Rick Assad – Floyd Mayweather Jr. talks big and has always backed it up. In the past, he?s even claimed to be the ?greatest? of all time, and has drawn the ire of many. That?s a mouthful even for the undefeated Mayweather (41-0) considering the likes of Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson were at one time or another without equal. Let?s make one thing clear: Mayweather, who will meet Victor Ortiz this Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the latter?s World Boxing Council welterweight belt, is indeed great, but where he ranks is a matter of speculation. The 24-year-old Ortiz has been in 33 fights with 29 victories and two draws, including 22 knockouts. Ortiz is coming off an impressive victory in April over then-undefeated Andre Berto, and is full of confidence. A huge underdog at 7-to-1, Ortiz, taller and younger than Mayweather, seems to have a legitimate chance, and it should be a close contest. Ortiz, a left-hander, is always aggressive, while Mayweather, a defensive wizard, looks for his openings, and when he finds them doesn?t fail. But he will be tested early and often. The sentimental pick is Ortiz. In boxing, there is no sentiment. The call here is Mayweather in a close decision.
CESAR ZUNIGA ? Ortiz is a big strong welterweight with knockout power and a true desire to win. His win over Andre Berto showed that the Mexican fighter does carry the heart needed to succeed in this vicious sport. On September 17th, Ortiz will not be facing Andre Berto but Floyd Mayweather Jr, one of the best boxers of the modern era. I have been one of those that has picked against Mayweather before and I will not make that mistake this time. Ortiz is bigger and stronger but Mayweather is much quicker, a much more experienced boxer and has a stellar technique that few to none have been able to solve, yet compete. Yes, Ortiz has desire. Desire is what will win him the first few rounds due to his activity and pressure but eventually he will fall in the hole of frustration that many others have experienced. Mayweather doesn?t give you much to hit and many have tried to touch his face and have come up short. That?s when Mayweather?s amazing defense and counter ability will take over and he will simply outbox his much younger opponent. Fighting Mayweather is no easy task. You have to beat what he gives you, arms, body, shoulders, Ortiz will have to make it ugly and force Mayweather into an uncomfortable fight. Ortiz is not seasoned enough to do this. One day maybe but Saturday night in Las Vegas, he will fight valiantly and with heart but will lose a unanimous decision to one of the pound for pound bests. Mayweather by UD
