Andre Berto who “just wasn’t feeling it tonight” picked the wrong night not to show up. In his biggest, most defining moment of his career, Berto was defeated, convincingly by the hands of Victor Ortiz. Predictions heavily favored Berto, a welterweight champion fighting Ortiz who had never fought at 147 (although he often weighed in way over 150 for his junior welterweight fights). Ortiz was coming off a lackluster performance that ended in a draw against Lamont Peterson; Berto was coming off a one round knockout of another tomato can that most cannot remember his name.
Andre has looked phenomenal in his outings his entire career. He has proven himself against Luis Collazo, Carlos Quintana (appropriate fights for the rising star) and was on a short list of possible 
Pacquiao opponents. Ortiz, who quit against Maidana and had not, had a career defining victory and performance seemed to be a good name as an opponent but a man that Berto would knockout. The boxing world could not have been more shocked. A handful of writers and boxing enthusiasts favored Ortiz, but I highly doubt anyone predicted and expected Ortiz to elevate himself to a new level in the boxing world.
Could it have been that Berto overlooked Ortiz? Ortiz has showed lack of heart and is coming off mediocre performances against fighters smaller and less powerful and quick as Berto. On paper and in Berto’s (and his teams) mind, this was in the bag. Throughout the fight, Berto’s corner showed their lack of experience and Berto showed less and less confidence. Whether it was the second round, in which Ortiz just dominated Berto, or the fourth round in which Ortiz got off the canvas to knock Berto down, his face showed a desire, a hunger for victory and a confidence that seemed to have been slowly draining from Berto.
I would be lying to say I’m not shocked. I’m not shocked the Ortiz won, but the manor in how he won. A man who has shown lack of heart, lost fans and momentum to come back with so-so performances, completely dominated his demons by getting off the canvas and putting the work on one of the more talented welterweights of this period. Ortiz won back my respect as well as the boxing world.
Looking back at Ortiz’s career, I blame a lot of his sub-par performances due to being in the wrong weight class. Junior welter is not the class for a man to be in when he weighs in over 160 on fight night. Ortiz has found and claimed his throne in the welterweight division. Showdowns with Miguel Cotto, Saul Alvarez, or Kermit Cintron could all be enticing.
As for Berto, I hope this is a learning experience for him. Berto is young and talented, and this loss may be the greatest thing for his career. Although this is a devastating loss for his career, Berto can shine in the spotlight down the road. Berto needs to learn and train to round out his game some more. He has the speed and power, but last night showed that his upper level experience (and his corners) is lacking; this lack of experience showed in Berto’s wild assault after he seriously hurt Oritz, went after him with wild, uncontrolled punches and was floored by a hook before the bell.
A great fight with the emergence of a new champion has made a serious mark on 2011. And it’s only April. I cannot wait to see what other wars the rest of this year brings.
This is on top of my list as fights of the year so far. In the mix you have to throw in
Arce vs Ruiz
Marquez vs Concepcion
this was the best fight this year… i wanted ortiz to win and he did. great fffff job to ortiz and his team and congrats. ortiz has always been a great fighter and for people to count him out was crazy. berto never fought anybody like ortiz and for ortiz to move up in weight and beat berto was beutifulllll…. congrats to ortiz and his team and yes fight of the year right here….
Big props for Ortiz and team Ortiz. I knew berto could not hold up. His condition was bad. He has no boxing skills. Yes he was exposed and I don’t think he deserves a rematch. I would agree of a rematch if it was a close decision but it wasn’t. Berto gave up after the 6th round. U can tell on his face that he didn’t know what to do but wait for a good opening so he can throw a big shot but not even that stopped Ortiz. I know Ortiz can put mayweather on the canvas and make sure he doesn’t get up. Now with Manny it would be a good showdown. Berto is not a real champion until you fight a real contender not a guy you just pick out. Well Ortiz did what he wanted and I wasn’t one of those people who doubted him. I was still showing support after the maidana fight. I actually went to go see him fight at the nokia club after his loss to maidana. Ortiz give them hell
Both fighters gave all they have .In my opinion ,Ortiz showed us the real Berto .He showed that Berto failed in his first test against an elite fighter .Berto was not fighting top fighters in the past .he was only a paper champion who was affraid to be tested against tough opponents .Hopefully Berto comes back stronger ..
Great performance by both fighter especially Victor .
This is the fight that boxing needed… Thank u Ortiz and berto for a great fight..
good fight Ortiz was on a mission. He surprised me and alot of other ppl with show he put on against Berto. Ortiz fought hard and earned that win. Berto tried to come back but he just wasnt the same after that first knock down.
Great article, it was a great fight and congratulations to Ortiz I didn’t think he’d pull it off and he looked much more comfortable at Welterweight. Both guys showed heart and had a war I’d say definitely strong contender for fight of the year.
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