Victor Ortiz Not Fazed: Not Even Steroids Can Stop Me
Jun 6, 2012 • 5:47 AM ET
By Luis Sandoval
Victor Ortiz was supposed to have a much anticipated rematch against Andre Berto on June 23rd at the Staples Center but instead he will be facing Josesito Lopez after Berto failed his random drug test that was administered by VADA (Voluntary Anti Drug Association.)
Shortly after their Fight of the Year slugfest, Berto’s camp began hinting that Ortiz may have been using PEDs (Performance Enhancing Drugs) for the fight and being the reason he was victorious. When the rematch was agreed upon Berto wanted Olympic style random drug testing to be administered leading up to the fight. Ortiz, who was no stranger to the random drug testing, agreed with no problems.
When speaking to BoxingScene about the whole ordeal, Ortiz made it clear he’s the one that suspected Berto was on something all along.
“There’s no surprise there. For the first fight, my only thought there was ‘Wow, this dude is blaming me for steroids, I wonder what he’s on’. So right off the bat I kind of knew he was on something. But even so, to blame me for steroid usage? I took that as a compliment because you can’t stop me without steroids. Not even steroids can stop me” shared the former WBC Welterweight champion.
“I’m a very strong fighter. A strong force that isn’t stopping anytime soon. Like it or not, I’m coming.”
Even with all the controversy, Ortiz is only concentrating on his opponent Josesito Lopez now. The venue, the date and the goal all remain the same as he tries to bounce back from his defeat to Mayweather last year.
“Berto is the top of the line according to people but not in my eyes. At the end of the day I take it for what it’s worth. As for me, I move forward and keep going with myself. Josesito is the next guy who’s in line for me so I’m ready. [He’s] a great fighter but he’s run into a train” Ortiz would tell BoxingScene.com.
Ortiz enjoyed a night out as he attended the Four Warned Showtime card last Saturday in Carson, CA at The Home Depot Center and tweeted during the fights.
You can follow Luis Sandoval on Twitter @Truewest007. You can also tune in to The Boxing Lab, Boxingscene’s official audio show every Tuesday from 6-8PM PST with hosts Ernest Gabion, Luis Sandoval, and Ryan Burton.
