By Paula Duffy, Examiner.com
Victor Ortiz is tired of hearing about his draw against Lamont Peterson in his last fight. On a media call today to promote his April 16 bout with undefeated WBC welterweight champ Andre Berto, he said more than once, "this is my time, my turn."
Ortiz, (28-2-2 22 KOs) nicknamed Vicious sounded confident that he will prevail at 147 lbs. "I know where I'm going, I know what I want, I want to be champion. I will and I must." Much was made about why he has abandoned the 140 lb. division, which was explained away by Ortiz this way.
"There is not much of a difference between 140 and 147. I feel fine. Why start small, go big and challenge Berto who is the champ."
Asked about showing up to fight Peterson at 156, after making weight at 140 lbs. the day prior, Ortiz claimed it was normal for him. "I fight the best to be the best, no matter the weight class. Berto gave us an opportunity and it's my time."
Andre Berto's (27-0 21 KOs) promoter Lou Di Bella decided to state his case about why Ortiz went up in class. "I think he can't make 140 lbs. any longer. No matter what he says, it isn't normal to gain 16 lbs. in 24 hours. He didn't look strong against Peterson, a guy who doesn't have much power. I think he's got to 147 because he has to."
Berto was asked if he was in a no-win situation against Ortiz. He will be criticized if he loses and yet if he wins, he will seen as beating a real junior welterweight. The champ said: "I always get criticism. People don't believe in my skills and potential."
Di Bella jumped in to add his two cents. "This is the most difficult fight out there for my man. It is very fan friendly, HBO wants it. As a welterweight, this is not Berto fighting a 140 lb. fighter. Ortiz is bigger than that. He's move up because he has to."
Source: examiner.com
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