Former two-time Welterweight champion Andre Berto has received a boxing license in California three months after he tested positive for a banned substance prior to his rematch with Victor Ortiz according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“As someone who truly believes in clean sport, I have never used any type of performance-enhancing drugs,” Berto said in a statement. “Everything I’ve achieved was the result of hard work and determination. I am excited that this whole situation is behind me, and I look forward to returning to the ring soon with another exciting performance, so stay tuned.”

“We sent all of the medical material to California and he was issued a license,” said promoter Lou DiBella, who has promoted Berto for his entire career. “I’m glad he’s back in the ring with his eye on the prize, and in the future he’ll be more careful. He wasn’t on a steroid program. It was probably a tainted substance that caused the positive test. That is my belief. Right now, Andre Berto is focused on getting back in the ring. He’s looking forward to his next fight taking place as soon as possible.”

DiBella said there were no specific plans in the works for Berto’s return.

“He just got licensed (Tuesday),” DiBella said. “We were hoping the license would be coming, and now we can get to work on his next fight.”

Josesito Lopez will step in to face Victor Ortiz on June 23rd in Los Angeles after Andre Berto tested positive for a banned substance according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“(Golden Boy) offered the fight to us on Friday afternoon. I got a call from (Goossen Tutor Promotions matchmaker) Tom Brown saying we got the offer and I said, ‘We’ll take it,'” Lopez’ trainer/manager Henry Ramirez said. “We’re excited. We’re ecstatic. Our job is to get the biggest fight out there for Josesito that we can for the best money we can get, and this is that fight.”

“We’ve explored a variety of potential opponents, and so far Lopez seems to be the best available opponent that will take the fight on short notice,” Showtime Sports general manager Stephen Espinoza told ESPN.com. “He is a strong, tough and experienced fighter, and he’s looked particularly good in his last few fights. I like this matchup, and I hope a deal can be worked out.”

Junior welterweight Humberto Soto (58-7-2, 34 KOs) and Lucas Matthysse (30-2, 28 KOs) will still meet in the Showtime co-featured bout, but Riverside, Calif., heavyweight contender Cristobal Arreola (35-2, 30 KOs), who is also trained by Ramirez, will be added to the card to make it into a televised tripleheader. The fight figures to be Arreola’s final bout before an anticipated heavyweight championship shot against Wladimir Klitschko in November.

“Pending approval of the opponent, the Arreola bout would be added to undercard on the Showtime broadcast,” Espinoza said

“My guy has been in the gym, so all we have to do is just change the date of the fight by one day and change our sparring partners,” said Ramirez, noting that Lopez was preparing for the right-handed Holt and now will be facing a left-hander in Ortiz.

“Holt pulls out on us and then this drops in our lap, so we’re excited,” Ramirez said. “The kid (Lopez) will make probably four or five times his biggest purse (which was $35,000) for this fight with Ortiz and a lot more than he would have gotten to fight Holt. So we are in a no-lose situation here because it’s a great opportunity, it’s a good payday and it’s a fight we believe that we can win.

“Lopez puts pressure on his opponents and we know Ortiz doesn’t like pressure and we also know he doesn’t have the biggest heart in the world. We’ve seen him quit before” in a sixth-round knockout loss to Marcos Maidana in a 2009 interim junior welterweight title bout.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former two-time Welterweight world champion Andre Berto has tested positive for a banned substance which no puts in doubt his June 23rd rematch with Victor Ortiz.

Promoter Lou DiBella told ESPN.com he was unsure of what Berto tested positive for but confirmed the result.

“I know he tested positive,” DiBella said. “I have nothing else to say. I don’t know all of the details so I have nothing else to say.”

“Obviously, we are disappointed that Berto’s ‘B’ sample came back positive,” Schaefer, Ortiz’s promoter, told ESPN.com. “I was informed late Saturday of the ‘A’ sample testing positive and urged an immediate testing of the ‘B’ sample. We just got the results that the ‘B’ sample tested positive as well. It’s unfortunate. We have to see what happened because I don’t know.

“This is obviously a very unpleasant situation to say the least, but at the same time, there is no room for any form of performance-enhancing drug use in boxing. I am not accusing Berto of anything, but that happens when you want to clean up the sport and you agree as a fighter and promoter to go through these kinds of procedures. I hope this will lead athletes to be more careful with what they eat or drink or take. Everybody needs to educate themselves more about what is permitted and what it is not permitted. But if it takes two or three or four fights to be canceled, so be it. There can be zero tolerance for the use of banned substances.”

“At the present time, I cannot explain the positive drug test, which was provided as part of a voluntary anti-doping program in which I agreed to participate,” Berto said in a statement. “I know that I have never used any steroids or other banned substances, and I am investigating all possible causes of the positive test with my attorney, Howard Jacobs. I have never cheated, and all of my success has come from hard work and dedication.”

Berto has had Victor Conte, founder of the notorious Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative, in his training camp for this fight.

Conte, however, denied he had any involvement in the positive test.

“Andre Berto’s positive test for (norandrosterone) has absolutely nothing to do with me or any supplements I provided. Likely trace contamination,” Conte tweeted. “Andre has admitted to taking supplements other than what I provided without my knowledge. Apparently, something was contaminated.”

“We did our job. We stand by the integrity of the test and the testing process,” said Dr. Margaret Goodman, who heads VADA and is a former chief ringside physician for the Nevada State Athletic Commission. “It’s not our role to determine what comes next for Mr. Berto. At this point it would be inappropriate for me to discuss the matter further with the media.”

After the fight last year, Berto accused Ortiz of using performance-enhancing drugs in his upset victory. Now it is Berto who has tested positive, an irony not lost on Rolando Arellano, Ortiz’s manager.

“When you point the finger there’s three pointing back at you, but we will take the high road,” Arellano said. “We’re going to give this guy the benefit of the doubt.

“We want to fight him and he wants to fight us, so we are going to wait until there is a complete fact finding in this case. We know what VADA has to say and we’re curious what about what Berto has to say. Hopefully, there is something that went wrong. Maybe the jars got mixed up. But it doesn’t look that way. Victor will go on, but this is awful for boxing fans who wanted to see another fight of the year.”

Arellano said he informed Ortiz of Berto’s positive test and his response was “complete and utter silence. Then he said, ‘I’m going to the gym.'”

Schaefer and Showtime both told ESPN.com they have no intention of canceling the card. “This means another terrific fight that fans were looking forward to appears like it’s not going to happen,” Schaefer said. “I want to know what the origins of this (positive test) are. I have been told that it could have something to do with food contamination. But I’m not going to go and cancel the event. Let’s learn more, let’s see what will happen. In the meantime, my team is working behind the scenes to come up with an alternative opponent.”

Photo By Claudia Bacanegra

NEW YORK (May 9, 2012) – FIGHT CAMP 360°, the acclaimed documentary series, which launched during the Super Six World Boxing Classic, returns ahead of the highly anticipated June 23 edition of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING featuring Victor Ortiz vs. Andre Berto. SHOWTIME Sports® will produce three episodes of FIGHT CAMP 360°: Ortiz vs. Berto II, shining its unique spotlight into the lives and personalities of both of these compelling young fighters as they prepare for the rematch of the 2011 Fight of the Year (USA Today, The Ring magazine). The first episode will premiere on Wednesday, June 13, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME®.

The series-which has been called “gritty” and “outstanding” by ESPN and “the most groundbreaking concept the sport has seen in years” by MaxBoxing-will again give fight fans unfiltered access behind the scenes of the sweet science. Episode one will highlight the lives of Ortiz and Berto over the last four months, including Berto’s rehabilitation for the torn left biceps injury that postponed the bout. Episode two, premiering Wednesday, June 20, at 10 p.m. on SHOWTIME, will bring fight fans the intensity of the final preparations for this career-defining fight.

In addition to the two 30-minute preview episodes in anticipation of Ortiz vs. Berto II, SHOWTIME Sports will produce a 15-minute wrap-up episode to premiere one week following the fight on Saturday, June 30, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.

Installments one and two of FIGHT CAMP 360°: Ortiz vs. Berto II will replay on CBS Sports Network, SHOWTIME and SHOWTIME EXTREME (full schedule listed below). Additionally, the episodes will be available on SHOWTIME On Demand.

In April 2011, Ortiz and Berto engaged in one of the most thrilling fights of the year, with both men hitting the canvas twice before Ortiz rallied to victory and captured Berto’s World Boxing Council (WBC) Welterweight World Championship. On Saturday, June 23, these rugged and determined fighters will meet once again, this time at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif., in a highly anticipated 12-round welterweight rematch live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

#OrtizBerto2 @VICIOUSOrtiz @AndreBerto
@SHOsports @goldenboyboxing @OscardelaHoya @loudibella @staplescenterla

Visit sports.sho.com for more info

Showtime Boxing

SHOWTIME / SHOWTIME EXTREME Schedule

Wednesday, June 13 10 p.m. ET/PT Episode 1 SHOWTIME (PREMIERE)

Wednesday, June 13 12 Midnight ET/PT Episode 1 SHOWTIME EXTREME

Thursday, June 14 10 p.m. ET/PT Episode 1 SHOWTIME EXTREME

Friday, June 15 10 p.m. ET/PT Episode 1 SHOWTIME EXTREME

Friday, June 15 12 Midnight ET/PT Episode 1 SHOWTIME

Monday, June 18 10 p.m. ET/PT Episode 1 SHOWTIME EXTREME

Tuesday, June 19 10 p.m. ET/PT Episode 1 SHOWTIME EXTREME

Wednesday, June 20 10 p.m. ET/PT Episode 2 SHOWTIME (PREMIERE)

Wednesday, June 20 11 p.m. ET/PT Episode 2 SHOWTIME EXTREME

Thursday, June 21 10 p.m. ET/PT Episode 1 SHOWTIME EXTREME

Thursday, June 21 10:30 p.m. ET/PT Episode 2 SHOWTIME EXTREME

Friday, June 22 10 p.m. ET/PT Episode 1 SHOWTIME EXTREME

Friday, June 22 10:30 p.m. ET/PT Episode 2 SHOWTIME EXTREME

Saturday, June 23 1 p.m. ET/PT Episode 1 SHOWTIME

Saturday, June 23 1:30 p.m. ET/PT Episode 2 SHOWTIME

Saturday June 23 6 p.m. ET/PT Episode 1 SHOWTIME EXTREME

Saturday, June 23 6:30 p.m. ET/PT Episode 2 SHOWTIME EXTREME

CBS Sports Network Schedule

Wednesday, June 13 12 Midnight ET/9 p.m. PT Episode 1 CBS Sports Network

Wednesday, June 13 3 a.m. ET/12 Midnight PT Episode 1 CBS Sports Network

Thursday, June 14 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT Episode 1 CBS Sports Network

Wednesday, June 20 12 Midnight ET/9 p.m. PT Episode 2 CBS Sports Network

Wednesday, June 20 3 a.m. ET/12 Midnight PT Episode 2 CBS Sports Network

Thursday, June 21 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT Episode 2 CBS Sports Network

Friday, June 22 12 Midnight ET/9 p.m. PT Episode 1 CBS Sports Network

Friday, June 22 12:30 a.m. ET/9:30 p.m. PT Episode 2 CBS Sports Network

“Repeat or Revenge: Ortiz vs. Berto II” is the highly anticipated 12-round welterweight rematch of USA Today and Ring Magazine’s 2011 Fight of the Year between former World Champions “Vicious” Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto which will take place Saturday, Feb. 11 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. The co-featured fights will see top contenders Erislandy Lara and Ronald Hearns square off and 2011 “Prospect of the Year” Gary Russell Jr. take on Dat Nguyen. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment and will air live on SHOWTIME at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). A special three-fight undercard telecast will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

FIGHT CAMP 360°: Ortiz vs. Berto II

The acclaimed documentary series which launched during the Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament returns ahead of the highly anticipated Feb. 11 edition of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING featuring Victor Ortiz vs. Andre Berto. Episode one of FIGHT CAMP 360°: Ortiz vs. Berto II will shine its unique spotlight into the lives and personalities of both of these compelling young fighters as they prepare for the rematch of the 2011 Fight of the Year (USA Today, The Ring magazine). Episode two will chronicle the intensity of fight week, the drama of fight night from multiple perspectives and the aftermath of this career-defining bout.

About Showtime Networks Inc.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD™, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com the rematch scheduled for this weekend between former Welterweight champions Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto is looking to be rescheduled for June 30th.

The fight will now take place at the Mandalay Bay instead of the MGM Grand.

“Being cautious, Berto should be prepared to fight in about four months,” said Berto’s promoter Lou DiBella. “The fight is going to happen and the fight is going to happen next. My expectation is it will happen next within about four months, somewhere between late May and late June. I’ve talked to Showtime and they’ll accommodate it. This is a fight they want very much.”

Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer said he was unsure what would happen with the other two bouts that were scheduled to be part of the Showtime tripleheader — junior middleweight contender Erislandy Lara against Ronald Hearns and featherweight Gary Russell Jr., the 2011 ESPN.com prospect of the year, against Dat Nguyen — but that he was working on it.

“We don’t want to wait until June,” said Luis DeCubas Jr., Lara’s manager. “If he did, that would be just about a year since his last fight (a highly controversial decision loss to Paul Williams last July). That’s too long. Either we’re hoping to reschedule Hearns as quickly as we can or we hope to move on to a bigger fight. But we need to start working things out. Right now they don’t know, but I know Richard is working on it.”

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

LOS ANGELES (January 31) – Due to a left biceps injury sustained while training on Monday, January 30, Andre Berto will be unable to compete in his scheduled February 11 SHOWTIME televised bout against Victor Ortiz at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., forcing a cancellation of the event on that date. All parties involved are actively seeking a possible postponement date for Ortiz vs. Berto II.

Information regarding previously purchased tickets being honored for a possible postponement date will be released as it becomes available or, alternatively, ticketholders can contact their place of purchase for refunds.

More information will be announced as it becomes available.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Former two-time Welterweight champion Andre Berto injured his arm in training today which now puts in doubt his February 11th rematch with former champion Victor Ortiz.

“He had to go the hospital to get it checked out and he is hurt. I know the fight is in jeopardy of not happening on that date. It didn’t sound good,” one source said.

On whether the fight would be postponed, another source said, “When one of the guys in the fight is in the hospital for an arm injury two weeks before the fight, that is bad news.

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 26, 2012) – Former world champions Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto participated in a media conference call to discuss the upcoming rematch of the 2011 Fight of the Year on Saturday, Feb. 11, live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast), from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Ten months after their classic slugfest that was named 2011 “Fight of the Year” (USA Today, Ring Magazine), Ortiz (29-3-2, 22 KO’s), of Ventura, Calif., and Berto (28-1, 22 KO’s), of Winter Haven, Fla., will square off again. The eagerly awaited 12-round fight is a rematch of a fiercely contested, multiple-knockdown affair on April 16, 2011, that Ortiz won by a unanimous decision (114-112, 114-111 and 115-110) while capturing Berto’s World Boxing Council (WBC) 147-pound title. Both fighters were knocked down twice in the fight, with Berto being dropped in the first, Ortiz going down a round later and each of them hitting the deck in a wild sixth round that many called the “Round of the Year” for 2011.

Here’s what the participants had to say on Wednesday’s call:

ANDRE BERTO: “We’ve already had a tremendous camp and right now we’re going through the motions every day. We’re excited about Feb. 11 and getting to Vegas for a fight of this magnitude. It’s going to be go time”.”

How important was it for you to get back in the ring and beat Jan Zaveck the way that you did?

ANDRE BERTO: “I think it was tremendously important after you go through the situations that I went through not to dwell on it for too long but to just jump back in action. And that’s what I did. I just wanted to take a little time off and put this fight together for me and I jumped right back into action.”

Did you get a lot of confidence from that?

ANDRE BERTO: “It definitely helped, but at the end of the day I know I can fight. If I had a bad night or if you have a bad day at the gym, at the end of the day you know you’re going to be able to know how to fight.”

What’s the most important thing Tony Morgan has done for your career since you started working with him?

ANDRE BERTO: “Me and Tony are pretty much like family. We started in this game together when I was like 10, 11 years old. It’s just been our dream to win a world title and to be at any type level of this fight game. He taught me a lot about loyalty, he taught me a lot about family. We had a lot of big dreams, but then again we never really thought that we’d get to this point coming from such a small town that we came from.”

How did losing the first fight of your career affect your psyche? Did it have a major affect on you?

ANDRE BERTO: “Of course. It played with my mind a bit. You get to a point where I think any fighter would be affected by that. But you just brush it off, get back on your feet and get back in there. And that’s what I did.”

Did it take another fight to build up that confidence?

ANDRE BERTO: “No. In my last fight I went in there like nothing happened. I went in there and went straight to work like nothing happened at all. At the end of the day, you like to be realistic. That loss put a lot of different things in perspective. It made me get back and work hard and made me understand what kind of team and what type of family I have around me. They were very supportive. If I’m in this boxing thing or not, I still have that love from my family and my friends. Like I said, I have that support so I’m good.”

You seemed a little bit tired in that first fight. Is that true and is that something you’ve been working on since then?

ANDRE BERTO: “Of course. I believe when we trained for that fight I don’t think we trained like we were supposed to. I believe that’s something that fighters go through. You get in a situation where you have a lot of success and you stay in your own little circle, your own little box instead of trying to look out and find the best situations for you. I think I suffer from that because after that fight I found out I was anemic and I had to really reach out to find some help with that because it got to be pretty serious. I learned I needed to take a lot better care of my body.”

Do you feel that you’re past that and you’ll be in a lot better condition for this fight?

ANDRE BERTO: “Of course. We’re working hard and having our doctors checking on me to make sure my levels are up and making sure I’m getting all my vitamins that I need to continue to push to have the best training sessions. Before, we were so old school in everything. We didn’t take vitamins or protein shakes or none of that, it was just hard work. But anybody knows that if you’re a world-class athlete you have to train and you have to take care of your body like you are a world-class athlete. And that’s something that we’re really getting into, and we’re trying to take all the right precautions now.”

You had estimated after the fight that maybe Ortiz was on some illegal substance and then you backed off. Is that something you still believe?

ANDRE BERTO: “No. Ortiz was just better that night.”

LOU DIBELLA: “That’s also not going to be an issue in this fight as both fighters agreed to drug testing and there will be drug testing on this fight and it’s not going to be an issue for anybody. Both sides have to go out there and do the right thing and both agreed to testing. I think that’s a big step to take away some of the innuendo and the problems that do exist in our sport. But all you can ask the fighters to do is say ‘Ok, I’ll be tested.’ And that’s what these two fighters have done.”

When will the drug testing start?

ANDRE BERTO: “I believe they’ve already tested me twice for this fight — urine tests and blood tests.”

How was that for you?

ANDRE BERTO: “It was different, but I went through that as an amateur so it wasn’t something completely different.”

Andre, you know that Victor had to go in front of the Nevada State Athletic Commission for his actions against Floyd Mayweather. Do you see it as an issue or advantage for you?

ANDRE BERTO: “I’m not sure. I’m a clean guy when I’m in there. We just want to make sure our team watches out for any type of incidental situations.”

Are you bummed out that there is no fight at stake in this bout?

ANDRE BERTO: “Probably a little bit, but like I said, right now I’m just trying to make good fights. I’ve won two titles now and I’m just resorting back to why I fell in love with this sport, (and getting) back to the basics. This fight right here is a fight that I wanted, a fight that the people wanted. It’s going to be an exciting one and that’s the only thing that I’m worried about”

What does it say about you that you’ll take a fight of this magnitude?

ANDRE BERTO: “It says a lot about both of us. You see a kid go through a lot of success, but then again go through a lot of criticism and a lot of hate. On both sides I believe. To lose your first fight and come back and win another world title and give it up to hopefully make another exciting fight. And the same thing for Ortiz – he came off a loss against Floyd, he ended up getting knocked out, but he overcame that and came back to fight another exciting fight. It shows where we come from. It’s in my heart, it’s in my passion to just put on exciting fights. When we’re done with our careers I don’t believe we’ll have any regrets.”

Is this a better chance for you or Ortiz?

ANDRE BERTO: “I think it’s a good fight for both of us. I lost the fight and came back and won a world title. I could have gone a different route but I wanted to take this one. Ortiz lost to Mayweather. Either way you look at it, you’re putting together two young guys that love to fight and put on an exciting show.”

How have things changed since the first fight against Ortiz?

ANDRE BERTO: “A lot of things. We’re definitely a lot smarter, we definitely matured a lot more. We had a chance to put a lot of different things in perspective, not just in my boxing career but in life in general. So I think it definitely helped me for the better.”

VICTOR ORTIZ: “I’ve been working hard and keeping it positive. There are no worries in the world right about now, and Berto is certainly not one of them. At the same time I know I have to be tremendously tough for this guy, both in and out of the ring. I’m not a guy who has to sit there and run his mouth. The thing is, at the end of the day, the boxing gloves will do the talking. Apparently Berto has a chip on his shoulder. Well I have a few chips on my shoulder due to the first Berto fight – it didn’t end the way I wanted it to end – and my last fight wasn’t the greatest. So my roller coaster is re-launching right now. I want to climax. I’m nowhere near ready to pull back, not now or in the near future. It’s going to be a great fight, I will be victorious once again and I will not take no for an answer.”

When you fought Andre could you sense that he was wearing down physically in the end of the fight?

VICTOR ORTIZ: “No, not at all. It was the same Berto I trained for, actually better. The only difference – there was a beast in there with him.”

What do you need to do to match his improved strength in the ring?

VICTOR ORTIZ: “Once again it comes back that I’m the underdog. That’s the story of my life. I don’t really mind it one bit. At the same time, let’s not forget this much – I was a 140-pounder in the first fight. Now, I’m a natural 147.”

Victor, you say you’re always an underdog. Is the scrutiny fair?

VICTOR ORTIZ: “It’s the game. I’m just here. I’m just here to live another day and become one of the greatest boxers of all time. Obviously people go through their ups and downs, but I’m having fun and I’m enjoying every moment of going through my ups and downs. At the end of the day I’m just trying to be one of the greats.”

Do you like being the underdog?

“No way, man. Not one bit. That’s good though. I enjoy being that person that’s always counted out.”

Why do you think people count you out after you won the first fight?

VICTOR ORTIZ: “I don’t know. That’s my only question. At the end of the day I don’t really care what anybody believes but me. I’m ready for this guy once again.”

What is your point of view of having a fight of this caliber that isn’t a title fight?

VICTOR ORTIZ: “I don’t mind it. Given the circumstances that this guy wants to fight me, I am more than willing to give him a shot. Why not? He gave me a shot.”

What do you expect different in the ring from Berto?

VICTOR ORTIZ: “I don’t really know, but I’m preparing for the best Berto there is possible, along with my corner. If he’s gotten any better than, hey, that’s awesome. That’s what we’re expecting. We’re expecting the best Berto to be present and I’m ready.”

How’s your mental state of mind coming off a loss to Mayweather.

VICTOR ORTIZ: “I don’t think I lost. (I still) believe in myself. I still see myself as a world champion. I will never bow down to not being a world champion because it wasn’t right how it happened in my eyes. Once again, I’m counted out by Berto’s team. To me it’s perfectly fine. I don’t care. I’m going to show him why I beat him the first time.

“It’s Berto’s second chance, not mine. What do I lose? Nothing. At the end of the day it’s going to be a great fight.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.dbe1.com, www.mgmgrand.com, http://Sports.SHO.com, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @VICIOUSOrtiz, @AndreBerto, @OscarDeLaHoya, @loudibella, @SHOsports, @mgmgrand; or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/lou.dibella or www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing.

“Berto is a good fighter, but I never saw him as great, not even when I was at 140 and I was coming up to challenge him — which is why I challenged him. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a dangerous fighter but I don’t fear him. I have no respect for him, I’m not scared of him, nothing like that. At the end of the day I will win this once again.”

“Repeat or Revenge: Ortiz vs. Berto II” is the highly anticipated 12-round welterweight rematch of USA Today and Ring Magazine’s 2011 Fight of the Year between former World Champions “Vicious” Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto which will take place Saturday, Feb. 11 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment. It will air live on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). A special three-fight undercard will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

Tickets, priced at $300, $150, $100 and $50, are on sale and are available at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase atwww.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

About Showtime Networks Inc.:

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD™, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

LOS ANGELES, January 26 – To round out the SHOWTIME Championship Boxing tripleheader headlined by the highly-anticipated rematch between Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto, Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment have announced two more high-impact fights from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. on Saturday, Feb. 11..

In a 10-round junior middleweight showdown before the main event, Cuban star Erislandy Lara returns for the first time since his controversial fight against Paul Williams to battle fellow contender Ronald Hearns. Opening the SHOWTIME Championship Boxing broadcast will be a 10-round featherweight matchup which will see unbeaten Gary Russell Jr., the consensus 2011 “Prospect of the Year” award winner, look to continue his meteoric rise against Dat Nguyen.

“Repeat or Revenge: Ortiz vs. Berto II” is the highly anticipated 12-round welterweight rematch of USA Today and Ring Magazine’s 2011 Fight of the Year between former World Champions “Vicious” Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto which will take place Saturday, Feb. 11 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. The co-featured fights will see top contenders Erislandy Lara and Ronald Hearns square off and 2011 “Prospect of the Year” Gary Russell Jr. take on Dat Nguyen. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment and will air live on SHOWTIME at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast). A special three-fight undercard telecast will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

Tickets, priced at $300, $150, $100 and $50, are on sale and are available at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase atwww.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

One of Cuba’s greatest amateur boxers and the owner of three consecutive national championships and one world championship, Erislandy Lara (15-1-1, 10 KO’s) defected from his homeland in order to chase glory as a professional and he is well on the way to achieving that goal. Unbeaten in his first 16 professional fights, Lara was the victim of one of the most controversial decisions in recent history last July when judges awarded former World Champion Paul “The Punisher” Williams a 12 round decision win in a fight most observers believed the Guantanamo native won. Undeterred, the 28-year-old will be back in the ring on Feb. 11 and is determined to be the lone judge on fight night.

The name “Hearns” is royalty in boxing circles thanks to the exploits of soon-to-be inducted Hall of Famer Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns. The Hitman’s son, 33-year-old Ronald “The Chosen One” Hearns (26-2, 20 KO’s), is doing his best to continue the family business into the next generation. A professional since 2004, the lanky boxer-puncher has won five of his last six fights, with the only loss coming in a middleweight title bout against Felix Sturm in 2011. Now back at 154 pounds, Hearns feels stronger, faster and ready to issue Lara his second straight defeat.

Named the 2011 “Prospect of the Year” by ESPN, Sports Illustrated and The Ring Magazine, 23-year-old Gary Russell Jr. (19-0, 11 KO’s) earned those accolades the old fashioned way – by fighting. The Maryland southpaw was 6-0 last year, fighting as often as possible, dazzling fans and opponents alike along the way. Now ready to make his move on the featherweight elite, Russell can’t wait to surpass his 2012 campaign with even more big wins.

Vietnam native Dat Nguyen (17-2, 6 KO’s) is an ultra-tough competitor known for his straight-ahead style and willingness to go toe-to-toe with anyone who dares step into the ring with him. Winner of six of his last seven bouts, the 29-year-old, who now makes his home in Vero Beach, Florida, is hoping that a win over the unbeaten Russell will be the catalyst for a 2012 to remember for him.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.dbe1.com, www.mgmgrand.com, http://Sports.SHO.com, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @VICIOUSOrtiz, @AndreBerto, @OscarDeLaHoya, @loudibella, @SHOsports, @mgmgrand; or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/lou.dibella or www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former Welterweight champion Victor Ortiz received a one-fight license in Nevada for his February 11th rematch with Andre Berto.

Ortiz had to appear before the commission due to the tactics he used during the September 17th bout with Floyd Mayweather. In that fight, Ortiz repeatedly headbutted Mayweather and stated after the fight the he purposely tried to break Mayweather’s nose.

“I was trying to break his nose, 100 percent,” Ortiz said in the interview. He later added, “Although I take (the loss to Mayweather) as a learning lesson, a learning experience, next time it ain’t gonna be that. If I’m gonna head butt you, I’m gonna break your nose (on the) next head butt.”

During questioning by the commission, Ortiz was contrite about both incidents.

“I won’t make any excuses,” said Ortiz, who was accompanied to the hearing by David Itskowitch of Golden Boy and manager Rolando Arellano.

Of the head butt, Ortiz said, “I acted in a very inappropriate manner. I don’t know what I was thinking. I want a chance to redeem myself and show you guys I’m not a dirty fighter and never have been. … In the heat of the moment, I lost it. That will not happen again, I assure you.”

He said he made his remarks at the end of a long day and that “questions were coming from left and right” and that there were “repetitive questions. Frustration took over. It was a question that had been asked all day of me.”

When a commissioner asked Ortiz how he would react if he felt like he was being fouled — he claimed Mayweather had repeatedly elbowed him — he said, “Next time, I’m not going to commit anymore fouls. … I was very embarrassed by this whole thing.”

Arellano also was allowed to address the commission, saying, “Victor takes full responsibility. There’

“It would be very limited license where you have the opportunity to prove yourself,” he said.

Commissioner Pat Lundvall also supported the one-fight license idea. “Do not let it happen again in this state,” she said.

“I’m thrilled that he got the license,” Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer said. “When I talked to Victor, like he said in front of the commission, he apologized about what happened. I think sometimes you get carried away and you do or say things you regret. I know Victor is a clean fighter, not a dirty fighter. You can look at his record.

“This fight with Berto will be a hard and exciting fight, but it will also be a clean fight. And after the fight, the commission will see this was a one-time glitch for Victor and he will be issued a permanent license.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former Welterweight champion Victor Ortiz will have to explain himself to the Nevada commission about the antics and post fight statements he made during and after his fourth round knockout loss to Floyd Mayweather before he could be granted a license for his February 11th rematch with Andre Berto.

Ortiz purposely headbutted Mayweather and later made a statement that he tried to break Mayweather’s nose during the fight.

Head of the Nevada Commission Keith Kizer said that commission chairman Raymond “Skip” Avansino Jr. directed that Ortiz’s application for a license be put on the agenda for the next meeting. Ortiz applied for his license Wednesday.

“Chairman Avansino wants the commission to be able to question Mr. Ortiz about his actions in the ring on Sept. 17 and issues related thereto,” Kizer said. “This is Mr. Ortiz’s first fight since then and it’s a new licensure year, but (the comments) definitely sealed it.

“I was trying to break his nose, 100 percent, because (Mayweather) nailed me 16 times with his elbow on my right eye,” Ortiz said in the interview. “It was wrong, it was very wrong. But given the fact that I had asked the ref to keep an eye on that and I told him (watch the) ‘elbow’ (and) he kept saying, ‘Keep fighting Victor, keep fighting.’ All right, you want to get dirty? I got dirty.

“I let the best take over. I let the best of me get away and for that I started feeling bad. And that’s why I was like, ‘Yo, Floyd, my bad bro, I apologize, man.’ So I gave him a hug. They got me to feel human once again in the ring, and when I felt human I paid for it. Although I take it as a learning lesson, a learning experience, next time it ain’t gonna be that. If I’m gonna head butt you, I’m gonna break your nose (on the) next head butt.”

Said Kizer, “The apparent willingness by Mr. Ortiz to head butt an opponent in the ring according to his own words is definitely a cause for concern for the commission. This is pretty blatant and Mr. Ortiz made it pretty easy for the chairman to have a hearing by saying those comments.”

Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer, Ortiz’s promoter, declined comment, but manager Rolando Arellano told ESPN.com that Ortiz would welcome the opportunity to answer the commission’s questions, and that he was willing to appear in person even though it meant breaking his Southern California training camp for the day.

“The commission’s mission is to help protect the safety and welfare of all fighters,” Arellano said. “They’re taking action to make sure that this type of conduct doesn’t occur in the future. We appreciate the opportunity to go in front of them to discuss any and all of their concerns and to answer all of the questions they may have.

“When we step into that ring, we want to display the highest standard of sportsmanlike conduct, so we’ll fly out and listen to them and address any of their concerns. We’re not bothered by their request. They’re doing their job and we have to assure them that we will do our job in accordance to the rules and conditions of the Nevada commission while participating in a boxing event.”

“Victor did something wrong that day and was apologetic and showed remorse,” Arellano said. “He was reprimanded that day and the commission wants to make sure nothing goes afoul again.”

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that Jr. Middleweight Erislandy Lara will take on former world title challenger Ronald Hearns plus undefeated Featherweight prospect will see action on the Victor Ortiz – Andre Berto undercard that will take place on February 11th on Showtime. All three bouts will be televised.

“We are happy to have Lara back in the ring and I have a feeling it will be a great 2012 for him. This fight is only going to be the start of a great year for him,” said Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions. “At 154 pounds he is a threat to anyone and we are also excited about having Gary on the card. He’s one of the best prospects in boxing.”

“I think it’s a good fight and a good fight for Lara to stay sharp in and then move on to bigger and better things,” said Luis DeCubas Jr. who manages Lara. “We’re really pleased to be on such a big card. Ronald comes from a good background. He’s tall and lanky and has good power like his dad (newly elected International Boxing Hall of Famer Thomas Hearns) and I think Lara deals well with tall, lanky guys. I just have to get the kid back in the ring. I would love a huge fight for him, but he has to just get back in the ring.”

“Ronald is the right guy for Lara to shine against,” DeCubas said. “Lara wants to fight the best guys in the world but they won’t fight him, so let’s see where this takes us. Lara is willing to move up a few pounds to show he would be a good candidate to fight (middleweight champ) Sergio Martinez or any other top middleweight.

“It’s an interesting fight because Ronald can really punch and he is the bigger man than Lara,” said Lou DiBella, Hearns’ promoter. “This is definitely a winnable fight for Ronald and I know he’s going there to win.”

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that former world champions Victor Ortiz & Andre Berto will rematch their 2011 Fight of the Year candidate on either January 28th or February 11th with this bout landing on Showtime rather than HBO where the first bout was televised.

Lou DiBella, Berto’s promoter, would not confirm the figures, but acknowledged that Showtime had bought the fight and was the highest bidder.

“Showtime’s offer was the highest in the marketplace,” DiBella told ESPN.com on Thursday night. “It’s good to know that they’re in the game and that a fight of this quality had interest from both networks. Competition in the marketplace is a good thing. As Andre Berto’s promoter, I am very grateful for the loyalty and investment HBO made in Berto over the years, and I know Andre is also.”

“The first fight was one of the best, most crowd-pleasing fights of the year and it’s the best thing for boxing fans that it’s going to happen again in 2012,” DiBella said. “This fight represents a good start to the year for Showtime, although I believe HBO made a good faith offer to get the fight.”

“This is something the people want and I want as well,” Berto told ESPN.com on Thursday night. “I gave up a world title for this to happen. You know how serious this is for me. I’ve been with HBO my whole career but Showtime stepped up to the plate money-wise to have it. Surprised HBO didn’t, but this is a business. So I am just looking forward (to) bringing the people the best fight possible to jump off the 2012 year with a bang.”

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that IBF Welterweight champion Andre Berto will relinquish his belt and pursue a rematch with former WBC champion Victor Ortiz.

“It’s a fight that I want more than a world championship,” Berto told ESPN.com. “I love my title, but then again, I want to give the fans what they want to see.”

Lou DiBella, Berto’s promoter, told ESPN.com that Bello gave up the title begrudgingly.

“He didn’t want to and he doesn’t understand why HBO would turn down Randall Bailey as an opponent, but he also wants revenge against Ortiz,” DiBella said. “The fact is there is no American TV money to make Berto-Bailey so it couldn’t be made. We are trying to make the Ortiz rematch.”

“I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night going the other route and just skimming through,” Berto said. “Knowing who I am, and how I was brought up, and my passion for the game, that’s the route I need to go. It’s just me. I’m the type of kid that if I got in a schoolyard fight, I’m gonna see that guy and we will have to fight every day until I beat him. I know we’re going to have to scrap again.”

The report said DiBella is eyeing January 28th.

“Joe Frazier passed (Monday) night and he is remembered as a great person who fought in some of the most monumental fights,” Berto said. “He will always be remembered. I believe that’s the reason I got into the sport, by watching monumental fights. These guys have a passion for the sport and I want to continue that.

“I think that the rematch will be a tremendous fight. The first one was a fight of the year and it’s only right for me just knowing that I got into the game to be in great fights. It’s the fight everyone wants to see. We have a short time span in this game, so I every time I step in this ring I want it to be remembered, and I want people to remember me for that.”

“I definitely want it more than any other fight in my career right now,” Berto said. “I had an off night and (Ortiz) capitalized on it. It was a wake-up call for me to refocus. I’m just ready to go and lock myself in a dungeon and focus and get ready.

“Everything happens for a reason. This fight right here a second time around will be a lot bigger than the first one and a win will make me a lot bigger star. You got two fighters, Bailey and Ortiz. They are both risks, but a there’s a bigger reward to fight Ortiz, so I am ready to go.”

“My guy is coming off a title win, Ortiz is coming off a knockout loss and their first fight was terrific, so we just need to make a fair deal,” DiBella said. “It took two to make a fight of the year candidate. So I have no problem with equal footing for this fight, but I won’t be dictated to by Richard or by HBO. I’m sure when Richard and I get past the fact that we are quibbling, we can get a deal done.”

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

Andre Berto won his second Welterweight championship after capturing the IBF portion when reigning champion Jan Zaveck could not continue after round five of their clash at The Beau Rivage Hotel and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.

The two set a good pace early with Berto displaying lightning hand speed but Zaveck seemed unimpressed as he trucked forward and was solid with the right. Berto had a good round three as he pounded the body of Zaveck by doubling up his hooks. Zaveck had a good round four as he started working to the body and got through with good combination’s’.

Round five was an intense round with both guys landed hard shots. Zaveck landed a good right to open the round. The two traded nice uppercuts in the center of the ring. It was Berto, who showed the war scars as he had a mouse forming under his left eye. Berto’s hard shot formed swelling around the right eye of Zaveck. The landed another over hand right to end the round.

When Zaveck sat down in the corner, there was blood on the right eyelid and swelling from the left eye. he told his corner he couldn’t see but wanted to continue. The corner won out and the bout was stopped before round six could commence.

Berto, who was coming off his professional loss to Victor Ortiz but won back a sliice of the welterweight title and is now 28-2 with twenty-two knockouts. Zaveck of Slovenia was making his American debut put up a tough effort but is now 31-2.

Featherweight Super Prospect Gary Russell Jr. scored a dominating eight round unanimous decision over Leonilo Miranda.

Russell Jr. showed incredible handspeed and had Miranda in trouble on a few occasions. Russell had a big round four as he landed some big body combinations and then came upstairs to the head. In round six, Russell ripped off a ten punch combination that had Miranda to the point that he ducked under the top rope to avoid anymore damage. those big punches opened up a cut around the right eye of Miranda.

Russell cruised downed the stretch and showed glimpses of the brilliance that many boxing insiders beleive he could be one of the next stars on the American circuit.

Russell of Capitol Heights, Maryland won by scores of 80-72; 80-72 and 79-72 to remain perfect at 18-0. Miranda of Mexico is now 32-4-1.

It was a clean sweep for DiBella Entertainment (DBE) stable-mates Thomas Oosthuzien, Randall Bailey, Luis Orlandito Del Valle and Ivan Redkach earlier in Biloxi, Mississippi, on the undercard of tonight’s live HBO Boxing After Dark telecast, featuring former WBC Welterweight Champion, Andre Berto looking to reclaim a piece of the welterweightr crown when he takes on reigning IBF Champion, Jan Zaveck.

In a very entertaining fight, South Africa’s Oosthuzien defended his IBO Super Middleweight Title with a twleve round unanimous decision victory over Aaron Pryor Jr. The southpaw, Oosthuzien who was making both his U.S. and DBE debut, was able to work behind a vicious body attack to outwork Pryor for most of the fight. Pryor hung tough, and did some good work of his own, causing a nasty cut to open over Oosthuzien’s right eye, but in the end Oosthuzien was the much busier of the two, winning by scores of 117-11 on all three judge’s scorecards.

IBF #2 rated welterweight, Randall “The K.O. King” Bailey improved to 42-7, 36KO’s with a dominate ten round unanimous decision over Yoryi Estrella. Bailey, the manadatory challenger to tonight’s main event winner, controlled the action throughout, dropping Estrella with an uppercut in the 5th round, before going on to win by scores of 100-89, 100-89, 98-91.

Del Valle knocked out Anthony Napunyi with a tremendous overhand right, improving to a perfect 14-0, 11KO’s. Official time of the stoppage was 1:21 of round three.

Redkach improved to a 8-0, 7KO’s stopping Vernon Alston (4-2, 4KO’s) in the third round of their scheduled six round lightweight contest.

In the opening bout of the evening, Gerald Jordon (8-5-1, 5KO’s) scored an upset six round split decision over previously undefeated welterweight Sergio Vartanov (9-1, 6KO’s).

Follow all the action LIVE as Jan Zaveck defends the IBF Welterweight title against former WBC champion Andre Berto. The action begins at 10:30 pm eastern/7:30 Pacific and 4:30 am on Sunday in Slovenia with a Featherweight bout between hot shot prospect Gary Russell Jr. and Leonilo Miranda.

12 ROUNDS–IBF WELTERWEIGHT TITLE–JAN ZAVECK (31-1, 18 KO’S) vs ANDRE BERTO (27-1, 21 KO’S)

Round 1: Overhand right from Zaveck..Body shots from each guy..Good right from Berto..10-10

Round 2: Berto lands a hook to the body…left hook to the body..Zaveck lands a combination…Triple left from Berto…Good right from Zaveck..20-19 Berto

Round 3: Double left hook from Berto…Hard body shots…more work to the body…30-28 Berto

Round 4: Zaveck lands a good body shot and then a combination..left and right..couple good head shots..Good left..39-38 Berto

Round 5: zaveck lands a good right..mouse under the left eye of Berto..trading uppercuts…good left to the body from Berto…Good counter from Zaveck off the ropes…Swelling under the left eye of Berto while Zaveck’s right eye us closing..Zaveck lands a left to the body and right to the head …Berto fires back with a good over hand right…Zaveck’s eye is looking bad…..49-47 Berto

ZAVECK SAYS HE CANT SEE AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED AFTER ROUND 5–WINNER AND NEW IBF WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION—ANDRE BERTO

8 ROUNDS–FEATHERWEIGHTS–GARY RUSSELL JR (17-0, 10 KO’s) vs LEONILO MIRANDA (32-3, 30 KO’S)

Round 1: Russell lands a good right hook…10-9 Russell

Round 2 Russell effective with the jab throughout the round…20-18 Russell

Round 3: Russell trying to walk down Miranda with the jab…30-27 Russell

Round 4: Russell lands 2 right hooks to the body…body shots..hook to the chin…Taking a part Miranda…Flurry of body and head punches from Russell..40-36 Russell

Round 5: Tremendous handspeed wobbles Miranda…50-45 Russell

Round 6: Russell blazing handpeed rips off ten punch combo that has Miranda ducking between the ropes…Miranda bleeding from the right eye…60-54 Russell

Round 7: Russell ripping body punches…70-63 Russell

Round 8: Russell on cruise control..domination…hard right hook…80-72 Russell

80-72; 80-72; 79-72 GARY RUSSELL JR.

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that former WBC Welterweight champion Andre Berto will have an opportunity to win back a slice of the Welterweight title when he takes on Jan Zaveck for the IBF crown on September 3rd in a bout that will televised by HBO.

“I was watching tapes of Zaveck and he’s better than I thought he would be,” Said Berto’s promoter Lou DiBella. “I still think my guy wins, but Zaveck is a quality fighter.

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

After a 9 month hiatus Deandre “The Bull” Latimore 22-3(17) resurfaced with an 8 round shut out victory over durable veteran Dennis Sharpe on the Andre Berto-Victor Ortiz undercard in Mashantucket, Ct. It helped Latimore 25, get rid of some ring rust, he’s now eager to parlay that win with something much bigger in the talent laden Light Middleweight division. He’s already called out a comeback Paul Williams who is without a dance partner for his has a July date on HBO. Here’s what the St Louis native had to say on various subjects.

Hello Deandre, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly you recently got back in action winning a shut out decision over Dennis Sharpe. What can you tell us about the fight?

Deandre Latimore – I wanted to show the fans and HBO representatives what I can do. I boxed and put on a show.

Anson Wainwright – How happy were you with the performance?

Deandre Latimore – I gave myself an A+ grade because I did everything the way we worked on in training camp

Anson Wainwright – Who are the members of your team; your manager, trainer & promoter?

Deandre Latimore – I’m co-promoted Rumble Time Promotions (Steven Smith) and DiBella Entertainment (Lou DiBella), managed by Chris Watkins, and trained by Ray Franklin and Jacob Chavez.

Steven Smith (CEO & President of Rumble Time Promotions): Ray Franklin trained under living legend trainer Ken Adams. Ray was like a sponge, learning from Ken, and then Ray added his specialty, strength and cardio, to become the complete trainer. Ray Franklin is the best kept secret in boxing!

Anson Wainwright – You’re based in Las Vegas these days. Can you tell us about the move, how it’s helped you and the sparring you get?

Deandre Latimore – I’m based in Las Vegas at the Hit Factory. Everything has been great since I moved to Las Vegas. I’ve been able to focus on boxing 100-percent and that’s helped me focus on where I need to be

Anson Wainwright – Recently you have been calling out Paul Williams for a fight on 9 July. Can you tell us about this and do you have a message for Williams?

Deandre Latimore – I know Williams is looking for an opponent for his July 9th fight on HBO. I think me and him would be a perfect fight for television and fans. I want to fight the best in the division because it’s my time to break through and be a big name and face in boxing. I will do that very soon. Let’s make it happen, Paul. I’m ready for a summer showdown with you.

Anson Wainwright – Outside of Williams there are many other options at 154. What other fights Interest you? What do you think of the champions WBA Austin Trout IBF Cornelius Bundrage & WBO Sergei Dzindziruk?

Deandre Latimore – I would fight anyone in the 154-pound division including K9 (Cornelius Bundrage), Austin Trout, and Sergei Dzinziruk.

Anson Wainwright – You’re 1-1 with Sechew Powell; he’s fighting Cornelius Bundrage in June. Would you like to have a third fight with him to settle the score?

Deandre Latimore – I know Sechew is fighting K9 soon and, of Sechew wins I’d love to settle the score. He caught me at a time in my career when I had a lot going on, but I’m back to being Deandre and have my team back together. I promise I’ll knock him out.

Anson Wainwright – Of course you have already fought for a world title losing a split decision to fellow St Louis fighter Cory Spinks. Can you tell us about that fight & what it was like for you to fight in front of your home fans against Spinks who is also from St Louis so you both probably knew each other before hand?

Deandre Latimore – In my fight with Spinks he was a veteran of the game. I was overanxious and wanted to knock him out. It was a good experience for me and I learned a lot from that fight.

Anson Wainwright – You’re from St Louis, can you tell us about your younger days and what it was like growing up there?

Deandre Latimore – My childhood was tough growing up in the rough, rugged Clinton Peabody Projects in South St. Louis, Missouri. I have seen the worst of the street and been to hell and back.

Anson Wainwright – How did you first become interested and take up Boxing? Can you tell us about your amateur career? What tournaments you won and what your final record was?

Deandre Latimore – I started boxing at the age of eight. I competed in numerous amateur tournaments, winning a National PAL Championship and National Ringside Championship. My amateur record was 250-45.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us a bit about your life away from Boxing; what do you like to do with your spare time and what are your hobbies and Interests?

Deandre Latimore – Outside of boxing I spend time with my kids, hang around playing my Xbox 360 Call of Duty.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans ahead of your assault on the Light Middleweight division?

Deandre Latimore – 2011 will the year that Deandre Latimore breaks through the boxing headquarters. So keep following me because I’m going to make big things happen this year.

Thanks for your time Deandre.

Anson Wainwright

15rounds.com

Weekend Thoughts – It was very sad to hear yesterday that Sir Henry Cooper had passed away aged 76. He was a hugely popular personality in Britain, best most known for being a punch or two away from changing history and knocking out Muhammad Ali in 1963. He ended his career with a record of 40-14-1(27), he held the British, Commonwealth & European titles through out most of the 1960’s. He was twice awarded British Sports Personality, he was also awarded the OBE in 1969 before being knighted in 2000. Though I never had the pleasure of personally meeting “Enry’s Ammer” he is undoubtably a big loss to Boxing, my thoughts and best wishes go out to his family.

Victor Ortiz’ personal triumph in his dramatic upset of Andre Berto re-affirms an increasingly forgotten fundamental. Defeat is important. It’s an opportunity, one that now confronts Juan Manuel Lopez.

Lopez finds himself where Ortiz was nearly two years ago. With his stunning loss to Orlando Salido Saturday, Lopez has fallen from the undefeated ranks, an insulated niche, and into the harsh, unforgiving light that forces a fighter to question himself and endure further questions from everybody else. It’s a final chapter for many, the first in a newborn stardom for a few and perhaps one that Floyd Mayweather Jr. just wants to sidestep.

Unbeaten only means untested. Rocky Marciano retired at 49-0, but it’s hard to find him among history’s top 10 in any all-time ranking.

From this corner’s perspective, defeat is an inescapable rite of passage for fighters with the highest aspirations. It’s also what keeps the public interested. It’s no coincidence that the reported audience of 1.5 million for Ortiz’ welterweight decision over Berto in a unanimous counter to doubts about his courage was HBO’s biggest of the year. The irresistible drama attracted a crowd that gathered for a glimpse at whether there was enough within Ortiz to overcome. There was. He did.

Your turn, JuanMa.

The guess here is that the likable Lopez can and will. It won’t be easy. The Ortiz experience is the freshest example of that. Anguish and anger stood in the way of Ortiz after the 2009 surrender to Marcos Maidana.

Unlike Ortiz, few doubt Lopez’ will. But there are plenty of questions about the featherweight’s commitment. He got too comfortable, perhaps softened and deluded about an illusion of invincibility that comes with an unbeaten record. By now, his marital problems and inattention to training, including a trip to the Philippines for Manny Pacquiao’s birthday party, are well-documented. There also was some arrogance. In a conference call before the Salido loss, Lopez called himself the favorite of Puerto Rican fans.

“With all due respect to Miguel Cotto and Ivan Calderon, both great champions, I feel I am the most popular boxer in Puerto Rico,’’ Lopez said a days before Salido’s eighth-round stoppage forced a reassessment of that claim.

Lopez first step would appear to be a rematch with Salido. There had been plenty of talk with boxing circles about a Lopez showdown with Yuriorkis Gamboa. But promoter Bob Arum pushed aside that possibility until, he said, somebody showed him the money. If Lopez can mature into the committed fighter he is expected to be, that money and perhaps more will be there.

A key to Lopez’ predicted stardom is his personality. Fan-friendly, Arum said. Some, probably many, of those fans might not be as friendly as they had been. But that’s a good thing if Lopez forges himself into the fighter they have always expected.

Those fans will renew that friendship, strengthen it as never before, if Lopez answers their criticism the way Ortiz did.

Ex-Phoenix fighter killed in police shooting
In a sad story, a onetime promising light-heavyweight was killed by Phoenix police early Monday. Robert Charlez, 40, was shot to death while sitting outside of a fence on a freeway overpass. According to police, officers asked Charlez to come down from a bridge across I-10.

Officers shot when Charlez advanced on them with what police said was an article of clothing wrapped around his right hand. According to police, Charlez said he had a gun. A police spokesman told Phoenix media that Charlez “had a simulated weapon in his hand at the time of the shooting.” But it wasn’t clear whether there was a gun or a knife in Charlez’ right hand. According to The Arizona Republic, the police spokesman did not say what the object was.

Charlez’ right hand was powerful. In 1992-93, Charlez scored six knockouts, winning seven fights and losing one, before getting into trouble with the law.

“A good fighter and a nice guy,’’ said Phoenix cornerman Dominic DiGuiseppe, who worked with Charlez at former trainer Willy Borchert’s old gym in west Phoenix.

Notes, quotes, anecdotes
• A NABF title will be at stake and perhaps represent another step toward a shot at a major title for Phoenix super-middleweight Jesus Gonzales (26-1, 14 KOs) on June 4 in front of a hometown crowd at Celebrity Theatre against Henry Buchanan (20-2, 13 KOs).
• And Shane Mosley talks as if he will be facing a much smaller task in Manny Pacquiao on May 7 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand. “Lately, I’ve been dealing with bigger guys, monsters,’’ Mosley told Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times during a media day at his training camp. “To have a guy with a smaller frame in front of me this time, he doesn’t intimidate me at all.” Mosley might want to take a second look at Pacquiao. Pacquiao has the legs of a much bigger man. Those legs look like a couple of tree trunks. They are the source of his speed, balance and power.

Victor Ortiz approached his title fight against Andre Berto with a ferociousness that, frankly, we’ve never seen in Ortiz, pre-fight.

The 147 pound Ortiz looked the same as the 140 pound Ortiz, but he talked a whole lot different. That much I knew. I wrote about that six weeks ago.

What I didn’t know, however, was that Ortiz’s “more vicious” approach to his April 16 championship showdown would translate into a “more vicious” performance in the ring — as dominant a performance one could have when being knocked down twice.

The dominance started almost immediately, as both fighters came out firing, with Ortiz striking first. Roughly ninety seconds into their WBC middleweight title bout Ortiz sent Berto the crashing to the mat — a knockdown which referee Mike Ortega would rule a push.

That didn’t matter, however, as Ortiz went right back to work, overwhelming Berto with punches in bunches. A right cross staggered the then-undefeated champion, forcing him to retreat to the corner, and ultimately, after absorbing a flurry of punches from the heavy-handed Ortiz, caused the champ took a knee.

Berto would never fully recover from being sent to the canvas twice in the first stanza, and credit Ortiz for never letting him do so. That hasn’t always been the case with Ortiz.

In the past, the young Mexican-American has let hurt opponents rejuvenate and regain their strength. The Marcos Maidana and Lamont Peterson bouts serve as exhibit’s A and B on that matter. But the “more vicious” Victor Ortiz kept his foot on the gas, not even letting Berto catch his breath when he was taunting him while against the ropes.

Even when he hit a speed-bump — a major speed bump — in round six in the form of becoming one with the canvas courtesy of a Berto right hand, he weathered the storm and returned the favor in the closing seconds of the round, sending Berto down with a short left hook.

He looked like a man possessed, as hungry as ever. He also looked like a true welterweight, his body no longer drained from the days of making the 140 pound junior welterweight limit.

But what was obvious to me at the kick-off press conference was ever-present throughout the fight. Ortiz wasn’t out to just win, he was out to make a statement — and that he did.

“It wasn’t until last fight…it was one of those things in the end I felt like a piece of gum on the bottom of somebody’s shoe,” Ortiz said at the press conference.

He continued, “I’m tired of this ‘Oh, he’s got no heart, he’s got no balls,’…the list [of criticism] goes on and on and on,” Ortiz said six weeks ago.

Ortiz was breathing fire, he was pissed, and possessed. Many thought Berto’s hands would . Not so. Not last Saturday.

Unless Ortiz lands a life-changing payday against Mayweather or Pacquiao, a rematch — likely PPV — would be the next most lucrative bout.

In the past, perhaps I’d question whether Ortiz would be able to bring that same fierceness, that same intensity to the ring twice. But not this time. If they do square up again, I’m taking Ortiz, no questions asked.

The Ortiz at 147 is ferocious. He knew exactly what he wanted and he found a way to get the job the done.

“They say Andre Berto is the best [at 147]. I disagree,” Ortiz said in late March. “Berto is no chump. He’s the champ for a reason. But April 16th, I’m changing that.”

Talking the talk and walking the walk. Bravo. A tip of the sombrero to you, the new…

Kyle Kinder can be reached at KyleKinder1@gmail.com or Twitter.com/KyleKinder

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

MASHANTUCKET, CT (April 16, 2011) Forget what you know about Victor Ortiz. Forget what you know about Andre Berto. Nothing in either fighters past meant a damn thing tonight. The heart both men displayed and the way they fought has washed away any negative perceptions anyone could possibly hold about either fighter. Berto slugged instead of boxed, Ortiz over-came knockdowns and gutted out 12 hard rounds. Both fighters entertained and neither backed down. It’s what both needed and what they delivered.

Now the particulars. Round one set the tone for the entire fight, both men came out jabbing quickly, berto snaping off a few right hands. The felt each other out for a minute before Ortiz unleashed a left hand that glanced off of Berto’s should and head and put Berto down. Referee Michael Ortega did not rule it a knockdown but a few seconds later Betro was trapped in a corner went down amidst a barrage of Ortiz’s punches. Betro rose and the round ended but he was clearly shaken. Ortiz tried to exploit Betro’s shaky legs and charged him, swinging and landing. Betro survived and then leveled a perfect right hand counter that dropped Ortiz. Oritz rose and though not badly hurt, did mange to survive Berto’s follow up barrage. Rounds 3 and 4 had furious back and forth action between both fighters, with each giving as well as they were taking. Round 6 was the sure round of the year as Bertro dropped Ortiz hard with a counter right, only to be put down himself moments later from a perfectly time Ortiz left hand.

The fighters slowed a bit in rounds 7, 8 and 9 but there was still great two way action. The difference being that through those rounds, Ortiz appeared to be the slightly fresher, busier fighter. Ortiz was docked a point in round 10 for hitting behind the head but shook it off and closed out rounds 11 and 12 strong. It was truly a fight beyond words and both fighters gave it their all. When the scorecards were announced, Ortiz led on all three: 115-110, 115-112 and 114-111. Ortiz (29-2-2 22KOs) is now the WBC champ and appears to have handily overcome Maidana fight. Berto (27-1 21KOs) takes his first loss but will now hopefully be viewed as the truly exciting fighter he is.

Up and coming welterweight prospect Thomas Dulorme made a serious statement by notching a brutal 2nd round knockout over late replacement Harrison Cuello. Dulorme started quickly and had Cuello backpedaling for most of the first round, using hooks and straight right hands to keep Cuello off balance. Early in round 2, Cuello went down on an overhand right but was more off balance than hurt. Not long after he rose, Dulorme leveled a viscous right hand that instantly separated Cuello from his consciousness and dropped him straight backwards. Referee Johnny Callas didn’t bother to count and stretchers were immediately brought into the ring. Cuello (now 20-16-3 15KOs) was thankfully OK but there were a few tense minutes as medical staff attended to him. Dulorme, who improves to 11-0 10KOs with the knockout, has now certainly become a prospect to keep an eye on.

“Thomas Dulorme is one of the most devastating young punchers,” promoter Lou DiBella said. “He is the entire package. Within a year he will be challenging for a world title.”

Overcoming a 62 pound weight difference, the 223 pound female heavyweight Sonya Lamonakis claimed a hard fought unanimous decision over the 285 pound Gigi Jackson. Lamonakis initially looked a bit apprehensive as Jackson came forward and used her weight to push her around the ring, but by the second round, Lamonakis began to open up and score well with right hands. Through the next 2 rounds, Lamonakis was the busier fighter and pushed Jackson back behind strong right hands and left hooks. Ultimately it was work rate that caused the judges to give it to Lamonakis by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 (twice.) With the win, Lamonakis remains unbeaten at 5-0 1KO while Jackson falls to 2-2.

Deandre Latimore cruised to an unimpressive 8 round unanimous decision over Bayonne NJ’s Dennis Sharpe. Latimore was dominant in the early rounds and landed a number of good right uppercuts but seemed reluctant to follow up on any of his big punches. Each of the 8 rounds progressed in the same manner, with Latimore darting in and out and landing but refusing to open up and try for the stoppage. Sharpe did well to take Latimore’s hard shots but did little else throughout the 8 rounds. When the scorecards were announced, it was no surprise that all three read 80-72 in favor of the now 22-3 (17KOs) Latimore. Sharpe dropped is seventh in a row and stands at 17-7-3 4KOs

In an entertaining scrap between unbeaten bantamweights, New Haven, CT native Luis Rosa Jr. (6-0 5KOs) overcame the hard charging Joseliz Cepeda (4-1) of Neward, NJ and managed to pull out an impressive 5th round KO. The first three rounds of the fight were evenly contested as both fighters tee’d off on each other with near reckless abandon. The fight shifted in round 4 when Cepeda began to visibly slow. Rosa took advantage and pressed the action, putting in good work to the body. When the fifth began, Rosa began right where he left off and wisely went right back to Cepeda’s body. Less than a minute into the round, a left hook from Rosa dropped Cepeda to a knee and spelled the beginning of the end. Cepeda backpedaled to the ropes but was caught with another left hook to the liver and again took a knee; grimacing in pain as referee Dick Flaherty counted him out. Time of the stoppage was 1:12 of round 5.

Welterweight Joseph Elegele of Winter Haven, FL needed less than 2 rounds to blow out his out gunned opponent Angel Hernandez of Gary, IN. The talent disparity was quickly evident as Elegele dropped Hernandez early in round 1 with a counter right hook and proceed to tag him easily thoughout the rest of the round. Round 2 progressed in much the same fashion until Elegele landed a perfect left uppercut to Hernandez’s mid-section, causing him to crumple to the canvas. Referee Johnny Callas began a count but realized it wasn’t necessary and called the fight at 2:54 of round 2. Elegele remains undefeated and runs his record to 12-0 10KOs. Hernandez notches his tenth loss and is now 14-10 11KOs.

In the opening bout of the night, middleweight J’Leon Love of Dearborn MI, wiped out overmatched J.C. Peterson of Fort Myers, FL in less less than two rounds. Love dominated from the outset and rained punches on Peterson for the entirety of the fight. The end came as Peterson, trapped on the ropes, was stunned by a left hook and ate around 10 follow up punches en route to the canvas where referee Dick Flaherty waved it off. Time of the stoppage was 2:13 of round 2. Love is now 6-0 5KOs while Peterson stands at 1-11.

Post Fight Quotes

New World Boxing Council (“WBC”) Welterweight Champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz addressed the media following his thrilling twelve round unanimous decision victory over Andre Berto on Saturday night.

Berto, who hurt his right hand in round and required medical attention, did not attend the press conference.

Here are post fight quotes from the participants:

Victor Ortiz, WBC Welterweight Champion: “Andre Berto – I know he’s not here – we both went through a great war; nothing but respect. It was a very exciting fight. He hits very hard. I have a head harder than a rock. I wonder what the headline will read: Victor doesn’t have….fill in the blank. It wasn’t a walk in the park but I got the goods.”

“I want to thank Manny Pacquiao for his words. We talked today and he said to stick to my plan, that I’m a very good fighter, and don’t take anybody’s negativity.”

“I saw Andre Berto as a champion. There’s no stopping Berto. I didn’t prepare to knockout Berto. I knew it would go the full distance. I pictured myself with two black eyes, but I would have the green belt.”

“There are a lot of great fighters at 147’; I’m completely done with 140. I’m going to take a vacation and then shoot for the big names. I don’t make a helluva lot. Why not shoot for the big ones?”

“Stuff happens. That was the past. Maidana still doesn’t have anything on me. That wasn’t my night. I fought with a broken wrist and the fight was stopped. They said I gave up, I didn’t give up. I didn’t fight Morales. He’s a great guy but past his time and I strongly believe he beat Maidana. He wouldn’t give me a rematch but I’m the guy with no courage, no heart, no balls. But I’m the guy with the belt.”

“I didn’t see it as close. I knew I pulled off a victory. You see the new WBC Welterweight Champion.”

“I wasn’t expecting an easy fight. I expected a war. I studied him and he’s no joke. He knocked out some good guys but I saw the Luis Collazo fight. He (Collazo) was the first to beat him (Berto). I tip my hat to you.”

“It goes back to when I was young. I didn’t have anything when I was young. I raised my brother. I thought this was my dream. I wasn’t going to stand for anything less. I was moving up to 147 but knew I carried my power. For three months, every day at the gym, I would say the new champ.”

Lou DiBella, promoter of the show and Berto: “Berto can’t attend the press conference. Dr. Schwartz said he has a possible break of his right hand and possible concussion. He went to the hospital. We have no issues. Very, very close. No problems from our team. Victor Ortiz answered all of the questions about his heart. You know Victor Ortiz is a welterweight.”

“There were no losers when you out on a fight like this. I’m very proud to promote this fight.”

“Yesterday would have been the 39th birthday of Arturo Gatti. Arturo Gatti would have been very pleased of the fight tonight.”

Richard Schaeffer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions and Ortiz’s promoter: “We’ve been waiting for a guy to bring excitement back to boxing and Victor Ortiz did that tonight.”

“We’re very proud of Victor Ortiz. He was attacked by some in the media. They questioned his heart and the will to go to war. He proved he has heart and the will to win, against an undefeated guy like Berto and gave him no chance.”

“You saw one of the best welterweight fights in years. Definitely all fight fans would to see it again. There are a lot of opportunities for Victor at 147 bit we’ll sit down and get this fight made again.”

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

Follow all the action live as undefeated WBC Welterweight champion Andre Berto takes on what many are calling his toughest test in Victor Ortiz. The action begins approx. 10pm eastern/7 pm Pacifiic

12 Rounds–WBC Welterweight Championship–Andre Berto (27-0, 21 KO’s) vs. Victor Ortiz (28-2-2, 22 KO’s)

Round 1 Both Guys throwing hard, crisp punches…LEFT TO TO OF HEAD…DOWN GOES BERTO BUT RULED A SLIDP…BIG FLURRY IN THE CORNER …DOWN GOES BERTO AND HE IS HURT…Berto lands a big right…10-8 Ortiz

Round 2: Good uppercut by Berto…BIG RIGHT AND ORTIZ GLOVE HITS THE CANVAS…KNOCKDOWN…18-18

Round 3: Both guys slugging…Ortiz lands a uppercut…berto holds on…Left..Berto wobbling…Berto lands a left…Berto lands a hard right…Hook from Ortiz..Straight left..28-27 Ortiz

Round 4: Ortiz lands combinations on the ropes…Big left from Ortiz…Berto’s legs look tired…38-36 Ortiz

Round 5 Berto lands some jabs…Berto lands a right..Right hook from Ortiz..47-46 Ortiz

Round 6: HUGE COUNTER RIGHT AND DOWN GOES ORTIZ….Ortiz is hurt…Big right…BIG LEFT AND DOWN GOES ORTIZ…57-56 Ortiz

Round 7 Lots of mauling,,,Berto stumbling a bit…67-75 Ortiz

Round 8 Berto lands a right…76-75 Ortiz

Round 9: Ortiz tries to work the body…86-84 Ortiz

Round 10 Ortiz hits Berto behind the head and referee Michael Ortega docks a point from Ortiz…Ortiz lands a good left…95-93 Ortiz

Round 11 Ortiz lands a hard left and Berto looks very tired…105-102 Ortiz

Round 12 Berto lands a big right and left…Big left from Ortiz…114-112 Ortiz

115-110; 114-112; 114-111 FOR THE WINNER AND NEW WBC WELTERWEIGHT VICTOR ORTIZ

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

It’s popular these days to rip Victor Ortiz. It’s also a little too easy, perhaps because his quick mix of honesty and anger create a convenient target. The heart is always there, on Ortiz’ sleeve and never hidden beneath layers and loopholes. But it’s the heart that’s under attack. The critics say Ortiz doesn’t have one.

In our playground full of clichés, heart has been confused with courage. For anybody who forgot or just didn’t know, Ortiz, battered as a child in a broken home, became the legal guardian for a younger brother. That’s heart, the kind that many of our celebrated winners could use a lot more of.

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

So, please, don’t question Ortiz’ heart. It’s proven. But you can question his focus. That’s the issue Saturday night in his welterweight date with unbeaten Andre Berto in a HBO bout at The Foxwoods in Connecticut. Talented and powerful, Ortiz’ resume is tarnished with two fights that leave questions about whether he can fight, adjust and endure long enough to prevail in the face of a tough challenge

He didn’t against Marcos Maidana, whom he knocked down three times before his infamous surrender in the sixth about a year-and-half ago at Staples Center in Los Angeles. About 18 months later in a troublesome moment that led critics to recall his loss to Maidana, he seemed to settle for a majority draw in December after knocking down Lamont Peterson twice in the third in Las Vegas.

In the immediate aftermath of both, Ortiz didn’t sound or appear frustrated. Only after an unrelenting tide of media criticism did he react in anger.

“I felt like a piece of gum on the bottom of someone’s shoes,’’ he said in February during a news conference in New York. “So, I said to myself: ‘It’s my turn.’

“I’m going in against some tough opposition. Andre Berto is no chump. But now I’m hungry. I’m tired of people saying I have no heart or no balls. At the end of the day, I’m not scared of getting in the ring or challenging anyone.’’

But there’s more to the task than having the courage to make that walk from the dressing room, through the crowd, up the steps, under the ropes and into harm’s way. There’s finishing the job and that’s what Ortiz has yet to do in a defining fashion. Berto gives him that opportunity.

Ortiz is armed with powerful motivation. The media have piled on, putting a massive chip on his shoulder. As motivation, it figures to drive him and make him very dangerous during the first three to four rounds. But then what?

The guess here is that Berto will be careful early and still around later. Once the anger is gone as an emotional weapon, Ortiz will have to rely and re-fashion his evident talent with adjustments. He’ll have to think his way through adversity. I don’t think he will, simply because he has yet to show that he can. Still, a part of me will be cheering for him because of the media criticism arrayed against him.

His honesty, that heart, makes him a likable underdog at a career crossroads that could either propel him to real stardom or make him as forgettable as that chewed-up piece of gum.

15rounds.com Claudia Bocanegra was at The Palm Restaurant in New York City this past Wednesday for the kick-off press conference announcing the April 16 WBC Welterweight title clash that will pit champion Andre Berto and Victor Ortiz

Andre Berto and Victor Ortiz meet at the Palm restaurant in New York City to announce their April 16 WBC Welterweight title fight

WBC Welterweight champion Andre Berto discusses his April 16 title defense against Victor Ortiz

Promoter Lou DiBella sounds off on Sergio Martinez and Andre Berto – Victor Ortiz

Victor Ortiz talks about his April 16 showdown with WBC Welterweight champion Andre Berto

WBC Welterweight champion Andre Berto will defend his title against Victor Ortiz in April 16 at the MGM at Foxwoods according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“It’s a great facility and we’re having great success with [Saturday’s] show and Berto has fought the bulk of his fights on the East Coast, so it’s a natural,” Said Lou DiBella, who promotes Berto. “This is one of the best rooms for boxing on the East Coast. About 4,000 seats, not a bad one in there. We’re having a great experience working with the property on this [Martinez-Dzinziruk] event and we’re happy we’re coming back.”

“I think styles make fights and you can’t beat it. These are two guys that throw,” DiBella said. “They both have power. For any critic who says it’s a 140-pounder versus a 147-pounder, that’s bull—- because Ortiz is actually bigger than Berto. It’s the kind of fight I like to see. You know both chins are going to get tested. There’s a lot of speed in the ring and also a lot of power. People know I like aggression and blood and guys getting knocked out, so this is my kind of fight.”

HBO will televise Berto-Ortiz on “World Championship Boxing,” along with same-day taped coverage of junior welterweight titleholder Amir Khan’s defense in his native England against Paul McCloskey of Northern Ireland.

Turkey isn’t known for it’s Boxing, infact they’ve they’ve never produced a professional Boxing World champion. They have high hopes that Selcuk Aydin can become there first. So far he’s been impressive going 20-0(15). He comes with excellent amateur pedigree that saw him regularly medal in European competion, even competing for his country in the 2004 Olympics. However he lived up to his monicker of “Mini Tyson” when he was involved in an altercation with the referee of one of his fights in 2005, he was ultimately suspended for several years prompting him to punch for pay. After debuting in late 2006 he stayed busy in Europe, where he has had all but one of his fights to date. Aydin 27, is currently WBC Champion Andre Berto’s mandatory. He’s what the power punching Welterweight had to say.

Hello Selcuk, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – You have a fighting coming up on the 17 December in Miami, do you know who you’ll be fighting yet?

Selcuk Aydin – We have slightly changed the schedule. I will not fight on December 17th in Miami but on December 18th in Germany. Turkish TV covers my fights and for them it’s better if I fight in Europe because of the different time zones. I am training in Miami though and will certainly be back to fight here as well very soon but for the moment it makes more sense for me to fight in Europe. It’s only a stay-busy fight anyways. I don’t know who my opponent will be. But whoever it will be I will do my best to knock him out.

Anson Wainwright – Back in June you fought Ionut Dan Ion that was a very close fight that you won. What can you tell us about the fight & how happy you were with your performance?

Selcuk Aydin – I was not happy with my performance in that fight. I did what was necessary to win the bout but I wanted to show my fans in Istanbul a better performance. There were lots of things before that fight which didn’t go according to plans so I was not at one hundred percent the day of the fight. Because the fight was in Turkey I got distracted and lost focus. I wanted to knock my opponent out but I didn’t fight a good fight. It felt like I couldn’t pull the trigger that night although I did enough to win. After the fight I was criticized in the Turkish media and I apologized for a rather poor performance. Still I won a championship bout against a decent opponent. I gave ‘Jo-Jo Dan’ the chance to make himself a name through me. But I will be more than happy to take that away from him again. I have offered him a re-match and I promise in case we ever meet again inside the ring I will be better prepared and I will simply crush him.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at?

Selcuk Aydin – To me the most important people in my corner are my brother Yalcin Aydin and Vedat Alyaz who is a personal friend and important part of my team. The presence of these two is important for me to feel comfortable. Ahmet Oener is my promoter and manager. I am with him since I signed my first professional contract and I thank him for bringing me to where I am. Ahmet is one of the best promoters in the world today. He is successful in Germany and the USA and basically the only promoter who is doing big shows in Turkey. I also have people supporting me in Turkey foremost Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu who is a very influential person and experienced manager. Currently I am living in Miami where I work with my trainer Ismael Salas. He is a great coach and I appreciate the chance to work with him.

Anson Wainwright – Your mandatory to Andre Berto what do you think of him as a fighter? What can you tell us about the situation with when you will get a WBC title shot?

Selcuk Aydin – As you said I am the mandatory opponent for Berto. I have waited for this chance for a long time. All my life I wanted to prove that I am the best. To do so you have to beat the best. That is why I want to fight Berto who holds a title which should belong to me by now. He is a good fighter but he is not good enough to beat me. He hasn’t fought anybody as tough as me in his career so far. I have watched a couple of his fights. He’s fast and has a good technique but he didn’t impress me with his performances lately. And I blame Berto for making me wait for this fight for one and a half years. He did all he could to avoid me and I will make him pay for that once we meet in the ring. I heard that the WBC will call for purse bid shortly and Ahmet told me that the fight will take place before March 31st. I will fight him anywhere anytime. And I will strip the belt from him.

Anson Wainwright – Many boxers have tough upbringings and that’s how they first get into Boxing, what was your youngers days like?

Selcuk Aydin – I could not say that I had a hard childhood home in Turkey. I have a great family who has always supported me and my father has always told me: If you want to do something you better do it right. I recall one time when I was very young and skipped training to hang out and play with some friends. When my father heard about that he said to me: Don’t tell me you want to become a boxer if you don’t want to go to training. If you are not willing to sacrifice you will not go anywhere. From that day on I went to the gym everyday. And that is what brought me to where I am.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us how you first got into Boxing in Trabzon, Turkey, your country isn’t known for pro Boxers?

Selcuk Aydin – When I was in the first grade I always passed a boxing club on my way to school. One day I told my father that I want to go and train there. He tried to convince me to join a football or basketball team instead. Those sports are far more popular in Turkey than boxing. But I felt that I am a fighter. I wanted to prove that I am the best. That is hard to do in a team sport. Fighting was always part of my nature. So I convinced him that I wanted to become a boxer and he took me to the gym and accompanied me and my brother every single day. There were some decent fighters at the gym. When I saw them I wanted to be like them. I worked hard, improved and became the best fighter in the gym. After that I saw the best Turkish amateurs and wanted to be like them. So I worked hard, improved and became the best fighter in Turkey. Now I look at the best boxers in the world and I am working hard to improve and become better than all of them.

Anson Wainwright – You had a good amateur career twice winning medals at the European Championships, what can you tell us about your amateur days? What pro fighters did you fight and what was your final record?

Selcuk Aydin – I have had close to 400 amateur fights and lost only about 20. And even when I lost to somebody I surely gave all of my opponents the hardest time in the ring. Not many of the guys I fought at the amateurs became good pros. Maybe a handful. I can’t give you names because I don’t care a lot about my opponents. I only care about myself and my performance. One name I recall is Frankie Gavin from the UK. He cost me my world amateur championship title. I have always been better than him but because of stupid politics he got a win over me he didn’t deserve. I was so fed up with amateur boxing that I turned professional immediately while he went on to become world champion. I should have won that title. I heard that he is pro now, too. I hope to meet him in the ring someday to get revenge for the amateur title he stole from me.

Anson Wainwright – The was a moment in your amateur career when you had an incident with a referee, what is your side on what happened?

Selcuk Aydin – There are rumors about me hitting referees which are simply untrue. I never hit a referee. I may have pushed one but that’s all. I cannot stand injustice. And in amateur boxing very often politics influence decisions and fight results. When I fought Frankie Gavin the way he ran away from me and only clinched when he should have been fighting just made me furious. I chased the guy through the ring and was clearly the aggressor in the fight. Still he led on points and I couldn’t understand that. I screamed at him that he should fight like a man and I unloaded my frustration but I didn’t hit a referee. I was suspended because of political reasons. The AIBA president at that time was from Turkey. His opponents wanted to get rid of him and they chose me as sort of sacrificial lamb. Because of the suspension I couldn’t go to the world championships so I decided to turn pro.

Anson Wainwright – What do you enjoy doing when your not Boxing? What are your hobbies and Interests?

Selcuk Aydin – The most important thing to me is my family and my friends back home in Trabzon. After my fights I love to go home and just enjoy myself. When I’m at training camp – in Germany, the USA or wherever – I keep in touch with them through the internet. I think it’s great that we live in a time where we have the chance to communicate with people from all over the world so easily.

Anson Wainwright – What fighters did you like growing up and what fighters do you enjoy watching today?

Selcuk Aydin – As I said before I always looked up to the people who were close to me. I didn’t want any so called ‘big fights’ back home in Turkey. I saw the guys in our gym and later the guys in the Turkish national team and did my best to get to and above their level. One fighter who I respect and looked up to for most of my amateur career was two-time Olympic gold medallist Mario Kindelan from Cuba. He is a special boxer.

Anson Wainwright – What did you think of Manny Pacquiao’s performance against Antonio Margarito? How do you see a fight going between him and Floyd Mayweather?

Selcuk Aydin – I respect Pacquiao for his performances and the way he dominates his opponents. He is not the technically best boxer I have ever seen but he is very focused, very disciplined, hard working and a true fighter. He takes the fight to his opponents which is why he dominates them and wins. You have to give him props for how determined he is and for his professional attitude. I don’t know how a fight between him and Mayweather would end but I don’t care about the whole discussion either. Mayweather doesn’t seem to be interested in fighting Pacquaio because he’s afraid of losing. I would fight Pacquaio immediately if I got the chance but I know that I have to prove myself against top opponents before I can even think about a big fight like that. That’s why I want to take on Andre Berto first. By the way, I honestly think Berto shouldn’t call out Pacquiao before he has fought any notable opponent. I know that I am not considered a big name in the USA. But I would certainly give Berto a hell of a fight. An if he wants a shot at Pacquiao he should fight and beat me first. On the other hand, when I beat him and one or two other big names in the USA I might be ready to take on Pacquiao myself. I could not say how a fight between me and him would end. I know that even Selcuk Aydin is capable of losing a fight – as is Manny Pacquiao. The one thing that I can promise is that I would not surrender to anybody, I will accept every fight and give every opponent the fight of their lifetimes.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans?

Selcuk Aydin – All you boxing fans out there, watch out for Selcuk Aydin. 2011 will be my year. I lost some focus last year because I didn’t get the big fight I wanted. Now I remember how my father told me if I want to do something I should do it right. I am ready and willing to sacrifice and I will show the world what Selcuk Aydin is all about. I also want to thank all my friends and fans back home in Turkey as well as in Germany where I have always been welcomed very warmly and treated nicely by everybody. I will beat Berto, bring his green and gold world championship belt home to Turkey and dedicated it to all the people who supported me over the years.

Thanks for your time and good luck with your upcoming fight.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

Midweek thoughts- Seems like the Top Rank show in Anaheim “In Harm’s Way” went down a storm. Nonito Donaire was stunning demolishing teek tough Wladimir Sidorenko. Soto-Antillon went to war with each other, hopefully Brandon Rios gets in on the act, any combination of those guys is can’t miss…Just thinking wouldn’t it be fun to see those three fight Robert Guerrero & Michael Katsidis. Those are the sorts of fights that would bring a load of interest to the Lightweight division and be great on Showtime or HBO After Dark. Just another reason to want to see Top Rank & Golden Boy end there feud…Ricky Burns defended his title successfully, he later admitted he felt something was missing. Sometimes you have to live by the old adage “Win and look good next time”…I like Amir Khan to win and win in a big way Saturday, can’t help wondering what happens if Maidana lands a bomb though… Word is WBO World Champion Juergen Braehmer and WBA Beibut Shumenov will meet in a Light Heavyweight World Championship Unification showdown January 8, 2011 at the Ice Mansion in Shymkent, Kazakhstan.

Once again Mexican Legend Juan Manuel Marquez 52-5-1(38) proved that age is no obstetrical as he went toe toe with teek tough Michael Katsidis 27-3(22). The give and take action finally came to an end with the champion retaining his WBA & WBO titles via ninth round TKO at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas

The first round is pretty busy with both guys going straight to work, Marquez is more accurate and picks his openings while Katsidis closes the distance and stays in close to Marquez. The second see’s Marquez stay on the outside allowing Katsidis to come forward behind a high held guard. Marquez known as one of the games best counter puncher picks his way through Katsidis porous defense. Too his credit Katsidis continued to pressure Marquez landing some body punches. Nearly a minute into the third Katsidis lands a huge left hook that drops Marquez hard, to his credit he rides out the pressure and fires back his own combination’s. The third round is a contender for round of the year. Marquez enjoys a good fourth landing several eye catching combination’s to head and body. The fifth is much of the same, with Katsidis looking like a man who wont be denied walking through fire trapping Marquez on the ropes toward the end of the round. Katsidis makes Marquez work every second of the sixth & seventh rounds barreling forward pushing the hard nosed Mexican back. The war of attrition is well and truly on. Both guys have there moments in the eighth, Katsidis is marked under both eyes. Finally in the ninth when something had to give Marquez breaks through landing left uppercut hurting the brave Australian who backpedaled. Marquez jumped on his opponent and with plenty of time in the round picked his way through Katsidis until Kenny Bayliss stopped the action a 2.14 of the ninth round.

Afterwards Marquez said with regards a muted third fight with nemesis Manny Pacquiao “It’s what the public wants”

A gracious Katsidis afterward congratualted Marquez and spoke of the sad loss of his brother.

Andre Berto 27-0(21) made quick work of Freddy “El Riel” Hernandez 29-2(20) to retain his WBC Welterweight title for the fifth time. Catching him with a left hook followed by a right hand which punctured Hernandez guard sending Hernandez went down hard in the ring centre, to his credit he got up but referee Russell Mora waved the action over at 2.07 of the first round.

With none of the top guys at Featherweight willing to face Celestino Caballero 34-3(23) he moved up to Super Featherweight in an experiment that ultimately failed as he lost a close split decision to Jason Litzau 28-2(21) when the scores were totaled Litzau won 96-94 & 97-93 while the third judge scored it 96-94 for Litzau. On the HBO on the night scales Litzau weighted 140 while Caballero was 135.

Minnesota’s Litzau started well pressuring Caballero back for most of the first round. Caballero content having seen what Litzau could do picks up the pace. Both guys start fast throwing bombs, a big left from Caballero mid way through the round hurts Litzau, who quickly returns fire. Both guys look like they feel they have the power to take the other out. Caballero takes the fourth with a barrage of punches after shaking Litzau up with a solid right hand. The fifth see’s Litzau get back into the fight, again both guys trade punches with Litzau getting greater success, Caballero’s face is starting to swell. Litzau again enjoys a good round, his greater strength seems to be effecting Caballero in the sixth. The seventh is fairly scrappy round with Litzau pushing forward. Caballero regains a foot hold in the fight landing a solid left hook early in the round and another impressive combination in the middle of the round. The ninth & tenth see both guys land good shots with the momentum going back and for, in what’s a tough round to score.

Campbell Shocked – Nate Campbell dropped back down to Lightweight after a brief sojourn to Light Welterweight when he was unsuccessful against Victor Ortiz. He was expected to get back to winning ways, it didn’t prove that way as he was out hustled over 8 rounds by perennial journeyman Walter Estrada who won his third fight in a row to move to 38-13-1(25). Campbell 38, looked flat and was beaten to the punch by the Colombian on several occasions even getting rocked in the second round. Estrada was deducted a point in the third for hitting and holding. Estrada won a split decision 77-74×2 & Campbell took the other 76-75.

Cuban sensation Erislandy Lara 14-0(9) didn’t need long to dispose of Tim Connors 10-2(7). The end came at 1.38 when Lara first dropped Connors with a stiff jab. To his credit Connors rose but clearly shaken walked into a barrage of shots and was on his way down when the fight was called off. With the win Lara collects Vacant WBA Fedalatin Light Middleweight title.

Florida’s Keith Thurman 15-0(14) kept him impressive unbeaten record when he took apart Favio Medina 23-3-3(8) stopping him in the fourth with a right hand.

In Middleweight action Bastie Samir advanced to 7-0(7) when he battered Billy Cunningham into submission at 1.56. Cunningham was down 3 times before referee Jay Nady halted proceedings.

Michael Finney impressively moved to 6-0(6) when he stopped Clayvonne Howard 2-5-1(1) at 1.26 of the second round. Howard was hurt by a left hook at the end of the first round. Finney pounced on his man in the second pushing him back mixing head and body shots landing 3 hard left hooks that prompted the referee to stop the fight with Howard slumped on the ropes.

Being underestimated is a source of frustration for some. Anger for others. Motivation for many. For Andre Ward, it’s been a career.

Ward promoter Dan Goossen repeated trainer Virgil Hunter’s insightful look at his intriguing and likable super-middleweight at a news conference for his title defense against Sakio Bika Saturday in hometown Oakland, Calif., in a Showtime doubleheader that starts with the Super Six bout between Arthur Abraham and Carl Froch in Helsinki.

“I believe Virgil put it best when he said people underestimate Andre,’’ Goossen said.

Even with an Olympic gold medal, the World Boxing Association’s version of the 168-pound title and his emergence as the Super Six favorite, Ward is underestimated, part by circumstance and yet also a role comfortable and cultivated because it works.

Within a tight circle of friends and family, Ward has kept himself insulated from distractions and delusions that surround an emerging star like a trail of chaos.

“The day they say I arrived is the day I should retire,’’ Ward said during a conference call.

It’s a comment that seems to say that Ward is guided by what he knows instead of what he hears, by the internal instead of the external. In part, it’s what makes him so likable. Yet, it’s also hard to believe it will remain in place if and when Ward achieves the stardom he appears to moving toward. If Manny Pacquiao fulfills the promise he delivered in an address to the Filipino Congress the other day and retires in three years, Ward could succeed him at the top of the marquee. He looks like an heir-apparent, the potential face and voice of Generation Next.

First, he has to beat Bika. Then, he has to win the Super Six and perhaps a showdown with Lucian Bute. If, if and if he accomplishes all of that, he will face the challenge of maturing into an enduring star, which means nobody will underestimate him anymore. An underestimated star is just another way of saying he is lousy draw. Celebrity, distractions and even an entourage are all written into the ticket that adds up to big numbers at the box office.

For now, Ward is still a fighter displaying versatile skills and finding motivation in the doubts planted by circumstances that have plagued the Super Six. He was supposed to have fought friend and 2004 Olympic Andre Dirrell, who withdrew from reported neurological problems linked to a punch thrown by Abraham last March while he was down. Skepticism about the injury has been the speculation, perhaps because of the Dirrell-Ward friendship or maybe because the Internet wouldn’t be what it is with second-guessing.

Whatever you think, Ward says he has moved on.

“Business as usual,’’ he said.

But the shuffle — Bika instead of Dirrell in a bout that has been dropped from the tournament – has eroded interest and put Ward back into the role he knows so well.

“I’ve prepared myself for a fight like this years in advance, said Ward, the World Boxing Association champion, who is still guaranteed a a spot in the semifinals against either Glen Johnson or the Froch-Abraham winner. “…At the end of the day, my championship belt is still on the line and at the end of the day I’ve got to show up and get the job done. And I’ve got a guy on the other side of the ring that’s trying to hurt me. For me, personally, there’s no letdown. This is as big as it gets. There’s really no problem with this not being in the tournament.’’

Any fight against a stand-in is unpredictable, if not inherently dangerous. But the unflappable Ward seems to take it all in stride. The guess here is he could face some real trouble against the emerging Bute or even against the ageless Johnson, whose skill and poise were evident all over again in beating of Allan Green.

But Ward already has dealt with adversity. With American attention on Olympic boxing gone even in 2004, Ward encountered and beat. I like, so many others, had underestimated him. At the start of Olympic boxing, I bet boxing writer-and-author George Kimball 50 Euros that the U.S. wouldn’t win a medal in Athens. After the preliminary rounds, I was already planning to spend my winnings on a good Greek meal. Then, Dirrell won bronze. A few days later, Ward won gold.

I had underestimated him. He surprised me then.

I hope he does again.

Saying Thanks
· For Juan Manuel Marquez, whose endless resiliency will be tested all over again Saturday night at Las Vegas MGM Grand against dangerous Australian brawler Michael Katsidis on HBO. A Marquez victory should be enough for him to get another third shot at Pacquiao, although the Golden Boy-Top Rank cold war stands in the way.

· For emerging Sergio Martinez, whose home run — a one-punch knockout of Paul Williams — proved me wrong in the most exciting stoppage of this year and maybe a few others.

· For Pacquiao, whose pay-per-view audience of at least 1.15 million for his victory over Antonio Margarito is reason to say that the international game, always declared dead, is alive-and-well.

· For Bob Arum, who has come back from the personal tragedy of losing his son in a hiking accident. It’s been a tough year for Arum. Without him, it would be tough for boxing.

· For Oscar De La Hoya, who is one fighter, a rare professional athlete, who is trying to give back to a troubled sport. In a rivalry that is all about business, Arum is battling De La Hoya for market share. The market is better off because it has a major promoter who has thrown punches and endured more than a few.

· For Hall of Famer Michael Carbajal, who is middle aged and in his toughest fight ever – a long, trying legal battle to regain what belongs to him. A victory in upholding an order of protection and a judgment against neighbors sets a potential precedent for success in an ongoing civil case to get 12 Phoenix properties in his name. Carbajal alleges they were purchased with ring earnings taken from him in a scheme put together by brother and former trainer Danny, who is in prison.

· For fans, readers and – above all – the fighters, Happy Thanksgiving.