One on One with Victor Ortiz: ” I am coming back home with that green belt”

By: Albert Alvarez

Let’s get to it, here we are a week away from your big fight against Andre Berto. How are you feeling as you prepare to close out camp?

VO- I am feeling real good, feel strong, I’m ready to go.

Talk to me about your state of mind right now?

VO- I can’t really explain it to be honest with you bro, it’s hard to put into words on how confident I’m feeling right about now.

The reason why I asked about your state of mind is because as I was watching the presser between Berto and yourself, I couldn’t help but to notice the way you seemed to rattle Berto in the stare down. It seemed to me as if you made Berto second guess himself. The determination in your eyes said a lot more than words can ever say. Your thoughts?

VO- In all honesty, I wasn’t really trying to try to go there and intimidate Berto. That’s just how I feel right now, I am so focused right now and ready to get it on.

You had that eye of the tiger, so what exactly was it that transformed you into this monster? What sparked it? Was it the manner in which the judges scored your fight against Lamont Peterson a draw that woke you up and brought back Vicious Victor Ortiz?

VO- Ha Ha eye of the tiger, you know bro, to be honest with you. Anyone that saw that fight against Peterson, if they are true to themselves they will see that I beat Peterson. It may say on my record that it was a draw, but in my heart I beat him. It was clear. Like you told me before bro, even Stevie Wonder could see that I beat him. That’s a good line by the way, Ha Ha. So I can’t really sit here and tell you that yeah that woke me up, all I know is that it’s my time.

I’m sure Berto feels like it’s his time as well. But it should be well noted that it’s you who wanted this fight. It’s also you who has been wanting to get that rematch against Maidana only for him to be at no avail. Some fighters that barely escaped a storm, are not willing to see that storm again. You are to Maidana what Collazo is to Berto. How frustrating is it to want to get that thorn out your side but the other party is not willing to meet you?

VO- I agree with you 100%. Bro that is so true. It is I that asked for Berto, I was the one that chose to move up to 147 and take Berto on. You are very right about Maidana, I kept asking for that rematch and Maidana always had a new excuse.

So is it safe to say that you will now be staying at 147 to fry bigger fish?

VO- Yes sir. I’m staying at 147 now to take on bigger names. Like I said before, it’s my time.

What weaknesses are you seeing in Berto that you will look to exploit come fight night?
VO- All I got to say bro is to just watch the fight. You will see it all come into play. I can’t let any secrets out because my coach’s will get mad. All I know is that I will be coming back home with that green belt!

As I see you up in that ring, I am always amazed by your great balance. I know you like to surf and surfing is all about balance so I am sure that surfing has helped you out a lot. Last time I saw you , you mentioned Redondo Beach or was it Ventura? You still surf there?

VO- I am not so sure if surfing has helped my balance maybe it has, can’t say for sure though. I love to surf, my manager actually lives real close to Redondo Beach, I love it there, I know you like Hermosa Beach, it’s real nice there also. But I like going to Ventura, you got to come check it out.

I recently talked to Paulie Malignaggi and I mentioned to Paulie how one day Paulie and yourself should meet in the ring. You both are good looking guys that love to entertain the crowd and you would bring a West meets East type of feel to the fight. What do you say?

VO- Ha Ha, Paulie, I like that guy. Paulie is a real cool down to earth guy. It would be real good if that is to one day happen but first thing first. And that my friend is Berto.

Thank you for the time my man, please thanks Rolando and also let Temo kmow I said what’s up. Good luck.

VO- Anytime bro. I will let Temo and Rolando know you said what’s up. Thank you and thank everyone out there that supports me. Take care.