Victor Ortiz, the former WBC welterweight champion, expressed disappointment over Floyd Mayweather's recent inactivity in the boxing world, particularly regarding their potential rematch. Ortiz, who is set to make his bare-knuckle boxing debut against Dominic Salcido on July 18, shared his thoughts in an interview with Bloody Elbow.
Mayweather's Inactivity and the Rematch:
Ortiz believes Mayweather's reluctance to engage in a rematch is a missed opportunity for fans. He stated, 'It's a bummer, you know. It's a shame. People always wanted to see me versus Floyd, but he'll keep himself out of harm's way. We weren't going 12 rounds. I was going to knock him out, but that was twelve years ago.' This sentiment highlights the frustration of a fighter who feels he has been wronged by Mayweather's lack of engagement.
The 2011 Fight and Its Aftermath:
The two fighters had a highly controversial encounter in 2011, where Ortiz was knocked out in a manner that many deemed unfair. Ortiz recalled, 'I was beaten by Mayweather in controversial fashion back in 2011 after being hurt by a punch when I was looking the other way following a break in the action.' This incident left a lasting impact on Ortiz, who struggled to move on from the disappointment.
Overcoming Frustration:
Despite the setback, Ortiz has found a way to move forward. He admitted, 'It was a pretty long process, yeah, because you really have to wake up to living with everyone just remembering that moment... I asked for the rematch countless times, even for free. We know that Floyd loves money. Keep all the money. I just want to knock you out.' This resilience showcases his ability to separate the past from his current goals.
Looking Ahead:
As Ortiz prepares for his upcoming fight, he remains focused on his own career. His bare-knuckle boxing debut is a significant step in a new direction, and he is eager to showcase his skills in this unique format. The interview highlights the emotional impact of Mayweather's inactivity and the personal journey of a fighter who has learned to move on from past disappointments.
