World Boxing Council (WBC) # 5 rated “Vicious” Victor Ortiz plans to go full throttle in order to knockout WBC Welterweight World Champion and unbeaten star Andre Berto in their highly-anticipated 12-round “East-West Showdown” on April 16 at the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
With training camp winding down and fight week here, Ortiz kept his comments short and to the point regarding his fight with Berto. Below are notes from Ortiz’s training camp in Oxnard, California:
How was training camp for this fight?
“Training has been great.”
Have you prepared differently for Berto than previous opponents?
“I have trained like never before in my life.”
What is a typical Ortiz training day like?
“It’s ‘Vicious.’”
Who have you been sparring with?
“My main sparring partner is Francisco “Chia” Santana; the others are a secret.”
What is the most imperative strategy to win this fight?
“Knock Berto out.”
How do you feel about coming to the East Coast to fight?
“I will go to the end of hell and back to get my belt.”
24-year-old Ortiz (28-2-2, 22 KO’s), fighting out of Ventura, California, is hitting his fighting prime and has developed into one of the most popular fighters in boxing. The hard-punching southpaw holds victories over former World Champions Nate Campbell (UD10), Vivian Harris (KO3) and Carlos Maussa (KO1) as well as high profile opponents such as Antonio Diaz (TKO7), Mike Arnaoutis (TKO2) and Jeffrey Resto (TKO2). The former NABO/USBA title holder will look to capture his first world title by defeating Berto on April 16.
“East-West Showdown: Berto vs. Ortiz” is presented by DiBella Entertainment, in association with Golden Boy Promotions. The bout will be televised live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing starting at 9:45 PM/ET 6:45 PM/PT. The broadcast kicks off with Amir “King” Khan (24-1, 17 KO’s) defending his WBA Super Lightweight World Title against Paul “Dudey” McCloskey (22-0, 12 KO’s) from the M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, England.
Tickets are priced at $350, $200, $125 and $65 and are available through the MGM Grand at Foxwoods box office. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.mgmatfoxwoods.com or by calling the MGM Grand at Foxwoods at 1-866-646-0609.
