Boxing: Floyd Mayweather Ready to Rock Victor Ortiz

It’s ‘Money’ time yet again as Floyd Mayweather looks to reclaim the WBC Welterweight title this Saturday night. Al Dannity looks ahead to Pretty Boy’s latest effort to pad his record.

Tough keeping track
In his quest to match Manny Pacquiao’s talent in amassing a broad array of world titles, it’s easy for Floyd Mayweather to get confused about what titles he’s already won. Money won the WBC Welterweight title all the way back in 2006 before dropping it during his brief spell in retirement. Having enjoyed two fights where Pretty Boy wasn’t chasing a title, Mayweather now has his eyes locked on a familiar prize.

That’s bad news for Victor Ortiz. The noted Harry Potter fan claimed the WBC crown by beating Andre Berto via unanimous decision in April. It was the Garden City fighter’s first world title and a major step forward for the 24 year old. He couldn’t have asked for a tougher opponent for his first defense. Money has beaten every kind of fighter on the planet, well at least every kind not named Manny Pacquiao. For Ortiz to be competitive, he will have to hope that his unconventional style gives him some kind of edge. The reigning WBC champion is a natural right-hander who fights southpaw. It’s not wholly unusual but it may be the only edge Ortiz has got.

Realistically I can’t see one oddity confusing Mayweather. No-one can control a fight and frustrate opponents quite like Pretty Boy. That being said, I don’t expect this to be a particularly explosive encounter. Mayweather is a smart fighter who knows how to stay out of trouble. Boxing betting fans would be wise to consider backing Mayweather to win via decision at -175.

Canelo-mania
Saturday night also sees a huge world title fight between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Alfonso Gomez. At just 21 years of age, Canelo has already made a big mark for himself by landing the WBC Light Middleweight title. He is a big favorite for Saturday’s clash with Gomez, who made his name on the reality TV show The Contender. The real value here is in betting on the fight outcome. Alvarez hasn’t recorded a quick stoppage in any of his last three fights but a TKO against Ryan Rhodes in June demonstrated his power. I like Canelo to go after Gomez early and win by KO or TKO at -200.