Photo by Porfirio Barron Jr./RBRBoxing
On Saturday, December 12, 2015, Victor Ortiz (31-5-2, 24 KOs) picked up an eighth-round stoppage victory over Gilberto Sanchez (33-14-2, 13 KOs), continuing his climb back up the ranks under the tutelage of Joel Diaz.
Ortiz, who has stayed busy outside of the ring with acting gigs, credits Diaz and his team for helping him stay grounded and patient after having fought only twice in three years before yesterday.
At age 28, Ortiz is still young enough to recapture glory in the sport, and with a renewed focus it seems as though he may be ready to face some notable names in 2016.
“After this fight I figure why not go for the winner of [Robert] Guerrero and [Danny] Garcia,” said Ortiz during his post-fight press conference in San Antonio.
Old rivalries have not been lost with time as Ortiz also mentioned engaging in a rematch with Josesito Lopez whom he lost to via stoppage in 2012.
“Also, I hear Josesito Lopez is talking quite a bit so I’d like to do what I did to him before, but this time end it,” said Ortiz.
Before having the Lopez fight stopped because of his broken jaw, Ortiz was ahead on all three judges’ scorecards. The loss to Lopez not only sidelined Ortiz for a lengthy amount of time, but it also sent a potential mega matchup with Canelo Alvarez down the drain.
“Last time he [Lopez] got a lottery ticket, you know? It’s not everyday that you wake up and break someone’s jaw while you’re losing the whole fight,” said Ortiz.
Now with Al Haymon and Premier Boxing Champions on his side, Ortiz knows that he’s got a great chance at being in some big fights and performing in front of a large audience.
“I feel very excited because I feel like I have a whole new chance to do something I didn’t do in the past,” said Ortiz.
Who would you like to see Victor Ortiz next?
