http://www.boxingnews24.com/2011/02/hbo-to-show-khan-mccloskey-along-with-berto-ortiz/ Pretty decent match-up imo. I think Berto should take this after some shaky moments early on. BTW, how do you guys see a possible Berto-Bradley match-up going. Bradley can't hang with the big boys at welter, but if he wants to move up again, maybe against Berto he could be competitive.
It's a shame Ortiz is having to step up. He's already stocky and his strength advantage is a facet of his style, don't know how he'll handle 147. But if he's having weight problems that might explain his inexplicable passiveness in the 2nd half of the Peterson fight (cost me money!). Very interesting fight though, I'll be excited to see it. I'll be very surprised and impressed if Berto 'wins every second of every round then gets a stoppage' that's for sure.
It's about time Berto fights an actual contender. His last fight was a joke and now he's fighting a 140lber. Very lame.
I'm alone on the Freddy Hernandez raft, but his resume is pretty solid and he still has the best win over DeMarcus Corley of anyone and that is saying something. I just think it was a very good win for Berto where his handspeed 'shocked and awed' an opponent. That said, Berto took a lot of criticism for that fight for basically winning too easily and to target a 140 lber who has been having some difficulties lately is only a prescription for more criticism. I hate Ortiz's chances against Berto. If he is having weight problems then he should really focus on fixing those problems and staying at 140. His skillset just doesn't seem like it will serve him well at 147. Berto's management is making him a rich man with minimal risk. If the USA wasn't so desperate for champions right now, I'd be more inclined to attack.
"However" if there's a guy at 147 to fight it's Berto. Berto isn't the biggest welterweight in height and stature. I will tell you this...if Ortiz handles Berto's power early and if Berto can't hurt him this is one fight where Berto might be in trouble. he gets sloppy and falls into clenches far too easily. berto's speed will bother ortiz...especially early. But as he tires and potshots he could give Ortiz courage.
Berto's probably more okay with getting hit than Ortiz is...I tend to think that's enough to decide this one.
I wouldn't exactly say that. if anything Ortiz has proven to have the better chin than Berto. The issue with Ortiz is his pysche, not chin. berto hasn't been in with anyone who remotely punches as hard as Maidana and we're talking about a division below welterweight. if they get into a slugfest, i like Ortiz's chances. If you watch Ortiz's fight with Harris he walks into more than a couple straight right hands and they didn't faze him one bit. I don't have the same confidence in Berto's chin or durability. Not to mention Berto's rep for not being able to take a shot...to me is the motivation behind his never facing a puncher. Ortiz is the closest he has gotten.
Harris is beyond shot, that fight means nothing. At this point Freddy Hernandez is much better than Harris. Berto will be hitting Ortiz with shots he doesnt see, and although Berto does have chin problems... Ortiz has HEART problems which I tend to think is more of an issue. If Berto gets hurt, he'll fight through it. If Ortiz gets hurt, he'll mentally fold. Berto is gonna beat the shit outta Ortiz.
I'm not sold on either of them, but Berto looks far more formidable to me than Ortiz... I think the difference in speed will be overwhelming
