"Vicious'' Victor Ortiz has promised to get his career back on track for a world title shot, when he face fellow former world champion Devon Alexander in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions card on FOX.
The event takes place on Saturday, Feb. 17 from Don Haskins Center on the UTEP campus in El Paso, Texas.
Ortiz (32-6-2, 25 KOs), a former 147-pound champion, has split time between boxing and acting throughout his recent career - but now he appears to be fully focused on the fight game. He came back last July with a knockout victory over Saul Corral.
Alexander (27-4, 14 KOs), who held world titles at junior welterweight and welterweight, broke a long layoff when he returned to the ring with a unanimous decision victory over Walter Castillo on FS1 on Nov. 21.
With his entire career at stake, Ortiz believes the time is now to get his affairs in order.
“I have to prioritize, now, when before, it was just doing craziness and living for no one other than me. I'm ready to give all I have to defeat Devon Alexander and to ultimately get my crowns back,” Ortiz said to Premier Boxing Champions.
"I’m facing a hell of a fighter in Devon Alexander. I don't hate Devon, but I will not be his friend and he won't be mine."
Ortiz is still young and has no plans to retire from the sport, but understands that he can't box forever. Some have called for his retirement after some of his recent setbacks, but he intends to prove the critics wrong with an impressive victory over Alexander.
“My priority is on making a strong comeback against Devon Alexander and to have my straps once again,” Ortiz said.
"I have a future outside of boxing and I’ll retire from the sport before the sport retires me. But I’m healthy and demonstrated what I'm made of and did what I said I was gonna do against Saul Corral. He walked into the ring on his feet, but he didn't walk out. I’m working hard, ready to give my all against Alexander, and there’s no stopping me.”