance to pull off an up set and I hope he does, but its highly unlikely. For Ortiz to win this fight he would have to knock floyd out or beat him up more than conviningly cuz we all know that Ortiz would have better chance at knocking him out than winning a decision. If it goes the distance its just about a sure thing that they will give it to floyd. They will rob Ortiz just like they did Zbik. Floyds full of sh-t and this changes nothing. Answer me this, how old do guys like Martinez, Pacquiao, Cotto, before floyd will fight them? Dont let this clown fool you into buying this fight.
Well seems like it the fight has been confirmed on Sep 17 ,therefore ,I am apologizing for Floyd for calling him Floydita .
I respect the fact that Floyd has chosen a tough opponent like Vicious Ortiz .
In my opinion his fight with Ortiz is more exciting that Manny vs JMM due to fact that Ortiz is young ,hungry and powerful fighter unlike JMM who is 38 years old .
However ,I still think that JMM vs Manny is an exciting fight though .
Bob Arum must be pissed off now .hahahahaha,
Mayweather has asked for USADA testing
If this fight takes place and regardless its result ,I will issue a public apology for Floyd for calling him Floydita
I am so surprised by this bulletin .Well people ,if FLoyd fights Vicious ,I will stop call him Floydita because of the type of opponent that he has selected .
Noone can deny that victor vicious Ortiz is a worthy opponent because of his youth and power .
I will give props to Floyd if he fights Ortiz .
Victor Ortiz has improved a lot .he is not the same fighter who faught Maidana .If this fights happen ,I will change my perception of Floyd ,however,this fight could could be a total fiasco for Floyd but at least he will prove that he is not ducking tough oppositions .
I hope that the fight happens .I do not believe it until the contract is signed ,delivred and sealed .
Will Floyd accuse Ortiz of using PED? Will Floyd require him to undergo ‘Olympic Drug Testing? Obviously not!
It only applies to Manny Pacquiao whom Floyd is so scared of.
What a Ducker! Old Floyd! Ortiz will punish you! I hope.
Many thought Berto is good, but Ortiz beat him. So Floyd, this could be your mistake!
You should fight Manny Pacquiao, because you can still be ‘proud’ of yourself (eventhough you will be beaten) that you fought the best of all! 40-1( Pacquiao put Floyd to permanent retirement)
But this time you will be beaten because you thought Ortiz is an easy pick, 40-1(Ortiz put Floyd to semi-retirement).
If Floyd will fight Pacquiao someday, Floyd will be on permanent retirement after the fight.
Mayweather certainly knows a good payday when he sees one. Come-on boxing fans, use your heads and not your hearts on this one, Ortiz is perfect for Mayweather’s counter punching accuracy, why else would Floyd jump at this one so fast ?! Nice payday for Victor, much nicer payday,as usual, for Floyd. Fans, don’t fall for all the same usual hype, save your hard-earned pay-per-view dollars, Floyd “money” Mayweather does not need your money. The outcome of this one is not really going to be in doubt, so wait a week and watch the free televised re-broadcast.
@Jay do you expect him to jump right into a fight with Pacquiao after being out for more than a year? I say this a fight to prepare for Pacquaio and I give Ortiz a decent shot at pulling an upset. I can see people wanting him to fight Cotto instead, but Cotto isn’t what he once was at this point I’d rather see Mayweather/Ortiz over Cotto. As for Martinez I think it would be as foolish as coming in rusted against Pacquiao. To be honest I don’t see either one going for Martinez but this is a much better match-up than Pacquiao/Mosley or Pacquiao/Marquez at 144.
@Edgar, I called it a few days ago. Nobody believed me.
What a loser. Floyd never fails to show what little class he has. This is a perfect example of how he has led his intire career. No Pacquiao, no Martinez, and no Cotto. This is what floyd does, pick a good fighter so noone can say hes fighting a bum but avoid the biggest threats. Richard Shaefer thinks this proves hes not afraid of anyone, That’s exactly what this proves that Floyds scared. Shaefer can go eat a d–k with that stupidass comment. This proves floyd is a scared bitch that doesnt have the heart to fight the best but he’ll fight everyone else. Too young, too small, too old, women, children, old folks lol. There are only about four or five fighters on his record that you can actually give him real credit for. Most of his record just proves he takes the path of least resistance. I’ll be catching the rerun. I wont ever buy another one of this assclowns fights. If they do fight I hope Ortiz knocks floyd the hell out. Floyd Mayweather “The saddest story in boxing”
IF THIS IS TRUE AND THE FIGHT IS NOT FIXED, THIS WILL BE THE END OF FLOYDITAS BS UNDEFEATED RECORD.
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