A date has been set for the mildly anticipated rematch between Andre Berto and Victor Ortiz. While it told the tale of a possible fight of the year candidate, the first matchup between the two welterweights stands, as what many argue, as the best match that either fighter can get. Simply enough, Berto and Ortiz need each other to remain relevant in the sensational welterweight division. Whether the rematch is set to simply resettle the score or to gain access to the only current big payday for them, Ortiz and Berto?s styles simply work together to produce a fan-friendly brawl.
Berto, who lost the slugfest, went on to face Jan Zaveck for the IBF title while it was figured that the WBC champion at the time, Victor Ortiz would evolve into bigger fights. He ended up getting one of the biggest. Although Ortiz escaped the bout with Berto, ironically, as the victor, his progress towards reaching an elite level was halted due to a Floyd Mayweather travesty in Las Vegas this past September. At the same location on February 11th the two will pick up from where they were last interrupted by a 12th round bell that stopped their brutal war.
The card will also highlight Erislandy Lara (15-1-1, 10 KOs) as the co-feature. Lara, who is coming off of a recent controversial majority decision loss against Paul Williams, will essentially get his rightfully earned position back in the spotlight on Showtime?s telecast against Ronald Hearns (26-2, 20 KOs).
Upcoming featherweight prospect Gary Russell Jr. (19-0, 11 KOs) will round out the card with a 10-round bout. Russell has developed a solid following along with his undefeated record and maturing skill set. A combination of speed, accuracy, and elusive defense outline the rising star?s arsenal. At the age of 23, he is already creating the buzz of a proven fighter.
