Ortiz: I thought Berto was on something in rematch build-up

Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor

Former champion reveals suspicions

Victor Ortiz is gearing up to face a new foe on June 23rd after the collapse of his rematch with Andre Berto following a failed drugs test and told LA Times reporter Lance Pugmire recently that he had his suspicions about his opponent in the run-up.

Ortiz, 25, was filming a commercial shoot for Showtime with the former WBC and IBF champion to promote the fight and told a member of his team of his apprehension as both fighters went head to head in the promo.

"I said, 'He's on something,' " Ortiz told Pugmire.”Steroids are a bad thing, but you know, I didn't care. I was still willing to fight him. I'm not mad at him. He didn't deserve the fight, and now he's not getting it."

The two fighters shared a pulsating six rounds of twelve in their first fight in April 2011 as the fight peated-out due to the ferocious pace that both fighters set and Ortiz’s grew suspicious of Berto immediately after the bout as his opponent hinted the opposite.

"My whole thing is [Berto] saying that if I can take a beating like that for 12 rounds and still win, he made the conclusion that I was on steroids and I thought, 'You know, why would he say that? Maybe he's on something."

The Kansas-born Californian now faces Josesito Lopez in what, on paper, looks an easier test. Ortiz is looking to fight at least an eliminator following the contest and is strongly linked to a bout with Amir Khan in 2013 when the Briton moves up to welterweight.

To read the full interview, click here: atimes.com/sports/boxing-ortiz-staples

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