On the upcoming Mayweather vs. Ortiz battle, Ortiz's aggression and power give him an opportunity to win this fight. Unfortunately, his strategy will play right into Mayweather's own advantage. Analyst who tagged Mayweather as boring didn't think that some of his top and most exciting fights, including the showcase crashing of an undefeated Diego Corrales, and dominating wins over Carlos Hernandez and Jesus Chavez, came against busy, come-forward, aggressive fighters.
Mayweather's winning key is his defense, that expertly honed shoulder roll that makes it near impossible to hit him on the jaw. But his true ace may actually be his counter punching, with its uncanny timing, rhythm and accuracy.
Anyone who throws more punches against him simply leaves himself open to a counter punch, with no guarantee of landing his own strikes either way.
His favorite punch is a tricky counter right hand lead, and what do you know, a steady straight right is the golden antidote for any southpaw's advances. Expect Him to throw that punch early and often, while also maintaining his jab, both to the head and body, to keep Ortiz at arm's length.
Working inside isn't a solution for Vicious Victor, either. He needs room to operate and standing in Mayweather's chest all night would open him up to pinpoint uppercuts and forearm shoves that will only wear him down more quickly.
His best bet then is that Mayweather is indeed rusty and a bit slower at 34,
with just five fights in the five previous years. Standing with his back to the ropes, one of hi
s shoulder roll slips may come a half second late, allowing an Ortiz bomb to find its way home, perhaps signaling the end to Mayweather's undefeated run.
Countering that, Ortiz has to out-time and out-smart Mayweather, and
as vicious as he may be, and as worthy an opponent as he is, that's not a likely scenario. He has fa
st hands, but not fast enough to over match Mayweather's speed, or his timing. He has power, but landing big shots will be prove troublesome. He has technical skill, but not as much as the
Pretty Boy.
Mayweather-Ortiz will be a fun fight and a big event which should provide some solid action, for a change. Ortiz will bring out the best in Mayweather, and even in defeat, Ortiz has nothing to lose with a spirited effort. Mayweather has only stopped one of his past six opponents, and that streak won't end here, particularly considering that Ortiz would likely do anything to keep from having that scarlet "Q" embroidered back on his robe once again.