After a 16-month layoff that included a controversial self-made video for the internet and arrests in Las Vegas 
(here’s the mugshot) Floyd Mayweather Jr. will climb into the ring to face WBC welterweight champ Victor Ortiz on Sept. 17.
The 24-year-old Ortiz is coming off a recent impressive win that improved his record to 29-2-2 with 22 KOs. After recently moving up into the welterweight division, the southpaw came out on top of a slugfest with Andre Berto. That fight saw both fighters hit the mat twice but Ortiz got back to his feet and took all three judge’s cards (115-110, 114-111 and 114-112) for the decision.
Shortly after that fight, Berto showed interest in climbing in the ring with Manny Pacquiao or Mayweather for a multi-million dollar night and after winning the recent battle with Berto, that’s officially come to fruition.
Getting back to Mayweather. The controversial champ’s record sits at an impressive 41-0 with 25 KOs but he remains under scrutiny, accused of ducking Pacquiao. Mayweather may be rusty as well since he hasn’t fought since taking on Shane Mosley back in May, 2010.
While the debate on who is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world lives on, several analysts and fans have swung to Manny’s camp since Mayweather has appeared to do whatever is necessary to avoid that bout. Mayweather went as far as demanding random blood testing rules that are not required by any boxing organizations or commission anywhere in the world.
ESPN.com reported that Ortiz’s promoter, Golden Boy’s Richard Schaefer, said the details of the pay-per-view fight including where it will take place are not yet decided on.
Once that is worked out, let the trash-talking begin.
Originally from Detroit, Tom is an Atlanta-based sportswriter whose work has been published in the New York Daily News, Washington Times, Detroit Free Press and national hockey mags including The Hockey News (Canada) and USA Hockey Magazine. Follow Tom on Twitter @TomFerda
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