By Rick Reeno
WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz (29-2-2, 22KOs) is not intimidated by the accomplishments, or the boxing skills, of Floyd Mayweather Jr. (41-0, 25KOs). Ortiz will make the first defense of his title against Mayweather on Saturday night at the MGM Grand. While Ortiz has attacked Mayweather's record, he admits the boxer has everything that he wants - including the fame, the money and the recognition from the boxing public.
"41 have tried and 41 have failed but 41 of those were not me. Also, he's been champ for ten years. I'm taking the torch whether he likes it or not, I have nothing lose. What does he have? He has everything that I want. Mayweather is just a person who likes to talk. Assassinations are quiet," Ortiz said.
Ortiz believes Mayweather's run at welterweight has been an illusion, with a string of wins comprised of old, small and overmatched fighters.
"I don't really see a whole lot [to worry about]. It's pretty fair to say [about his record]. He fought some decent guys, but on their way out. You can say whatever you want about me, but I fought some good fighters in their prime. He's fought guys on the way out, too small, old," Ortiz said.