On Saturday, April 16th, the anticipated battle of welterweight prospects Andre Berto and Victor Ortiz will grace the airwaves of HBO, and the crowd on hand at the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort and Casino. The “East-West Showdown” pits the alluring and engaging future stars in the ring for their toughest test yet, with the grand prize being the WBC Welterweight Title.
Andre Berto (27-0-0, 21 KOs), fighting out of Miami, Florida, started his fighting career in the HBO spotlight with a slew of wins as hot as the climate in his home town. With impressive unanimous decision wins against Steve Forbes, Luis Collazo, and Juan Urango, as well as an eighth round technical knockout against Carlos Quintana, the WBC Welterweight Champion’s stock rose to an all-time high during 2009 and 2010. Despite the unblemished professional record and impressive performances against top level contenders, Berto still faces criticism from the fans and media alike for fighting mediocre competition, criticism which echoed loudest following a first round knockout against the relatively untested Freddy Hernandez in November. During a media conference call, Berto addressed the criticisms. “I feel I’ll always get a little criticism. At the end of the day I don’t listen to criticism. You need balls to step in the ring against anybody. I’m comfortable in myself and my true fans believe…I fought Collazo, Urango and Quintana, who beat Paul Williams. They say the fighters I’ve fought are a lower level of competition. Every time I step in with ‘em I’ll make it look like it’s easy.” Although Berto’s assertion about his competition holds weight, public perception is reality, and the slick but deceptively powerful champion will need to unleash another dominating performance against a fellow top five welterweight.
“Vicious” Victor Ortiz (28-2-2, 22 KOs) will enter the ring representing Oxnard, California. The charismatic twenty four year old, who won over fans with his heartwarming defeat of childhood poverty coupled with his crowd pleasing style, will be fighting against another opponent once he laces up the gloves against Berto. Ortiz will be fending off the attacks and dubious distinction that he quit during an all action brawl with current WBA Light Welterweight Champion Marcos Maidana in 2009. Following a knockdown in round 6, Ortiz ordered referee Rail Caiz Sr. to call a halt to the contest. Fight observers from HBO’s Max Kellerman to even casual fight fans blasted Ortiz for what they generally characterized as a lack of heart, and something that would prevent the young star from ever reaching his fullest potential. The troubling traits of losing confidence late in a fight resurfaced once again in his most recent fight, a majority draw against Lamont Peterson last December. However, boasting wins over Antonio Diaz, Nate Campbell, and Vivian Harris, Ortiz remains confident heading into his title tilt with Berto. “I must be champion and I will be champion. Berto has been talked about as the next big thing. I don’t agree. How is he Berto going to deal with my speed and power? Mike Tyson once said, ‘Everybody has a plan until they get hit.’ Berto hasn’t been hit by someone like me. He’ll see April 16th.” Public perception has focused on Ortiz’s perceived flaws, but with an extraordinary showing against Berto, Ortiz can prove his doubters wrong, and inch one step closer to his dream of becoming boxing’s next captivating champion.
As the main event of a split site double header on HBO’s World Championship Boxing featuring British sensation Amir Khan squaring off against Paul McCloskey, the stage has been set for a showcase of boxing’s most exciting and intriguing fighters in a division stuffed to the brim with talent. In a classic crossroads fight, the highly touted pair will battle toe to toe with a pair of opponents: each other, and their naysayers which have hovered over them for the past year and a half. The blueprint for a crowd pleasing boxing match has been drawn up, and once the bell rings all the questions will be settled. The winner will wear the coveted WBC Welterweight Title, and will obtain a fresh perspective from boxing fans, complete with a passionate legion of fans and a myriad of fight opportunities. For the loser, it’s back to the turbulent year of 2009, and back to answering questions about their toughness and potential.
Tickets for DiBella Entertainment and Golden Boy Promotions’ “East-West Showdown” are still available, and range from $65-$350. They can be purchased at www.foxwoods.com or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.
