Victor Ortiz had been mentioned to return to the ring as an undercard for the Mayweather vs. Canelo fight on September 14th. However, a role in the movie Expendables 3 has pushed his return to the ring out even further. A few weeks ago, Ortiz did say on Twitter that he would be returning to the ring in December. It is also positive to note for his fans that he was already training in both Kunckleheadz Gym in Ventura, CA and Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, CA prior to leaving for Bulgaria to film Expendables 3 this month.
It is also a good sign that his trainer Danny Smith was rumored to have went along with Ortiz to Bulgaria to help him train during his down time when not filming. Ortiz has mentioned on multiple occasions that he is still motivated to return to a championship level of boxing with goals of winning both welterweight and super welterweight titles at 147 and 154 respectively.
That leaves the questions of when and who will he fight next? Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer is to trying to put together a double-header between Amir Khan vs. Devon Alexander and Zab Judah vs. Paulie Malignaggi on December 7th either in Dubai (located on the Persian Gulf) or at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. He would like to put Ortiz on this card as well, but with the filming of Expendables 3, this could prove difficult. If in Dubai, that location could make it more likely. The winner between Khan and Alexander could be a possible opponent for Ortiz next year.
Alfonso Gomez has also been mentioned as an opponent for Ortiz. Gomez has publicly called out Ortiz in the past, of which Ortiz has responded to comments saying Gomez is “going to get laid out” if they end up fighting. I would have to agree that Ortiz would knock out the former star of the reality show, The Contender.
Other future opponents for Ortiz that could be interesting would be fights against Adrien Broner, Keith Thurman, and Robert Guerrero. Rematches with Andre Berto and Josesito Lopez are also intriguing, and although somewhat far-fetched, don’t count out a rematch with Floyd Mayweather if Ortiz is able to get back on track in the ring. That fight would still promote alright given Ortiz’ mainstream popularity and given the controversy from their last fight.
Anyways, for now, Victor Ortiz is focused on filming Expendables 3. Time will tell what is next for the the former welterweight champion, who many boxing fans continue to show some interest and curiosity because of the huge question marks regarding his talent, motivation, and mental toughness.