“Vicious” Victor Ortiz will be a cast member of Season 16 of Dancing with the Stars, joining a lengthy list of boxers past and present who have taken part in the spectacle. He’s also one of several professional athletes who will be on the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars, a popular showcase which can help vault a celebrity’s status to a higher level.
On the Season 16 Dancing with the Stars website, this is what they say about Ortiz:
Victor Ortiz is a living, breathing example of the American dream. From a broken home in a small town in Kansas to the bright lights of the boxing ring, Ortiz has used every obstacle he has encountered along his journey to fuel his strength and attain his dreams.
As former Welterweight Boxing Champion, Ortiz finally found his life’s calling as a world class athlete. The nickname “Vicious” describes Ortiz when he’s in the ring, but his million-dollar smile is a preview to his heart of gold. His ability to connect with people on a human level has kept the spotlight from blinding him. Realizing the importance of hard work, dedication, and family at an early age, Ortiz always finds a way to give back.
After breaking out with a huge win in an epic fight against Andre Berto, things haven’t gone well for Ortiz in the ring. He was stopped by Mayweather in embarrassing fashion. His big money rematch with Berto was postponed, and then cancelled. Josesito Lopez broke his jaw and upset him, derailing a big fight against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.
So the question is if this is a diversion to bring him more mainstream popularity, or another step away from the squared circle entirely.
Ortiz joins former opponent Floyd Mayweather as boxers to be on Dancing with the Stars. Other boxers to have taken their turn include Sugar Ray Leonard, Evander Holyfield and Laila Ali.
