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By Lyle Fitzsimmons - I dig Victor Ortiz.
There… I said it.
Unlike many colleagues in the new world of “I’ve gotta find someone to rip” sports journalism – and contrary to those who navigate the comment rolls from the cozy confines of mom’s rent-controlled basement – I think he’s a tough-as-nails kid with as much heart as any other title-level fighter.
And probably equal, if not more, sense.
When it comes to his TKO loss to Marcos Maidana a few years back, purists and trolls of all stripes were left aghast as they peered through Gatti-tinted glasses and saw nothing short of a primetime, premium cable act of cowardice on the part of a TV-manufactured pretty boy.
“He’s finished,” they spat in unison, recoiling at the concept of surrender before brain bleed, and extolling the virtues of marble-mouthed heroes who’d sooner lose in a stupor than quit un-concussed.
The tough-guy crowd relaxed its stance a bit when Ortiz jumped up a weight class, got off the mat twice and jostled muscle-bound Andre Berto from the ranks of the unbeaten in one of 2011’s best scraps, and it co-opted him as a poster boy for fair play when Floyd Mayweather Jr. cold-cocked him on PPV.
All, it seemed, was right with the world once more.
Until he fought Josesito Lopez, and went and acted human again. [Click Here To Read More]
There… I said it.
Unlike many colleagues in the new world of “I’ve gotta find someone to rip” sports journalism – and contrary to those who navigate the comment rolls from the cozy confines of mom’s rent-controlled basement – I think he’s a tough-as-nails kid with as much heart as any other title-level fighter.
And probably equal, if not more, sense.
When it comes to his TKO loss to Marcos Maidana a few years back, purists and trolls of all stripes were left aghast as they peered through Gatti-tinted glasses and saw nothing short of a primetime, premium cable act of cowardice on the part of a TV-manufactured pretty boy.
“He’s finished,” they spat in unison, recoiling at the concept of surrender before brain bleed, and extolling the virtues of marble-mouthed heroes who’d sooner lose in a stupor than quit un-concussed.
The tough-guy crowd relaxed its stance a bit when Ortiz jumped up a weight class, got off the mat twice and jostled muscle-bound Andre Berto from the ranks of the unbeaten in one of 2011’s best scraps, and it co-opted him as a poster boy for fair play when Floyd Mayweather Jr. cold-cocked him on PPV.
All, it seemed, was right with the world once more.
Until he fought Josesito Lopez, and went and acted human again. [Click Here To Read More]
and I gotta say I'm a big fan of Victor Ortiz, I always have been and I've never questioned his heart or talent. Ortiz is a great warrior with a great style and I'm glad that he will be back this Thursday night and I expect to see him give us another great fight. Like everybody else I hope that his jaw has been healed back to 100% and I hope that it never becomes an issue for him. I wish Ortiz all the best and hope to see him become champion once again.
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